BBC News Online – Tuesday 8th February, 2000

LEFT: David Beckham and Posh Spice at the charity show

Posh Spice Victoria Beckham and her husband David Beckham mingled with the stars of the cult movie Withnail and I at a charity screening in London’s West End.

The couple – dressed in matching brown outfits – were at the event organised by the film’s star Richard E Grant to raise funds for his former school in Africa. Paul McGann and Richard E Grant in Withnail and I

Victoria, who got to know the actor when they worked on the Spiceworld movie, was showing off her new burgundy and blonde highlights at the star-studded event.

She described the actor as a “really good friend”, whilst fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton said: “He’s really sweet and he’s just a lovely man.”

Grant himself declared the event a huge success, particularly as it was the first time the low budget film about two out-of-work actors had received a premiere.

“It’s the first time that the cast has all been together in one place. It’s a premiere like I’ve never seen before – because it did not happen 14 years ago when the film was released,” he said.

Also present were Grant’s co-stars in the film, Paul McGann and Richard Griffiths.

Broadcaster Chris Evans, singer Lulu and fashion designer Stella McCartney were also among the audience.

Another guest, TV funnyman Paul Merton said he remembered little of the film from the first time around.

“I can’t remember any of it because I was stoned when I saw it,” he joked.

The sold-out screening was followed by an auction of memorabilia from Withnail and I.

Money raised at the event will go to fund bursaries to the Waterford School in Swaziland.