The Last Impresario, Gracie Otto’s vibrant bio/-doc of Michael White – playboy, bon vivant and the man who transformed Britain’s cultural scene in the 1970s- had its world premiere on Sunday at the 57th BFI London Film Festival, Odeon West End.
Following the screening, celebrated at the 1863 night spot at The Arts Club, Mayfair.
Michael White might just be the most famous person you’ve never heard of. The London theatre and film impresario produced over 300 shows and movies over the last 50 years. Bringing to the stage the risque? productions of Oh! Calcutta!, The Rocky Horror Show and to the screen Monty Python’s The Holy Grail, as well as introducing Merce Cunningham, Pina Bausch and Yoko Ono to London audiences, he irrevocably shaped the cultural scene of 1970’s London. Fondly known as ‘Chalky’ by his friends, he is now in his late seventies and still enjoys partying like there’s no tomorrow. In this intimate documentary, filmmaker Gracie Otto introduces us to this larger-¬-than-¬-life phenomenon.
Gracie Otto, director says: “It was an incredible privilege to premiere the film at the 57th BFI London Film Festival in Michael’s home town. It was even more humbling to see him share this first viewing surrounded by many of his nearest and dearest friends. It was amazing to have such a positive response and then catch up with many of the people who made this journey possible in an intimate cocktail event hosted by 1863 at The Arts Club. There could be no more suitable venue to celebrate MW’s cultural legacy and we are very grateful for their support.”
Nicole O’Donohue, oroducer says “We are so thrilled with the London premiere screening tonight. It was such a joy to know that Michael was there to watch it with his friends and we are so pleased he loved it. We’re really excited about where we can take it to from here.”
Guests from the cast, arts, fashion and film world mingled to toast White. Notable faces included: Nigel Planer, Patricia Quinn, Rupert and Candida Lycett Green, Robert Fox,Lyndall Hobbs, Bill Oddie, Jean Pigozzi, Greta Scacchi, Barnaby Thompson, Colin Vaines, Leonie Van Ness, Joshua White, Liberty White, Laura Bailey,Jeremy Thomas, Miranda Darling, Staffan Ahrenberg, Chadwick and Derek Boshier, Rupert Everett, Jeremy Irons,Joel and Nash Edgerton, Richard Young, Jaime Hince, Koo Stark, Leah Wood, Simon Oates and Peter Eyre.