Anarchy Brewery to host film premiere

A TYNESIDE brewery has been chosen to host the North East première of a new film charting the life of a world champion bare knuckle boxer. Angel of the North tells the story of Jimmy ‘Gypsy Boy’ McCrory, whose hard fought battles, both in and out of the ring, saw him become world bare knuckle boxing champion but also led to drink and drug addiction. A story of grit and resilience, the film has already impressed visitors to the prestigious London-based Raindance Film Festival – the UK’s largest independent film festival – who praised its “raw, human storytelling.”

And Heaton-based Anarchy Brewery is to host the first official screening outside London on Sunday 13 December. Along with brewing and serving its ales – including Blonde Star, Shearer’s Beer and Wor Beer – Anarchy has become renowned in entertainment circles for giving a platform to upcoming bands and performers. And the film, directed by Cy Biggs and Sean Cronin, will be screened in the venue’s Taproom where invited guests – including Jimmy himself – will mix with film buffs and fans of the hugely popular sport.

Jimmy, 43, from Seaton Burn started boxing when he was just 10-years-old, eventually rising through bare knuckle boxing – which now has a massive fan following – to become the acknowledged best in the world. He unofficially retired around a decade ago “and, although I would still fight if the purse was big enough, it’s been amazing seeing my life on the big screen,” he said.

Angel of the North came about by accident when co director Cy Biggs was surfing the internet one evening and discovered the world of bare knuckle boxing. “Obviously it’s got a huge international following now,” he said, “but when we started putting the film together it was less well known to the general public and Jimmy McCrory was, basically, one of the pioneers of the then early evolving sport. “He’s also had to tackle possibly his most dangerous opponent yet; addiction. But he’d done it and he’s still standing. His is a tremendous tale – and actually a very moving one – and I hope North East audiences will enjoy learning about this warrior in their midst.”