York | Archive | 1999 | October | 28
From the Evening Press, first published Thursday 28th Oct 1999.
Hairdressers Glen Jackson and Julio Garcia had a brush with stardom when they performed alongside big Hollywood names for a new movie.
Julio Garcia, left, actor Alan Rickman and Glen Jackson, right, with some of the models from the film
The award-winning coiffeurs, who own a salon in Bishopthorpe Road, York, rubbed shoulders with, among others, Alan Rickman, Natasha Richardson and Warren Clarke, for the filming of Never Better.
"We got the full star treatment," said Glen.
"They were all incredibly friendly and were thrilled that we had gone down to work with them. It was a wonderful experience."
The movie, written by the man behind The Full Monty, is a tale of rivalry between hairdressers and is set in Keighley, West Yorkshire.
Glen and Julio, who are former British hairdressing champions and who have performed their art around the world, were initially brought in as consultants, but so impressed the crew on the film that they will now appear on the silver screen.
They had their own personal "gophers" to look after their every need, and were fed and watered alongside the celebrities.
But they said the life of a movie star is not all glamour.
"They worked us damned hard," said Glen, who as a former dancer has experience of life on the stage.
"We worked more than 12 hours a day for a week, and often had to do as many as 22 takes just for two minutes of filming."
And he said he would never again watch films in the same light.
"The viewing public just doesn't realise how much time and effort goes into them."
Never Better comes out next September to tie in with the World Hairdressing Championships in Berlin, and Glen and Julio will join the other actors for the star-studded premiere in London.
Glen and Julio were joined on set by a former model of Glen's and fellow North Yorkshire hairdresser, Gillian Robson.
Gillian, who owns Bubbles Hair and Beauty Salon in Easingwold, will feature in the movie as a men's hair stylist.
She cut short a holiday to take part in the film, and was unfazed by working alongside the stars.
"They were all really nice people and made us feel very welcome. It was a fantastic experience for me."
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