Libby Jewson, sister of director Vicky Jewson, rides naked through Oxford to the film premiere
Part of Oxford city centre came to a standstill tonight as a naked woman rode on horseback through the streets.
The stunt marked the premiere of the film Lady Godiva - the debut by Oxford filmmaker Vicky Jewson.
There were wolf whistles and cheers from the crowd as the director's younger sister, Libby, 19, arrived on a white horse wearing nothing but a smile - and a sash and long wig to hide her modesty.
Libby rode from the Old Parsonage hotel in Banbury Road to the Odeon cinema in Magdalen Street - which hosted the premiere.
A crowd of hundreds swarmed towards her as she arrived.
Libby is one of the principal actors in the film - though not Lady Godiva, who is played by Holby City star Phoebe Thomas.
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Libby said: "As I was leaving, somebody asked me: 'Can you get arrested for this?'
"I said: 'It's a bit late now!'
"It was very cold, but I was more than happy to do it for my sister. She's worked so hard to get everything together, I just want the film to be a success."
Although Miss Thomas was at the cinema, she chose to come fully clothed.
She said: "It was far too cold to come naked, but it's great to be back in Oxford.
"I had a fantastic time here in 2006 making the film. I've only seen parts of it, so it's fitting to be seeing the whole thing in the city where it was made."
A number of Miss Thomas's Holby City co-stars came out to join her for the premiere, along with Kara Tointon, who plays Dawn in EastEnders, and all stepped on to a pink carpet, which was rolled out into the street.
The organisers also used the opportunity to raise money for breast cancer charities.
Vicky Jewson, 22, raised almost £1.5m to fund the film - which is a modern day reworking of the legend of Lady Godiva, a noblewoman who rode naked through the streets of Coventry to protest against taxes.
The director, who has lived in Boars Hill, near Oxford, all her life, said it was fantastic to see so many people turn out on the night.
She said: "It's great to see it all coming together tonight. It was a bit nerve racking at times but the adrenaline got me through.
"We had considered Leicester Square for the premiere, but thought it would be fantastic to do it here in Oxford - it's a fantastic thing for the city.
"The story has never really been told before, so there was no pressure to do anything new with it.
"It's just a story about a young woman doing something inspirational for a worthwhile cause."
The young director was also quick to thank her little sister for agreeing to arrive at the premiere naked.
She said: "We were having problems trying to find someone to do it, and Libby just said: 'I'll do it.' She was fantastic."
Lady Godiva will go on general release on Friday, January 25.
So let's see: naked male students, seen by nobody, nearly die in river--arrest them and fine them. Naked female actress on horse, seen by hundreds--no arrest, no fine. How can we make sense of this? Hmm. Could it possibly be that the police are sexist? Yup. That must be it.
So let's see: naked male students, seen by nobody, nearly die in river--arrest them and fine them. Naked female actress on horse, seen by hundreds--no arrest, no fine. How can we make sense of this? Hmm. Could it possibly be that the police are sexist? Yup. That must be it.
Posted by: Graham Smith, Witney, Oxfordshire. on 8:42am Wed 23 Jan 08
I agree. If someone gets arrested for being naked, all must get arrested but then little miss director lives in Boars Hill and no doubt that changes everything. Having had no interests in the film what so ever, I guess this will be the last we see of this drivle. I also believe from someone who worked on the film that daddy paid for it all and not the genius investors. Just deserts, IMDB shows a comedy version of this was released last year and will be on dvd before this comes and so hopefully will get all the sales! The reviews of this are fantasticly bad!
I agree. If someone gets arrested for being naked, all must get arrested but then little miss director lives in Boars Hill and no doubt that changes everything. Having had no interests in the film what so ever, I guess this will be the last we see of this drivle. I also believe from someone who worked on the film that daddy paid for it all and not the genius investors. Just deserts, IMDB shows a comedy version of this was released last year and will be on dvd before this comes and so hopefully will get all the sales! The reviews of this are fantasticly bad!
I think what Graham Smith of Witney said above is absolutely out of order! I am a close friend of Libby Jewson and I know her family and Vicky quite well. And if you knew them too you would see that "little Miss Director" is an amazing person and she deserves all the credit. I was around with Libby and her family when the film was just getting started and I can tell you that it took a lot of hard work from a lot of people to make this happen. Why don't you try giving it a go and see how you get on! How can you judge someone by where they live especially if you don't even know them!! Its pathetic people like you that make this world so cynical!! The film was a big success and I know because I was there last night. At least Vicky who is 22 and her sister who is 19 are trying to make something of themselves I would like to know what you do for a living, if you think your so special!! I bet you haven't achieved anything like what they have done. So next time when you feel like being a grumpy git, keep it to your self!
