Manchester NHS workers go to Bond world premiere
The key workers were some of the first to see the highly anticipated film
Last updated 29th Sep 2021
Hundreds of NHS staff and emergency service workers in Manchester were among the first in the world to see the new James Bond film 'No Time To Die' during a special event at the Printworks last night.
Vue Cinema screened the film at the same time as World Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London, inviting frontline workers as a thank you for all they've done during the pandemic.
The fifth and final appearance of Daniel Craig as the iconic MI6 agent sees Bond come out of retirement to help an old friend from the CIA and is led onto the trail of a mysterious, masked villain armed with dangerous technology known only as Safin (Rami Malek). The first ever Bond instalment to be filmed in IMAX sees Craig and Malek joined by Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q and Naomie Harris as Moneypenny.
Ian Harris, General Manager at Vue Printworks, said: “It was an honour to host frontline workers for this special preview screening of No Time To Die.
“It’s been great to see more and more customers returning to the big screen experience over the last few months, and now that the biggest cinema moment of the year, No Time To Die, is nearly here, we look forward to welcoming back more film fans who may not have been here for a while.
“We’re so excited to bring all the action from James Bond in No Time To Die as it was meant to be seen, on the big screen with ultimate picture, seating and sound, to allow those who have waited to long for its release to enjoy it the way that resonates as deeply as possible with the viewer.”
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And it seems the film didn't disappoint. John McBeth, a carer in East Lancashire, said: "It's a privilege really, I think everyone has had a really tough two years. The fact we're recognised in what we do and been able to come tonight has been great.
"I thought it was fantastic, it was a great film. Can't really say too much because everyone will find out what happens."
Lucy, a nurse at Tameside at Stockport hospital, described the experience as "a bit surreal and quite cool".
Her co-worker Natalie said: "After such a horrible 18 months it is nice to have something like this."
Lucy Grimwade is a nurse at Stockport's Stepping Hill Hospital: "It was amazing. We did shed a few tears at the end, it was really sad. It was great. The music was really good, it was really fitting."
Others at the premier described Daniel Craig's last outing as shocking, gripping and superb.
For those in Manchester still wanting to celebrate the long-awaited release, from 5.45pm on the 30th, Vue will be host of a special performance. Manchester based collaborative orchestra The Untold Orchestra will be playing Bond’s ultimate musical classics in the foyer of Vue Manchester Printworks, which will be specially decked out to mark the occasion.
Anyone who can’t wait that long can attend the special midnight screenings on the day of the release, with tickets available to pre-book online.