Jeremy Irvine to Lead Ballroom Dancing Rom-Com ‘The Light Fantastic’

Three-time BAFTA nominee Rupert Everett (“My Best Friend’s Wedding”), Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (“Femme”), Jeremy Irvine (“War Horse”) and Layton Williams (“Bad Education”) are set to star in “The Light Fantastic,” a newly announced comedy set in the world of ballroom dancing.

To be directed by BAFTA TV winner Chris Cottam (“The Problem With People”) from a screenplay by Lee Warburton (“Shameless,” “This Is Going to Hurt”), the film is being launched at the American Film Market by Cornerstone, which is repping worldwide sales.

Inspired by a true story, “The Light Fantastic” follows Jason (Irvine), a 30-something gay firefighter who dreams of becoming a professional ballroom dancer. Set in the vibrant heart of the British seaside town of Blackpool, Jason battles the rigid traditions of the ballroom world under the close watch of his ultra-traditional instructor Reynolds (Everett). While embarking on a journey of self-discovery, he is learning to listen to his heart before he can truly dance to its rhythm.

“The Light Fantastic” is a Genesius Pictures production and is produced by BAFTA Award winner Debbie Gray (“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” “Four Letters of Love”). The film will go into production in early 2025 in the U.K.

Choreography will be provided by Mark and Shirley Ballas, the dynamic mother-son duo who are legendary figures in the world of dance. Shirley Ballas is three-time British Open to the World Latin American champion, 10-time United States Latin American champion and multiple British National champion. She is the recipient of three Carl Alan Awards, The Variety Club ‘Legends of Industry’ Award and is head judge on BBC1’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” Mark is an Emmy-nominated choreographer, musician and actor, two-time World Choreography award winner and three-time winner on “Dancing With the Stars.”

“’The Light Fantastic’ is a funny, uplifting, musical rom-com about the power of dance to make real change,” Gray said in a statement. “It is centered around the importance of love and acceptance in the face of bigotry, hate and fear, promising to be a glorious and upbeat film that will have everyone singing along and tapping their feet.”

Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder added: “For our first AFM in Las Vegas ‘The Light Fantastic,’ full of dance, comedy and great music, couldn’t be a more perfect fit for buyers.”

Irvine is represented by Independent Talent Group, Everett by The Artists Partnership, Stewart-Jarrett by Curtis Brown, Gersh and Anonymous Content, and Williams by Curtis Brown, WME and 42MP. Cottam is represented by Gersh and Warburton by The Agency.