Dedicated filmmaker Brett Chapman has gone from sleeping on the floor of Leeds train station to sharing his movies with the world.
Sharing a photograph of Leeds Train Station on social media, the director shared his four-year transformation after visiting the city for his own movie premier.
The talented creative was cast as Director of Photography in My Old Man, a touching and heartfelt production that has been produced as a part theatre, part film screening.
My Old Man premiered in Leeds over the weekend, providing the Director with a 'full circle' moment.
My Old Man is Brett's latest movie, where he worked as Director of Photography. / Image: Imagine If Theatre
Brett had visited Leeds four years ago to attend a bootcamp event for aspiring filmmakers and spent the night sleeping at the train station after missing the last train.
Instead of spending money on a hotel for the evening, the aspiring filmmaker decided the financial sacrifice wasn't worth a night in the warmth.
Ever sticking in Brett's mind as an important moment in his career: Leeds train station became a nostalgic moment of reflection for the Director of Photography, visiting the city for his movie premier.
The indie filmmaker shared:
"A few years ago I slept in Leeds Train station after attending an amazing @screenyorkshire boot camp, excited about a career in film.
Tonight I’m back for the premier of My Old Man, a film I was Director of Photography on, screening at @primestudios".
My Old Man will be shown at screens across the UK, including multiple showings across Yorkshire.
The part theatre, part film production will be shown in York at the Theatre Royal this Thursday 18 November before travelling to Bradford, Sheffield and Farsley.
For more information on the production, visit the Imagine If Theatre website.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Sophie Smith -
16th November 2021 
