Barrowford man and Burnley Garrick thespian stars in Netflix film Bank of Dave with James Bond actor Rory Kinnear

Alan Hargreaves, who is the chairperson of Burnley Garrick Theatre Group, plays a politician in Bank of Dave. The feel-good drama is based on the life of Burnley businessman David Fishwick, who took on London’s elite to set up his own bank and help local people.

The 79-year-old is among a star-studded cast led by Rory Kinnear, of The Imitation Game, Joel Fry (Cruella) and Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton).

Talking about the experience of starring in a Netflix movie, Alan said: “It was quite an experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

A production team contacted Alan on Facebook last January asking if he knew of any actors to play in a film, and if he himself would like to apply for a role.

After reading a portion of the script and sending off a voice recording and a head shot, he was invited to star as a councillor.

Just two months later, he was filming in Bradford.

“They wanted to use Burnley Town Hall’s council chamber but it wasn’t available, so they used Bradford’s. There was about 80 to 100 extras all sat round being councillors.

"It was a short scene between me and the leading lady, Phoebe Dynevor. It took four hours to shoot.

"I had a dressing room in a big converted van, and was next to David Fishwick. That morning, I had a chat with him. It was a good couple of days. I was playing an extra but no matter how small a part you have, they look after you really well."

Alan is now rehearsing for the Garrick’s production of The Lady in the Van, which will hit the stage next month.

“I have said to the director, ‘You know I have been in a film?’

"I get stick from the group. But I’ve got both my feet planted on the ground. I’m not going to be spouting off about it.”

The Lady in the Van runs from Wednesday to Saturday, February 15th to 18th at 7-30pm nightly at Burnley Youth Theatre.