CAST and crew of the only feature film ever completely made at Felixstowe were left shocked today after the resort's cinema suddenly pulled out of showing its world premiere.

CAST and crew of the only feature film ever completely made at Felixstowe were left shocked today after the resort's cinema suddenly pulled out of showing its world premiere.

Director Chris Gosling said the Palace cinema had agreed weeks ago to show the film The Lost Sock and final preparations were taking place for the big event.

He said: “Now they have banned it - I am absolutely gob-smacked. There are more than 100 local people, as well as businesses and other organisations, involved in this film and we really wanted to show our Felixstowe movie at Felixstowe cinema.”

But there was good news today as the Spa Pavilion stepped in to show the film instead.

Mr Gosling said: “This has been a real community project and I am stunned at the attitude of the cinema - it's like saying to the people of Felixstowe 'get stuffed'. It's crackers.

“But we are thrilled with the response from Openwide International, the new managers of the Spa Pavilion, who have come to our rescue.

“They have been superb and we really appreciate everything they are doing for us as such short notice.”

Patrick Duffy, managing director of Palatial Leisure, which owns the Palace cinema and bingo centre in Crescent Road, Felixstowe, was not available to explain why he had banned the film.

The Lost Sock - which stars actors and actresses and community personalities from the seaside town - was originally filmed as a ten-part mini-series of five-minute episodes screened on the internet and now the science fiction series has been turned into a full-length film.

Mr Gosling said: “People all over the world have been watching the episodes on-line and we have had many e-mails about it - it's almost got cult status on the web.

“There have been more than 20,000 viewings of the episodes.”

All the filming was done on location in Felixstowe, the script was written by members of Felixstowe Scribblers, the actors were local, editing was done in the town, and music was written by composer David Jennings, of Walton.

Personalities taking part included Radio Suffolk presenter Rachel Sloane, councillor and former mayor Doreen Savage and The Evening Star's Felixstowe editor Richard Cornwell.

It will now be shown at the Spa on Sunday July 9 at 2pm. There is no charge for cast and crew, but everyone is welcome and asked to make a small donation towards costs.

Have you been involved in The Lost Sock - what do you think of the idea of a Felixstowe mini-series? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

WEBLINK: www.felixstowetv.co.uk