A young actor from North Yorkshire celebrated his 13th birthday on the red carpet at a film premiere in which he plays one the county's most historic sons.
Lucas Williams of Richmond starred as the young George Calvert in Liberty of Conscience, a documentary drama telling the story of the founder of Maryland and his vision of a colony built on religious tolerance.
The film had its world premiere at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, North Yorkshire, on Friday, June 20.
James Etherington, director of the Kiplin Hall Trust, said: "Kiplin Hall Trust is delighted to host the premiere of Liberty of Conscience in the historic town of Richmond.
"The Georgian Theatre, aptly named for such an occasion, premiering a film about the life of a well-known George; George Calvert the first Baron Baltimore.
"Calvert built Kiplin Hall in around 1625 after a career in the royal court in London while nurturing ambitions to create a colony abroad.
"His plans led to the founding of a settlement, creating the state we know today as Maryland in North America.
"Having filmed on location at Kiplin Hall and in the US this film shines a spotlight on the life of George Calvert during a year of great celebrations as we mark the 400th anniversary of the building of Kiplin Hall.
"We are sure regular visitors to Kiplin will enjoy this deep dive into the man behind its origins.
"While highlighting to any not aware of Kiplin Hall that it is a treasured gem in the crown of North Yorkshire, ready to be explored by tourists and local people alike."
The film combines period dramatisations with expert testimony from historians in the UK and US.
Directed by Emmy Award-winner W Drew Perkins, the documentary was filmed on location in Yorkshire and Maryland.
Mr Perkins said: "The story of Maryland’s founding is directly linked to Yorkshire, England, and George Calvert’s Kiplin Hall.
"Watching a film crew comprised of people from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean bring 17th-century history alive at Kiplin Hall will forever remain a highlight in my long career of making television documentary films.
"It is hard to find the right words to describe just how special the experience was."
The premiere was part of the 400th-anniversary celebrations of Kiplin Hall, the historic estate built by Calvert just seven miles from Richmond.
Jo Mawhinney, CEO of the Georgian Theatre Royal, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the premiere of this hugely anticipated film, which so beautifully captures the remarkable story of Kiplin Hall.
"It is a privilege for The Georgian Theatre Royal to be part of the celebrations marking the Hall’s 400th anniversary — a milestone that honours not only the building’s rich heritage but also the people and stories that have shaped it over the centuries.
"We’re thrilled to support this special occasion and to collaborate with Kiplin Hall in celebrating such an important moment in its history."
Following the premiere, ticketed screenings are being held at Richmond’s Station Cinema, located in a converted Victorian railway station.
Screenings are scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, Thursday, June 26, Sunday, June 29, and Monday, June 30, with additional dates possible based on demand.
Dan Westgarth of the Station Cinema said: "We’re thrilled to be screening this powerful documentary right here at The Station Cinema.
"With a lot of the action filmed at Kiplin Hall, a venue that’s as historic and inspiring as the story on screen, and many of the cast and extras drawn from our own local community, it’s a delight to screen a special celebration of local talent, history, and storytelling."
