Urban and the Shed Crew

I was fortunate enough to actually go to see the premiere of Urban and the Shed Crew at the Newcastle Film Festival on March 31st 2018 and was completely blown away by this film. I can only say that this is an utterly amazing and very poignant story. The film itself is quite hard-hitting and incredibly honest about the plight that some working class children faced, and unfortunately still have to face, in the north of England. Despite some quite difficult scenes (which is only to be expected in a movie such as this), there are really heartwarming moments and good comedy too. Richard Armitage and Anna Friel are wonderful as Chop and Greta, both of them really putting their heart and soul into their performances. All of the child actors are excellent, and Fraser Kelly as Urban is simply outstanding. Without a doubt this is one of the best films I've seen in a long time and I would highly recommend anyone to watch it. To find out that it will now be available to a much wider audience on DVD is brilliant, and I'm very glad to have pre-ordered a copy.

I was lucky enough to see this film at the Newcastle Film Festival in March 2018. I wasn't really sure what to expect. I had read Bernard Hare's memoir and knew what great actors Richard Armitage and Anna Friel are but was surprised at just how much the film both moved me and made me laugh. The subject is harrowing at times but you are left with an understanding of just how much a caring person can make a difference. Not only were Armitage and Friel outstanding in their roles as Chop and Greta, but young Fraser Kelly as Urban was a revelation; he combined a necessary street wise attitude with an innocence that was heartbreaking. I would wholeheartedly recommend this film.

I watched this film at the Leeds Film Festival where it was shown 4 times to packed audiences. It was a good mixture of drama, humour and tragedy and showed an important social problem in all its realism: a tricky juggling act but something that the director, Candida Brady, handled with great skill. Richard Armitage and Anna Friel were outstanding in the lead roles - two very natural and moving performances. All the young actors in this were amazing, especially Fraser Kelly as the title character. I shall be buying a number of copies, not only for myself, but also to give to members of my family who know Leeds and will doubtless not only recognise the setting but the circumstances.

Urban and the Shed Crew is a compelling, moving story packed with memorable, searing performances, including a terrific ensemble of young actors. Beautifully done, all, esp. Richard Armitage (Chop), Anna Friel (Greta) and Fraser Kelly (Urban). Unforgettable. The film garnered the People’s Award at the Newcastle Film Festival, and Richard Armitage, as Chop, captured the Best Actor award. Buy it now. Thank you, Director Candida Brady and your cast and crew, for this wonderful film. And thank you, Author Bernard Hare, for writing something – as Urban says in the film – that means something.

Watched this film online and it has stayed with me for a long time, so I am very glad to see it has finally made it to dvd. This film tackles a grim subject with honesty but also with heartwarming humour, and has proven to be far more enteratining than I would have expected. But most importantly this film takes both its characters and the audience seriously and does not pretend that there are any easy solutions to complex problems. Writing, direction and acting are all excellent. Not to be missed

It is hard to make a story / characterisations both vivid AND realistic, but this film satisfies entirely in both aspects. Friel and Armitage are first rate and authoritative in their roles, and the boy is a delight. Highly recommended.

Don’t miss this gem ! You’ll be moved by great performances and a heartfelt story.