Mothers Pride: Jonno Davies Interview
Brilliant new film Mother's Pride is out now.
rom the team behind ‘Finding Your Feet’ and ‘Fisherman’s Friends’ comes Mother’s Pride, a story about the Harley family who after losing their matriarch, must come together to save their pub and village through the art of beer-brewing.
The feel-good brit flick features a stellar cast; Martin Clunes, James Buckley, Mark Addy, Luke Treadaway, Gabriella Wilde and Jonno Davies.
This is Jonno’s first major picture since he starred in the Robbie Williams biopic ‘Better Man’. Reflecting on that film, Jonno told us: “Better Man was an incredible thing to be part of, it was fascinating to make and the promo around it was all an amazing experience. The only thing with it is we wish more people had gone and seen it, but the reaction from those who did was great”.
Mothers Pride couldn’t have landed at a better time. With the world in chaos and front pages full of doom and gloom, Jonno feels the film is just what we need right now. “Yeah, definitely, it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is, it’s a feel good film, it’s very funny, the cast is full not of comedians but just really great comic actors.
“Thankfully I didn’t have to do any morris dancing myself, but some of the cast did and the results are hilarious”.
“It’s a great story and yes I do agree that it’s a real feelgood film where people can just go and switch off and enjoy it”.
Where was Mother’s Pride filmed?
Mothers Pride was primarily filmed in the Somerset village of Norton St Philip. Key scenes, including those representing rival pubs, were shot at the Fleur de Lys (the “Drovers Arms”) and the George Inn. “It was so much fun to film, I mean all this cast and crew descending on this village in Somerset, and we were made to feel so welcome. It was so enjoyable to make and Somerset looks amazing on screen”.
“The crew filmed some scenes at the real British Beer Awards, we weren’t there ourselves, they cleverly edited it but is a joy to watch. There are some real human elements to the story as well, my character finds himself back in the village where he grew up and there’s the dynamic of him and his childhood sweetheart”.
Mother’s Pride sees a family, down on their luck and at risk of loving their pub - that’s long been in the family - because of a swanky new gastro-pub that opens across the road from them. With the odds stacked against them, it’s thanks to musician son Cal - returning from overseas travels after running out of money - who has the bright idea to make and sell their own brew.
Filmgoers will no doubt question if its a true story. “Elements of it are, it kind of intertwines two real life stories, one about a family who owned a pub and the struggles they had with it, but it’s also about the challenges faced by the hospitality sector at the moment. It’s really tough, and the film brings that to light”.
The film delivers the same kind of magic as movies like ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Brassed Off’. It has a real British charm about it and the dialogue is sharp and funny. When we watched it in a packed out cinema, the audience were in hysterics throughout. It has all the classic elements of a great UK comedy - heartwarming storylines, cheeky lines and innuendos, loveable characters, and great music too - thanks to Jonno’s character being a popstar of sorts.
The film deserves to become a classic, it’s definitely one you could watch over and over again and different generations will all enjoy it.
Book your tickets to see Mother’s Pride in Vue Cinemas now.