Cast gathers for Grant charity premiere

Cast members are expected to join actor Richard E Grant today for the charity premiere of his semi-autobiographical film, Wah-Wah.

The film, which tells the story of Grant’s experiences growing up in 1960s Swaziland towards the end of British colonial rule, is the actor’s directorial debut.

Grant also wrote the coming-of-age comedy drama, which tells the tale of how at 11 he came to terms with his parents’ messy divorce after witnessing his mother’s infidelity.

His father, who was minister of education, went on to marry Ruby, a brash American air hostess, played by Emily Watson.

The screening is being held in aid of the Waterford School, Swaziland, at the Odeon West End in London’s Leicester Square.

The film portrays how the British ex-pat community was thrown into turmoil in the dying days of colonial rule, which signalled the end of their pampered decadent lifestyles.

In this atmosphere Grant’s cuckolded father, Harry Compton, descends into self-pitying alcoholism.

At one point in the film his father points a loaded gun at the young Grant, played by Nicholas Hoult who starred in About A Boy, after he tips away a crate of whisky.

Grant described the making of the film, which was shot in Swaziland, as “a genuine labour of love”.

He said on the film’s website: “Families and what happens within them, behind closed doors, is something that is common to everyone and is the focus of both the comedy and drama in Wah-Wah.

“The underlying theme is love, love lost, regained, unrequited, forgotten, longed for and discovered.”

Gabriel Byrne, who plays Harry Compton, said he found the role “extremely challenging”.

“To find the humanity within, to portray him with compassion and understanding even at his most appalling,” he said.

Angela’s Ashes star Emily Watson said the role allowed her to break away from the “victims and tortured souls” that she usualy plays.

“It was very liberating to play someone who is such a positive life force.

“It’s a classic coming-of-age story in which Ruby is the outsider who ruffles everyone’s feathers.”

Watson said working in a country that was devastated by Aids had a profound impact on everyone involved in the film.

She said they had collected two tonnes of clothing in London to send to orphanages caring for children who have lost their parents to the disease.

“It really was a unique experience and something very special to us all,” she said.

Other cast members include Miranda Richardson, who stars as Grant’s mother Lauren Compton, Julie Walters and Celia Imrie.