Chance to see sneak preview of critically-acclaimed new film - for free!

A critically-acclaimed and much talked about new film, starring a local actor, is set for a special screening in Corby.

Posy Sterling, from Market Harborough, is busy promoting her new film Lollipop which has already been showered with praise by critics, with many lauding Posy’s “bold and urgent” breakout performance.

The film, which opens in cinemas nationally from Friday 13 June 2025, follows Posy’s character Molly, a young woman fresh out of prison, who struggles to regain custody of her two young children. Reconnecting with her childhood friend Amina (Idil Ahmed), the two single mothers take destiny into their own hands in this moving and sharply-observed drama.

There will be a free preview screening of the film at the Corby Savoy cinema, on Monday 2 June, through the Escapes initiative (with BFI National Lottery funding) which encourages people to discover their local cinema. People can also attend a special Q&A screening of Lollipop at the Phoenix Cinema in Leicester on Monday 16 June.

Posy, who was recently named as one of the rising stars of the British film industry by Screen International’s ‘Stars of Tomorrow’, has recently acted opposite Hollywood star Saoirse Ronan in film The Outrun, and also featured in BBC1’s acclaimed World War II series World on Fire, in a scene with Disney star Jonah Hauer-King. She also played the female lead in Channel 4’s Person of Interest opposite Asim Chaudry, and featured in ITV’s psychological thriller Playing Nice with James Norton.

But Lollipop, directed by Daisy-May Hudson and backed by BBC Films and British Film Institute, is particularly special to Posy, and was a personal passion for her.

Posy said: “The character of Molly struck a chord with me as soon as I read Lollipop. So much, I had to read it seven times before the first round of casting! I felt I knew Daisy-May through reading her writing and there was a profound resonance with Molly. She’s complex and deeply human – raw, fierce and flawed. It felt like a story I had to tell. Daisy-May brought so much compassion and authenticity to the project and I’m proud to be a part of a film that shines a light, and pours some love, on the reality so many women face.”

Posy moved to Market Harborough from London at the age of 10. She went to school at Ridgeway Primary Academy, Welland Park Academy and Robert Smyth Academy, before training at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

Posy said: “It’s such an exciting time right now and well worth the wait. We have had these pockets of beautiful moments with the film so far which has made me feel so ready for this next chapter. It’s been a whirlwind, lots of lessons and blessings! But hearing from people who connect with it has filled me with so much passion and purpose. I’m so grateful for the support from my family, friends and the support of my local community. I can’t wait to share this moment with them at the screenings.”

What the critics are saying about Lollipop:

“Sterling’s moods range from denial to fury, despair to hope... a quietly compelling watch anchored by a strong performance” — Time Out

“Although the emotions in this story are raw, she approaches them with sensitivity and a strong respect for people who are trying hard even if they don’t always succeed” — Eye for Film

“An impassioned, humane and urgently performed drama” — The Guardian

Posy is well-known in Market Harborough as founder of the Screen School drama group which she previously ran as a creative outlet for young people keen to perform and break into TV and film.

Having completed a run of the powerful Dixon And Daughters at London’s renowned National Theatre, Posy recently performed in Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard at the Donmar Warehouse in London, a play which also took her to a run in New York.

Posy added: “Taking The Cherry Orchard to New York was an incredible experience – I love that play and the people who brought it to life. I mean, performing in such an iconic city, with that level of talent around me, was unforgettable. But it’s also made me appreciate just how important it is to support home-grown cinema. It would mean the world for people to come out, see Lollipop, and back British independent film. Let’s celebrate the talent we have here and now and support our local cinemas!”

Watch the trailer for Lollipop, and book tickets for the Q&A screening at the Phoenix in Leicester, or book a place at the free Corby preview of the film.