Swinging plus-60s
should sound, what you should do – and yet, we’re told, ‘Be yourself ’.”
Scots star David Hayman, John Sessions, Timothy Spall and Joanna Lumley, join Celia and Imelda – known for roles such as the terrifying Professor Umbridge in the Harry Potter films – as fellow dancers. And together, the high-spirited group tackle everything from a Viennese waltz and the jive, to disco and salsa.
Their group scenes are both hilarious and endearing as they rehearse for their dance recitals, which are at the heart of the film.
Shooting felt very natural thanks to so many of the cast knowing each other and working together previously.
In fact, Celia and Imelda first met four decades ago, when they performed in cabaret on the stage in 1978. However, while the group’s chemistry came easily, some of the dance moves needed, well, a bit of practice at home.
“I was in the bathroom, trying to get them right,” said Imelda.
“I was chasing my tail a bit and having to look on the front row because we were among dancers who had been dancing all their lives and they were so fast,” added Celia. “But it was great – and a challenge.”
“Challenge is what you yearn for,” said Imelda, who was Oscarnominated for her role in Vera Drake.
Finding Your Feet has drama and realness to it, but it’s also uplifting.
“[It’s] ultimately positive, and that’s an excellent idea,” said Celia.
The hope is audiences will “just have a good afternoon, or night out”.
She added: “You go past a load of posters for films and most of them are blokes holding a gun, and you think, ‘Right, OK... Is there another story to tell here? Anywhere?’” But when it comes to roles for women of their generation, Finding Your Feet shows the film industry is evolving for the better.
“I want to ride the wave of the films that Celia has been making, whether it’s Real Marigold Hotel or Calendar Girls, that show people over 50, over 60, over 70; have got a point of view, have a sense of humour, can jump into a very, very cold pond, can dance, can sort out their lives,” said Imelda. “We can absolutely do all those things.” ● Finding Your Feet is out now.