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| Christine Edzard and Simon Callow |
A thought-provoking new British feature film exploring the legacy of one of the country's most influential social reformers is set to tour cinemas and community venues across the UK this autumn.
The Man With The Plan, written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christine Edzard, stars Simon Callow as William Beveridge and examines whether the visionary principles that shaped the modern welfare state still have relevance in Britain today.
The independently produced film begins its nationwide tour on 20 September 2026, with screenings taking place in independent cinemas, theatres, universities and community venues.
Rather than presenting a traditional historical drama, the film takes an imaginative and highly original approach to Beveridge's famous 1942 report, which proposed tackling the "Five Giants" standing in the way of a fairer society: Want, Disease, Squalor, Idleness and Ignorance.
The story follows Flea, played by screen newcomer Sophie Jenkin, a young person who discovers Beveridge's blueprint for rebuilding post-war Britain. Through a series of surreal encounters featuring the Five Giants, the Devil, dancing magpies, media sheep and even Alice in Wonderland's Dodo, Flea explores how political choices and social change have shaped modern Britain.
One of the film's most distinctive features is its commitment to authenticity. Beveridge and the politicians portrayed throughout the story speak only words taken directly from their speeches and writings, making the production a unique verbatim film that blends historical fact with fantasy, political satire and documentary filmmaking.
As Flea's journey continues, she encounters leading academics and campaigners including Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Professor Kate Pickett and Professor Danny Dorling, whose work continues to address many of the inequalities Beveridge identified more than 80 years ago.
The impressive cast also includes comedian and activist Mark Thomas as The Narrator, Alan Cox as The Devil and Miriam Margolyes providing the voice of Squalor. Supporting roles feature Neil Gore, Hal Cruttenden, Michael Mears, Andrew Tiernan and several other familiar faces.
Written over six years of research, The Man With The Plan is an entirely independent, self-funded production created by Christine Edzard, whose distinguished career includes Little Dorrit, The Fool, As You Like It and The Good Soldier Schwejk. The film was produced and edited by Olivier Stockman and filmed at Sands Films Studio in Rotherhithe between October 2024 and May 2025.
Running for one hour and 45 minutes and carrying a 15 certificate for strong language, the film has already attracted praise from early viewers. Professor Kate Pickett described it as "a deeply engaging and inspiring watch", while The Big Issue founder John Bird called it "an urgent film for our times."
Following its September launch, the UK tour includes screenings in Liverpool, York, Sheffield, Salford, London, Bristol, Wolverhampton and many other locations, with further dates expected to be announced. For readers interested in British history, politics and socially engaged cinema, The Man With The Plan promises to be one of the year's most thought-provoking independent film releases.
To check out venues and for more details please visit https://www.sandsfilms.co.uk/the-man-with-the-plan.html
