Star-studded Hollywood movie filmed in Sheffield to premiere at city’s The Light cinema

Break, which stars David Yip, Rutger Hauer, Terri Dwyer and Jamie Foreman and a host of snooker stars, was partly filmed at the city’s Crucible Theatre and will be released to tie in with this year’s World Snooker Championships between April 18 to May 4.

Described as a heart-warming UK thriller, the movie will have an exclusive preview screening at The Light on April 20.

The film features British snooker star Jack Lisowski, Chinese sensation Liang Wenbo and former World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty and was also shot in London and Beijing.

The film also stars the late Hollywood legend Rutger Hauer in his final screen role.

A film spokesman said: “Filmed in Sheffield’s world-famous Crucible Theatre, London and Beijing, this life affirming rags-to-riches story follows the troubled but talented Spencer Pryde (Sam Gittins) a gifted, inner-city kid, wasting his life on petty crime and violence, until a chance encounter with Chinese stranger and former ‘eight ball’ pool champion, Vince Qiang (David Yip) and tough guy club owner Ray (Rutger Hauer) presents him with the opportunity to turn his life around.

“When tragedy strikes, Spencer finally breaks away from his so-called friends and all the negative influences of his life - which include the UK’s current issues with drugs, violence and knife crime - but with Qiang’s guidance Spencer makes a bid for a prestigious snooker tournament held in Beijing…but can he overcome his demons and use the talents he was blessed with?

“Break was ten years in the making,” explains writer and director Michael Elkin.

“It was a struggle, but I am proud to say we got there in the end. I am a working class guy from a South London estate but I have always believed that everyone has a talent for something, and if the film’s positive message can inspire even a small percentage of kids to turn away from knife crime and use their god-given talents, I will be a happy man.”

The world premiere will take place at the Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square on April 22, followed by a nationwide release.