BIG BOYS DON’T CRY will celebrate its UK Premiere, 5th September at Everyman Chelmsford with a special charity Q&A screening.
Synopsis: Following Paul Connolly’s harrowing yet inspirational true life story, having grown up in the notorious St Leonard’s Children’s Home in Hornchurch in the 1970s, BIG BOYS DON’T CRY sees Paul, played by Michael Socha, recall his traumatic childhood at the home following a police investigation into his boyhood friend's suicide. As Paul struggles to build a relationship with Anthea (Zoë Tapper), he is forced to confront those responsible for his shattered childhood and the death of his friend.
Many others suffered various forms of abuse by the home’s staff and the housemaster, Bill Starling, was eventually jailed in 2001 for 14 years for the horrific crimes he committed.
Following its charity premiere, BIG BOYS DON’T CRY will be released on DVD from 5th September and Digital Platforms from 7th October 2022.
Starring Michael Socha, Zoë Tapper, Mitchell Norman & Joshua Coombes
Paul Connolly is so pleased to be working with Kids Inspire again and on this special screening of the film based on his life:
“After I first published my story in Against All Odds I have been contacted by hundreds, if not thousands, of people thanking me for opening up about what went on in children’s homes in the UK in the 1960’s and 70’s. My most recent book – Not Normal is the inspiration for Big Boys Don’t Cry and gave me an opportunity to tell even more of our story – especially on behalf of those who are no longer with us or who felt unable to speak up in the way I have.
The books and now the film have opened doors I never expected and shone a light where many still tried to hide – I have been to hell and back not just with my early experiences, but in telling my story through the books and now this film. It cost me nearly everything I hold dear, but it must be told. Even now there are pressures on children from many directions and abuse takes on many forms.
Kids Inspire do amazing work and I hope that between us and with this film reaching a wider audience, we will continue to make positive changes together.”
Releasing on DVD from 5th September and Digital Platforms from 7th October 2022.
