Coffee shop stop gets Paul a role

A CHANCE coffee shop encounter could lead to a movie career for a Retford man who has landed a part in a controversial new film.

Former Sky engineer, bus driver and food outlet owner Paul Redfern has revealed how he nearly missed out on his big break in the Bollywood-style Honour Killings.

Due out in the spring of 2010, the British-made movie deals with the practice of so-called honour killings of young women alleged to have brought shame on their families.

But Mr Redfern, who has a non-speaking role as a barrister in courtroom scenes, actually took four weeks to make the call which could change his life.

Ironically, Costa Coffee regular Mr Redfern, 45, was away from his regular haunt in Carolgate in Retford when his chance meeting with a casting director's assistant took place.

He was taking a quick break in the outlet in Gainsborough's Marshall's Yard, where he had run his Traditional Food Company until recently, when a stranger made a surprise approach.

"I was just sitting having a coffee when this gentleman gave me his card and said I had a face like one he and his company were looking for," said Mr Redfern.

"Obviously, I was a bit suspicious and when I got home I just put the card in a drawer.

"After a month I took it out and looked up the company to find that they were a bona fide agency.

"When I called they set up a photo-shoot and sent my portfolio off to the makers of Honour Killings.

"Then it was down to Slough and Staines to make the film, which was amazing because it features many actors I've seen on TV.

"It comes out on general release next spring – and in the meantime I've joined agencies which keep putting me forward for different parts.

"Who knows what will happen? At the moment I'm waiting to hear about a TV commercial and I just missed out on a game show."

Retford Costa Coffee manager Wendy Straughan-Brown said her team were surprised to discover a regular customer was about to appear on the big screen.

"We all know Paul and had no idea that he was making a film," she said.

"Well done to him, what fantastic news.

"And it's great that his career might have started in Costa Coffee."