A Cumbrian farmer swapped the fells for film lights this week as he attended the gala screening of a major new movie in London.
Jon Watson, of Yew Tree Farm in Coniston, was invited to a special screening of The Sheep Detectives, a new film featuring an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson and Bryan Cranston.
But in a nod to his day job, the usual red carpet was replaced by something far more familiar.
“It was more green carpet than red,” said Jon, who attended the premiere with Jo McGrath, who runs the Herdwick Experience at Yew Tree Farm.
Directed by Kyle Balda, The Sheep Detectives is based on the novel Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann. It tells the story of shepherd George, played by Hugh Jackman, who reads murder mystery novels to his flock each evening, assuming they cannot possibly understand.
However, when George is murdered, the sheep realise they must take matters into their own hooves and become detectives themselves.
For Jo, who works daily with Herdwick sheep, the premiere was also an opportunity to invite members of the cast to come and meet the ‘real’ sheep detectives.
“Admittedly, our sheep might not be solving crimes, but they’ve certainly got their own personalities!” she said.
“It’s full of humour and a brilliant film for all ages to enjoy – probably this generation’s Babe. The special effects capture the sheep and their mannerisms so well. It’s definitely worth going to see, I really enjoyed it.”
Emma Thompson previously visited Yew Tree Farm more than a decade ago, a visit fondly remembered on the farm.
Jon added: “Emma would be very welcome back any time – perhaps to try a Herdwick Experience and meet the flock again.”
Yew Tree Farm, once owned by Beatrix Potter, has welcomed growing interest in recent years from visitors keen to learn more about traditional farming and the unique character of the native Herdwick breed.
