Our eighth event - ‘Spies in Disguise’

I find the only way to complete a Christmas and a house brimming with friends and relatives – is to host a Brothers Trust event – three consecutive but staggered screenings of Tom’s new film, Spies in Disguise at the Archlight Cinema in Battersea, London. 

We did make some tickets available for sale – snapped up in moments and had people travelling in from Miami, LA, Australia and China. All very welcome, lovely to see you and thank you for coming. 

But predominantly, tickets had been given to children and their families who could use some excitement and respite from difficult circumstances and some pernicious medical conditions. It was our pleasure to welcome children from Momentum, Make a Wish, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Alex’s Wish and Debra of course for a chance to see the film and meet one of its voice stars. Tom, not Will and so Mrs H was less excited than some of the attendees. 

An early start for us all and on the road for 7am. 

Among the many jobs I am apportioned, my first task was to pick up Harry (on filming duties) and deliver him safely with equipment to the venue. Then I was to leave our car in the car park which was providing us with free spaces. But of course, I didn’t read this email and nor could I find this particular car park and instead I use my initiative and find a car park of my own and one with acres of spaces. 

What could go wrong? 

As soon as I grab my ticket and drive through the barrier, I realise my error.  The few cars already parked are all of a certain marque. Bentleys, Porsches, Aston Martins, Ferraris and just for today, a sole and errant, Mitsubishi. There is a reason why I have my pick of parking spaces to choose from. 

It’s one of those London car parks that costs the earth but I have no time to worry about such things.  And how much can it be, really? I am only going to see Spies in Disguise and not Gandhi or Schindlers List. But then I recall, three times. Spies in Disguise, three times! And it occurs to me that my car might now even be a right off. 

I put this out of my mind – easily done as the event unfurls and the glee of children’s faces is there for all to see. Kids who have come from all over the UK and with many setting out as early as 3am for trips to London and an appointment with Tom. 

Tom introduced each film and then sat afterwards for a Q&A – which mainly focuses on Marvel and another character he currently plays – and then on to have a photo taken by Nikki and a chance for a quick chat. 

The Brothers Trust might be a young endeavour but it has had a great year. Our biggest event for our two lucky winners in LA for the World premiere of Spider-Man Far From Home. The launch of our T-shirts (for Debra and their campaign #fightEB), the launch of our brotherstrustdogsclub with entry to this most exclusive club being only the purchase of one of our collars and much more planned for next year – kicking off with the re-publication of Open Links for Antony Nolan… a perfect way to round off such a busy year was this morning, in London, Tom’s hometown with a bunch of kids for a screening of a movie that I suspect many of them will never forget. 

To end then with a big thank you to the Archlight Cinema for hosting us so kindly and for the second time. Brilliant cinema, lovely staff and a cool funky location but I’d take the train because some of the car parks in the area are so fuc…

Thanks to Disney for providing the films but also the back drop for the photos, not to mention the posters and toys for the goodie bags.

And finally to all the clever people behind the making of this great film, Spies in Disguise. 

Some years back I was lucky enough to be in LA and catch a voice session that Tom recorded for the film. About four hours in length, it was remarkably physical and Tom was pretty much spent at the end. During the session, I was chatting with a lady from the studio – a senior person in the food chain and she explained to me the input that such films require…

600 people per day - for two years. Not to mention the work of the writer/s and directors many years predating this war effort.

But well worth it in this instance because Spies in Disguise is a lovely film. Funny, thrilling and poignant and a great way of keeping kids entertained and out of trouble while we wait for schools to kick back in.

Happy holidays everyone. 

Thank you to all our supporters.

See you all on the other side in 2020…