Actress to host screening of play turned film inspired by her Parkinson’s diagnosis

A special screening of an inspiring play adapted for film that’s written by and stars an actress who has Parkinson’s is being screened at The Everyman Cinema, Baker Street, London, on Sunday 24 June at 11am in aid of the charity Parkinson’s UK.

‘Kinetics: Parkour and Parkinson’s’ is based on the experiences of Sue Wylie, 57, who was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s shortly after her 50^th birthday when working as a drama teacher. The film explores her coming to terms with the shock of her diagnosis and her unlikely real-life friendship with a rebellious 16-year-old student who was found free running on the school roof.

Sue trained at the Drama Studio in London and lived in the city for 12 years working in theatre, radio and TV including appearances in The Bill, Love Hurts and The Two of Us –  under her equity name of Sue Broomfield.

She is now touring with the film across the UK and taking questions from audiences after each screening.

When commenting on how the idea for the film came about, Sue said:

“I was intrigued by the risks my student Laszlo took and it became clear that he was in danger of being expelled before he completed his GCSEs.

“I suggested he write a monologue to express his feelings about parkour and then inspiration hit me that there was the potential for a really interesting play. Two people at opposites in terms of their movement, but with more in common than they first might have thought.

“Laszlo and I then worked together on the play, which went on a very successful tour – and in response for it to be seen on a wider platform it was developed into a film.”

Initially Sue was embarrassed about her diagnosis and kept it a secret, fearful of the stigma and misunderstandings around the condition.  But the film is open, honest and funny – and tells it like it is.

Sue comments:

“Many medics and consultants that have seen the film have admitted that they can become desensitised when giving bad news, and that it’s made them think about how they break the news can impact on their patient.”

Sue has chosen Parkinson’s UK to benefit from the screening after attending a creative writing course run by the charity to help people come to terms with Parkinson’s symptoms.

Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure and Parkinson’s UK estimate that there are more than 40 symptoms.

As well as the most widely known symptom – tremor – these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.

Simona Southgate, Regional Fundraiser, Parkinson’s UK, said:

“We’re so proud to have Sue organise a screening of this inspiring film in aid of Parkinson’s UK, and hope to see a packed cinema on the day.”

Kinetics will be screened at the Everyman Cinema, Baker Street, London, on Sunday 24 June at 11am.  Tickets are £7.50 and available in advance at www.parkinsons.org.uk/kinetics

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