Press release: 27 November 2005 Pioneering new movie to hit six million kids Christian charity sends animated film of the Christmas story to every UK primary school. A Christian charity has created and funded a new animated film retelling the Christmas story through the eyes of three quails which will be sent free to all UK primary schools next week (28 November). Called It s a Boy, the film stars the voices of Steven Berkoff, Russell Boulter, Joe Pasquale and Cannon & Ball with music by Sir Cliff Richard. It s a Boy was premiered at the Odeon Cinema West End in London s Leicester Square on Sunday 27 November. The film is the brainchild of Christian author Steve Legg. Three years ago I heard of a little boy ask his teacher after seeing his school nativity play why Mary and Joseph named their little baby after a swear word. That really hit me; there is a whole generation of children who do not know the true meaning of Christmas and have no idea who Jesus is, says Steve. It s a Boy has taken three years to complete and has been created to complement National Curriculum teaching whilst being entertaining and informative with a meaningful message. Steve adds: This film isn t intended to ram religion down our children s throats, but at a time when political correctness seems to take over it is important to ensure that a basic level of instruction continues in our schools. The film tells the story of Jesus birth through the eyes of three quails played by Cannon & Ball and Alexia Tewkesbury. The quails are captured by King Herod played by Steven Berkoff and mount a desperate bid to escape to follow Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to warn them of Herod s intentions. Along the way they encounter the three wise men and shepherds. 1
Joe Pasquale, who plays Garralus the innkeeper, comments: This is typical of my mate Steve Legg as it is creative, down-to-earth, funny and entertaining. I m delighted to recommend it to you as I play the innkeeper. I m normally just involved in cack, so at long last it s fantastic to be part of something classy and meaningful. Cliff Richard adds: It s a fabulous creative effort and kids will love it. I m just proud to have been involved. Cannon and Ball comment: Rock on quails You re gonna grab the world by it s braces. What an honour to take part in such a sensational film.this ll do for us! Graham Cole adds: It s a Boy is a fantastic way of reaching millions of children with the true meaning of Christmas. I think it s a fantastic idea and it was great to be in it. It certainly gets my stamp of approval. It s a Boy is on sale on DVD and VHS and is also available as a talking book, audio CD and as a hardback book. Prices from 4.99 to 9.99, available from www.itsaboy.org.uk and bookshops around the UK. ## ends ## Notes to editors For a preview of the film visit www.itsaboy.org.uk For further information, review copies and stills contact: Alison Baldwin, Coast Communications T: 01233 721597 M: 07949 561489 E: alison@coastcommunications.co.uk Steve Legg, The Breakout Trust T: 01903 732190 M: 07966 484754 2
Cast List Steven Berkoff King Herod David Oyelowo Joseph Jessica Oyelowo Mary Bobby Ball - Bobby the quail Tommy Cannon Tommy the quail Alexa Tewkesbury Queenie the quail and Rachel, Innkeeper s wife Joe Pasquale Garralus the Innkeeper Graham Cole Hotellier Russell Boulter Angel Gabriel All other characters are performed by the Riding Lights Theatre Company, York. 3
Who is Steve Legg? Steve Legg was born and grew up in Bournemouth. He became a Christian in his early teens through his involvement with the Boys' Brigade. After leaving school at 16, Steve worked for Barclays Bank in Dorset for five years until 1988 when he trained on a Pioneer Training in Evangelism Team for a year. Since then, he has worked as an itinerant evangelist. Steve is a member of London s prestigious 'Magic Circle' and is a respected and accomplished performer with many years of professional experience. He has performed in top theatres and venues across Britain, including Manchester's Apollo Theatre, Belfast City Hall, The Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Wembley Conference Centre and Birmingham's National Indoor Arena to name just a few. Steve's unique blend of escapology, side-splitting comedy and sleight of hand have taken him to four continents and his numerous TV appearances have been seen by millions. His message of freedom through Christianity runs throughout his spellbinding performances, and his shows always leave people amazed, amused, entertained and inspired to believe that Jesus too, can set them free. Steve has four children; Jay, Amber, Emmie and Maddie. Steve is also a member of the Pioneer Team and a very proud member of The Curry Club. Contact details Telephone: -01903 732190 Email: steve@breakout.org.uk 4
What is the Breakout Trust? The Breakout Trust is a registered charity committed to communicating the relevance of the Christian faith. Its founding director is Steve Legg, a well-known Christian performer, speaker and writer. Many people, both young and old, consider Christianity to be outdated and irrelevant and only for boring people whose idea of fun is to go to Church all day on a Sunday, video Songs of Praise and play the tambourine! It's the aim of The Breakout Trust, often through humour and fun, to smash many of these misconceptions and to show how faith in Jesus is not only reasonable, but relevant and vitally important. Steve Legg travels extensively in Britain and other countries, speaking about the Christian faith, addressing thousands of people face to face each year and many more through the medium of radio and television. Vision Our vision is to see lives, young and old, changed and impacted by communicating the truth and relevance of Christianity. Mission To have an impact in the UK and internationally: o By presenting the truth of Christianity in a way that enables people of all ages to make an informed decision about Jesus Christ o By teaching and training Christians to do the same Values Our main focus and value is to transform the lives of people we meet by communicating the good news of Christianity in a relevant and accessible way. We value Bible-based lifestyles, teachable attitudes and unity in the hearts of all those involved. We aim to produce top quality resources for all ages that meet the needs of the people we are communicating with. We desire everything we do at the Breakout Trust to be birthed in prayer, in line with the Bible, and in step with the Holy Spirit. www.breakout.org.uk www.itsaboy.org.uk 5