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Coffee shop worker gets to get up close to the stars in major film shoot
Rachael Wallace is doubling for Lily James.Picture: Rachael Wallace - Credit: Archant
When Rachael Wallace went to work in Margo’s Lounge in Gorleston in its kitchen she never realised she would end up working with an Oscar-winning director and doubling up for a famous actor.
Lily James on set during filming of a new Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis movie in Halesworth. Lily James on setPicture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Miss Wallace, 21, has been drafted into work on Danny Boyle’s latest film project, that has seen him shoot major scenes in Gorleston, Lowestoft and Halesworth.
She is doubling up for actor Lily James, who has starred in hit films such as Baby Driver and Darkest Hour and featured in BBC’s War & Peace.
Miss Wallace was recruited for the role, which sees her acts as a double when lights and cameras are set up, after a casting director from the film saw her in the 1970s-themed coffee shop/bar and said she would be perfect in doubling up for Miss James.
And as she doubles for the star, Miss Wallace hopes it will help her aspirations of getting into the acting world as she graduated in theatre work and drama from St Mary’s University in Twickenham last year.
Lily James on set during filming of a new Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis movie in Halesworth. Lily James on setPicture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
So far she has spent about 10 days on set and she is enjoying the chance to mingle with the director and other actors.
Miss Wallace, who went to Caister High School and who has worked at the cafe since it opened nearly four years ago, said: “It is all a bit surreal, but fun.
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“I have to double for her when they have to set up the lights and cameras.
“I am a bit taller than Lily so I have to stoop a bit. She is lovely and really nice, and just normal.
Danny Boyle visited East Norfolk Sixth Form College to talk to students and teachers about his latest project and the art of filmmaking Picture: East Norfolk Sixth Form College - Credit: Archant
“Danny comes into the cafe a lot and I know he likes Gorleston.”
She added being a double had given her an important insight into the film-making world and it would hopefully help her chances of becoming an actor or performer.
The film is about if The Beatles never existed, and is written by Richard Curtis and it is heavily rumoured Ed Sheeran will make an appearance in it.
Gorleston seafront has been used for several scenes, including a stunt scene between a bus and motorcycle and a wedding scene at the Ocean Room.
On June 27 5,000 people will be extras on Gorleston seafront for the film.
