Hanging in There – the testicular cancer movie that could save lives

Jack Jackson works in computers and likes football, golf and Tuesday evenings in the pub with his mates. He’s married to Biology teacher Anna. They live a life that is quiet and ordinary and they are very, very happy.

Then Jack discovers a lump on his testicle. Within a few days he is hearing the word ‘cancer’ from a consultant and his once-cosy life is in turmoil. As he goes through the process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery, his relationships with Anna and his two best friends become increasingly difficult. Jack finds himself feeling isolated and incomplete; Hanging in There tells the story of his difficult journey to re-connection and wholeness.

 Watch interviews with the actors at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiVYzDw6cpY  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUFzcrrEneM

Film premiere – in support of Orchid

The national premiere for Hanging in There will be on Monday 10th April at the prestigious Soho Hotel in London and tickets have already sold out.

After the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the cast and crew compered by testicular cancer survivor, and Orchid’s founder, Colin Osborne.

The event is entirely in support of the Orchid – Fighting Male Cancer Charity and all profits from the evening will go to helping in the fight against testicular cancer.

How the film came about

Geoff Saunders was recovering from testicular cancer when he wrote the stage play of Hanging in There in 2003. Two years later, the play was produced at the Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa, directed by Darren Scott. The production played to good audiences and received great reviews, with a lot of attention being paid to the message of the play: that the early detection and treatment of testicular cancer saves lives! The production, slightly re-cast, appeared at the Criterion Theatre, Coventry in the following year. Memorably, the second half of one performance was delayed because an audience member was in the theatre toilets checking his testicles!

In 2014, Darren approached Geoff Saunders with the idea of making a film of the play, resulting in the production of Hanging in There, the movie.

Watch the interview with Geoff at    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_-mUq5ZGkY

Made on the tiniest of budgets by film-making standards, much of the cash coming from generous donors to a Kickstarter campaign, the film has benefitted from the goodwill of many people willing to help the cause and support testicular cancer awareness. From extras to musicians, technicians to photography and a number of generous offers of venues to film at, volunteers and donations of help made the whole film possible.

More information and future screenings

If you are unable to make it to the premiere, the next screening is at the Talisman Theatre on the 22nd April at 7.30, with a Q & A afterwards with Darren Scott and Geoff Saunders and the film’s two lead actors. There are tickets still available here.

To find out more about Hanging in There, including details of future screenings, visit: www.hangingintheremovie.co.uk or find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hitmovie