Story of Andrea Dunbar’s life takes shape on streets where she grew up (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Story of Andrea Dunbar’s life takes shape on streets where she grew up

7:20am Monday 21st September 2009 in

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More than 30 years after Andrea Dunbar wrote about life on the Arbor, the area of Buttershaw estate where she lived, a hard-hitting scene from her play has been filmed at the site.

Residents from the estate were filmed in background shots around the outdoor set, comprised of two sofas and an armchair on the open space at Brafferton Arbor.

Actors Jimi Mistry and Danny Webb were among the cast in the scene, depicting a family row.

Bradford actress Natalie Gavin played the central character.

The film crew has spent several days on Buttershaw estate shooting a film based on Andrea’s life, due for a cinema release next year. It combines scenes from her first play, The Arbor, with actors lip-synching to recorded interviews with Andrea’s relatives, friends and neighbours.

Director Clio Barnard has been visiting Buttershaw and meeting residents, several of whom have roles in the film.

Andrea was 15 when she wrote The Arbor. Set on the street where she lived, the play is about a pregnant teenager’s conflict with her alcoholic father.

Andrea’s sister, Pamela Dunbar, was among those interviewed for the film. She said watching the living-room scene was an emotional experience.

“Andrea wrote about life as she knew it, all her work was autobiographical. This is very raw for me because it’s how I remember it,” she said.

“She wrote the play at school, we didn’t know about it until she heard it was going to be on in London. I went with my mum to see it – we were proud of her.”

After The Arbor won the Young Writers’ Festival and premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1980, Andrea wrote Rita, Sue and Bob Too, also set on Buttershaw estate, which was made into a film in 1987.

“People didn’t like it because they said it pulled the estate down, but Andrea wrote about what she knew,” said Pamela.

“I hope this film shows Buttershaw in a more positive light, I’m pleased the producers have spent time getting to know people and finding out about the place.”

Andrea’s son Andrew added: “I was only seven when she died. I’ve been interviewed for this film – it’s good they have spoken to people who knew her.”

Filming also took place in a house just doors away from the one Andrea grew up in.

Executive producer Michael Morris said: “We’ve had nothing but a warm welcome from everyone on Buttershaw estate. I think they realise we’re not just a bunch of Londoners coming up for a bit of hit-and-run filming; Clio has spent two years coming to the estate and getting to know people here. “Scenes here will provide the film’s narrative, punctuating interviews with Andrea’s family and friends and archive footage of her. We can’t speak to Andrea, but this film is told through her words and those who knew her.”