I think what Graham Smith of Witney said above is absolutely out of order! I am a close friend of Libby Jewson and I know her family and Vicky quite well. And if you knew them too you would see that "little Miss Director" is an amazing person and she deserves all the credit. I was around with Libby and her family when the film was just getting started and I can tell you that it took a lot of hard work from a lot of people to make this happen. Why don't you try giving it a go and see how you get on! How can you judge someone by where they live especially if you don't even know them!! Its pathetic people like you that make this world so cynical!! The film was a big success and I know because I was there last night. At least Vicky who is 22 and her sister who is 19 are trying to make something of themselves I would like to know what you do for a living, if you think your so special!! I bet you haven't achieved anything like what they have done. So next time when you feel like being a grumpy git, keep it to your self!
Posted by: Jamie bruce, Henley on thames on 10:25am Wed 23 Jan 08
Here here Katie, Graham smith of witney, when youve made a film, found investers to back it, written it, filmed at and launched it then feel free to comment, untill then let successful people like vicky and libby get on with doing a great job and keep your miserable opinions to yourself.
Here here Katie, Graham smith of witney, when youve made a film, found investers to back it, written it, filmed at and launched it then feel free to comment, untill then let successful people like vicky and libby get on with doing a great job and keep your miserable opinions to yourself.
[quote][bold]fred[/bold] wrote:
So let's see: naked male students, seen by nobody, nearly die in river--arrest them and fine them. Naked female actress on horse, seen by hundreds--no arrest, no fine. How can we make sense of this? Hmm. Could it possibly be that the police are sexist? Yup. That must be it.[/quote] They jumped in the river after a drunken prank endangering themselvs and others.
I think Ms Jewson would have informed police of her actions before riding her horse in the buff.
Big difference
fred wrote:
So let's see: naked male students, seen by nobody, nearly die in river--arrest them and fine them. Naked female actress on horse, seen by hundreds--no arrest, no fine. How can we make sense of this? Hmm. Could it possibly be that the police are sexist? Yup. That must be it.
They jumped in the river after a drunken prank endangering themselvs and others.
I think Ms Jewson would have informed police of her actions before riding her horse in the buff.
fred, how on earth does this prove the police to be sexist (which most people agree they are)? the two situations are completely different. graham, yr comments are so sad, i'd love to meet you to put a face to the opinions.
fred, how on earth does this prove the police to be sexist (which most people agree they are)? the two situations are completely different. graham, yr comments are so sad, i'd love to meet you to put a face to the opinions.
Posted by: DanOxford, Oxford on 9:22pm Wed 23 Jan 08
A similar stunt involving a man in a cowboy hat riding an a55 through the streets of Oxford to promote 'Brokeback Mountain' was cancelled at the last moment...
A similar stunt involving a man in a cowboy hat riding an a55 through the streets of Oxford to promote 'Brokeback Mountain' was cancelled at the last moment...
Posted by: Spinal Tap, Oxford on 10:06pm Fri 25 Jan 08
[quote][bold]Tom[/bold] wrote:
fred, how on earth does this prove the police to be sexist (which most people agree they are)? the two situations are completely different. graham, yr comments are so sad, i'd love to meet you to put a face to the opinions.[/quote] What's wrong with the Police being sexy?
Tom wrote:
fred, how on earth does this prove the police to be sexist (which most people agree they are)? the two situations are completely different. graham, yr comments are so sad, i'd love to meet you to put a face to the opinions.
Posted by: laura Kenning, Oxford on 10:14pm Fri 25 Jan 08
Disappointing maybe, but it's her first major film and she is 22 - not sure many young people could write and direct a movie AND get it shown at UK cinemas!! Well done Vicky! Looking forward to seeing it on Saturday and to hearing what your next venture will be!
Disappointing maybe, but it's her first major film and she is 22 - not sure many young people could write and direct a movie AND get it shown at UK cinemas!! Well done Vicky! Looking forward to seeing it on Saturday and to hearing what your next venture will be!
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