TWO young actresses have been given the red carpet treatment during the premiere of a film shot in Burton and South Derbyshire.
Demi-Jo Parker, nine, and her seven-year-old sister, Billie, of Gorsey Leys, Overseal, were treated to the glitz of London’s Regent Street due to their starring roles in Twinkle, Twinkle.
Filmed by Castle Gresley director Deborah Haywood, the nine-minute work was one of six short films premiered during an event hosted by their funder, top photographer Rankin.
“Demi-Jo and Billie were amazed and lots of people spoke to us about them,” said their proud mother, Vicky, who attended the evening with her husband, Lee, also 31, and mother, Diane, 54.
“Ralph Little, from the Royle Family, approached us and Ashley Roberts, from the Pussy Cat Dolls and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, said they were amazing.”
Ms Haywood, who used the girls in starring roles in her award-winning comedy drama Sis, said the pair got along famously with their better known counterparts.
“Billie is a big fan of Ralph Little’s show and said she wanted to be like him when she grows up,” she said.
“Mr Little said he wanted to be like Billie now.
“He and Miss Roberts loved the film and thought the girls were just great.”
Twinkle, Twinkle was shot last summer over four days in flats by Burton Railway Station and at one of the director’s friend’s homes in Hartshorne.
“It’s about two little girls playing mums and dads,” said Ms Haywood, 42.
“As they are playing, you learn about their mums and dads.
“Demi-Jo and Billie are brilliant – really engaging and compelling to watch.
“It’s not everyone’s cup of tea – it’s a bit dark in places – but what I really like about it is that I got the chance to play.”
Apart from the girls, the film features the voices of This is England star Stacey Samson and Canadian Kenton Hall, who play the girls’ parents.
Now the film has been premiered, Ms Haywood will apply to film festivals in a bid to take it to a wider audience.
