Withnail for Waterford was a fundraising event which primarily consisted of a special charity screening of the classic cult film “Withnail and I”. It was held on Monday, February 7th at the Odeon West-End in Leicester Square.

The cast and director of the film were present for a question and answer session after the film, as well as a host of other celebrities. There was also an auction of Withnail and I memorabilia, as well as free alcohol and a wonderful selection of sponsor donated goodies.

The aim of the event was to raise bursaries to finance academically gifted children, so that they can attend the Waterford-Kamhlaba school. The school was set up in Swaziland in the early 60’s by a visionary Englishman called Michael Stern as a direct response to the apartheid regime in neighbouring South Africa.

The fundraising screening of this classic cult movie was organised by Richard E. Grant. Richard stars in the film and is a former pupil of Waterford-Kamhlaba (for more information on the school, click here.)

The original cast (Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Ralph Brown, Richard Griffiths), director and writer (Bruce Robinson) of Withnail and I were present, as well as a plethora of stars and celebrities.

A new print of the film “Withnail and I” was screened followed by a question & answer session with the cast and crew, and after show party at HOME nightclub. We’re hoping to get a video of the event together and made available to the public for sale. All money raised will go to the Waterford charity. Stay tuned for news on it’s availability.

The Film

For those who don’t know much about the film itself, Withnail and I is a classic cult favourite. Starring Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths and Ralph Brown. Written and directed by Bruce Robinson.

“I” is a paranoid, out of work actor played by Paul McGann, and Richard E. Grant plays Withnail, his eccentric, self-absorbed roommate – also an out of work actor. They live in a squalid bed-sit and the film is set in the last months of 1969. Needing to “get away” from it all, mainly their drug dealer (Ralph Brown), rats and unpaid rent, they take a holiday at Uncle Monty’s (Richard Griffiths) country cottage. The holiday is a disaster and Monty appears in time to try and get a leg over the very pretty “I”. The story is told from “I’s” point of view and is hilariously funny.

1999 marked the tenth anniversary of the film, and a recent free screening on Brighton beach attracted 15,000 Withnail fans. The most quotable film since Monty Python, this is a treat to watch, especially with a dedicated audience of Withnailians – what could be funnier?

How You Can Help

Now that the event is over, a video of the evening will hopefully be made available to purchase, with funds going to the charity. As soon as it becomes available, details will be posted here. We also hope to get an American NTSC version as well.

You can still make a donation to the charity.

Cheques (in any currency) should be made out to ‘Waterford School Trust’ and sent to:

The Treasurer
13 College Lane
London NW5 1BJ
England.

Richard E. Grant guarantees that all funds raised are solely for bursary funds and will not ever go to finance the headmaster’s wife’s fur coat demands!

Look out for online auctions of Withnail and I memorabilia, as we plan to organise something in the near future.

Email Dominique here if you have any suggestions.