Huge response at Fakenham auditions
HUNDREDS of would-be actors flocked to Fakenham in pursuit of celebrity on Saturday for their chance to appear alongside Hollywood stars.
The production company behind The Duchess, which will star Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, held an open audition for extras in the town's Methodist Church and was "overwhelmed" by the response.
People left their homes at the crack of dawn and travelled from across the region and beyond for their chance of fame.
For the 400 or so early risers who started queuing at 7am it was worth the effort, as they managed to sign up and offer their services.
But a further 400 who lined the pavement in the town's Oak Street were not so lucky as they were turned away by police who decided the crowds could encumber the heavy traffic on the main road.
Those who did get in will now be keeping their fingers crossed to hear whether they have been selected to act in the movie being filmed at historic Holkham Hall between Sunday, October 28, and Wednesday, November 7.
Second assistant director Nick Shuttleworth said he was overwhelmed by the response to the auditions but unhappy that everyone who turned up could not be seen.
He reassured those who had been turned away that applications are still welcome.
"We didn't expect such a massive turnout, we couldn't have asked for more," he said. "It's a shame we couldn't get to see everyone, but we are still receiving applications."
Mr Nick Shuttleworth said Holkham Hall has just the right look for the 18th century drama and will stand in to look like a number of the homes around the country owned by the film's central character, aristocrat Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire and her husband.
The film is certain to have popular appeal when it is shown at cinemas, particularly for local residents, as Georgiana is an ancestor of West Norfolk-born Princess Diana.
Anyone still looking to play a part in the film can email: duchessnorfolk@ gmail.com for an application form.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
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