“EVERYBODY has really got to grips with how it resonates - it’s the feel good film we need right now.”

Referring to the feedback ‘Eaten by Lions’ has had since its launch in cinemas on March 29, Bradford actress, Natalie Davies, says: “It’s been absolutely phenomenal.

The 29-year-old who has previously starred in Coronation Street, Casualty and Doctors, plays the character, Parveen, in the film who she explains is ‘elective mute’ - ‘sassy’ and ‘fun.'

Described as a ‘laugh out loud and wryly written British comedy’ ‘Eaten by Lions’ (12A) follows the heart-warming journey of two half brothers Omar and Pete whose mum was accidentally killed by lions on safari.

The lads are brought up by their grandma in Bradford but her sudden death leaves the teenagers looking for family care. Pete stays with his English auntie while Omar travels to Blackpool in search of his real Asian dad.

However, the pair cannot be parted and when Pete, played by actor Jack Carroll, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist in 2013 who also starred in Sky’s acclaimed sitcom Trollied, goes along for the ride the brothers’ journey becomes a heart-warming tale of self-discovery.

Filmed around Bradford, Manchester and Blackpool, ‘Eaten by Lions also stars Johnny Vegas, Asim Chaudrey and Kevin Eldon.

Natalie believes ‘Eaten by Lions’ celebrates multi-cultural Britain, especially through its representation of the mixed-race Choudray family who are featured in the film.

“It resonates with everybody because you can identify you Dad or your Grandfather in the kind of characters we have in the film. It’s a comedy, a feel good film,” she says.

Natalie, who attended St Oswald’s and Tong School in Bradford, initially thought she would go in the direction of dancing. She credits her drama teacher at Tong with helping her to get into Northumbria University and encouraging her to pursue an acting career.

“She said you have really got something, I think you should do drama.”

After graduating in 2010 Natalie secured an agent the following year and has since been cast in soaps such as Coronation Street.

Closer to home, she has also worked with Freedom Studios in Bradford and West Yorkshire Playhouse. She also does drama facilitation.

Natalie remains passionate about Northern drama. “I am really passionate about Northern drama and I think it needs more of a push but I think it is getting better,” she says, referring to Channel Four’s school drama series Ackley Bridge which was partly filmed in Bradford.

Natalie is particularly proud of the positive profile ‘Eaten by Lions’ brings to the popular seaside resort of Blackpool, and also to her home city.

“The film is celebrating Northern talent,” says Natalie.

She says she also enjoyed acting alongside Jack. The 20-year-old from Brighouse describes his character, Pete, as a ‘semi-annoying teenage boy with a walking frame.’ “It was a huge stretch for me to play because it is nothing like me in real life,” quips the quick-witted comedian.

“The journey of the two lads mirrors each other in a way. It’s about two brothers finding their place in the world and setting out on a journey of self discovery - Omar with his cultural roots and my character is along for the ride, for some light relief and getting the two lads into trouble,” Jack explains.

Since the film’s release, Jack says: “I think it really brings home that you have done a good piece of work. People are enjoying it and that is really gratifying.”

Natalie and Jack attended a film screening of ‘Eaten by Lions’ at Picturehouse, at the National Science and Media Museum on Monday and took part in a Q&A along with the film's producer, Hannah Stevenson.