Nathalie Lichtenthaeler and David Gleeson’s production outfit Wide Eye Films returns to Limerick following the success of Once Upon a Time in a Cinema, bringing an international cast and acclaimed filmmaker to the city.
Limerick is set to welcome another major international film production with the announcement that Oscar-nominated filmmaker Whit Stillman will bring his new feature film, A Night at Claridge’s, to the city and county for filming.
The production will be directed by Stillman, whose acclaimed body of work includes Love and Friendship, The Last Days of Disco and Metropolitan (for which he was Oscar nominated for Best Screenplay).
A Night at Claridge’s will reunite Stillman with actor Adam Brody, following their collaborations on Damsels in Distress and The Cosmopolitans.
Brody, who most recently starred in the Netflix series Nobody Wants This is most well known for his roles in TV series, The OC and Smallville alongside feature films SHAZAM! And THE KID DETECTIVE, will appear alongside Laura Carmichael, best known for her role as Lady Edith Crawley in Downton Abbey.
A Night at Claridge’s is being produced by Nathalie Lichtenthaeler of Wide Eye Films, whose recent production Once Upon A Time in A Cinema was filmed in Limerick and released earlier this year to wide acclaim. The film is currently on release in the US and Canada and is due to roll out across Europe and Australia in the coming months.
Other producers are Valencia Haynes, Georgina Lowe, Suzanne Warren and Lauranne Bourrachot.
This new production further strengthens the growing relationship between the mid-west regional and the international film and TV industry.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran commented:
“I was delighted to meet Whit again after our first meeting some months ago to hear the fantastic news that Limerick will once again welcome an international feature film production, particularly one led by a filmmaker of Whit Stillman’s standing.
“The decision to bring A Night at Claridge’s to Limerick is a strong endorsement of what our city and county can offer filmmakers, from our locations and creative talent to our production infrastructure and the welcome extended to productions.”
“It is also very encouraging to see Nathalie Lichtenthaeler and Wide Eye Films return to Limerick following Once Upon A Time in A Cinema. Major international productions such as this help build our international reputation, create local opportunities and strengthen Limerick’s position as a destination for film and television.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr. Tom Ruddle, added:
“It is wonderful to see another major feature film choosing Limerick as a production location. Projects of this calibre showcase our city and county to audiences internationally, while creating valuable opportunities for local people and businesses.
I am delighted to see Limerick continuing to strengthen its reputation as a destination for film and wish Whit Stillman, Nathalie Lichtenthaeler and the entire production team every success during their time here.”
Dr. Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council said:
“The arrival of A Night at Claridge’s is another very positive development for Limerick and our growing screen sector.
Productions of this calibre create opportunities for local crew, creative practitioners and businesses, while helping to build lasting relationships with international filmmakers.
We are delighted to welcome Nathalie Lichtenthaeler and Wide Eye Films back to Limerick and look forward to supporting the production.”
Nathalie Lichtenthaeler, Producer for Wide Eye Films said:
“We are thrilled to be returning to Limerick with A Night at Claridge's. Our experience shooting Once Upon a Time in a Cinema here was so positive that we resolved to return as soon as we could. That we were able to secure a project of this scale, with this cast, led by a filmmaker of Whit Stillman's acclaim, is a real testament to all the region has to offer, not least the growth in skilled, available professionals on both sides of the camera.
With the backing of Mayor John Moran, Film in Limerick, Limerick City and County Council and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, we look forward to creating further opportunities for local talent and contributing significantly to local businesses on what promises to be an intense and exciting endeavour.”
Paul C. Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick stated:
“Securing this production for the region is a significant moment for Film in Limerick. Whit Stillman is a filmmaker with an extraordinary body of work, and the opportunity to welcome him and this talented cast to Limerick is a strong endorsement of the region as a production destination.
Our role at Film in Limerick is to make the process of filming in the region as straightforward and productive as possible, while connecting productions with the locations, crew, suppliers and services they need. The return of Nathalie Lichtenthaeler and Wide Eye Films following Once Upon A Time in A Cinema is especially significant. Repeat productions and returning producers are an important indicator of the strength of Limerick's offering, and this is another step in establishing long-term relationships with the international production community.”
Dennis Barry, Head of Innovate Limerick said:
“Film and television production is an increasingly important part of Limerick’s creative economy, with productions of this scale creating opportunities for local businesses, crew and creative talent.
“The arrival of A Night at Claridge’s is another strong endorsement of Limerick as a destination for international screen production. We are delighted to see the city continue to build momentum in this sector and to welcome such an accomplished filmmaker and cast to the region.”
A story set against wartime Britain
Set in London in the autumn of 1943, during the build-up to D-Day when American troops were arriving in large numbers, the film centres around Laura Carmichael’s character of Miss Roach who trades Blitz-torn London for a boarding house, only to find herself torn between Adam Brody's charming American officer and a rival's jealousy.
The screenplay has been adapted by Stillman from Patrick Hamilton's acclaimed 1943 novel The Slaves of Solitude. Hamilton was also a celebrated playwright, whose works included Gas Light and Rope, both of which were subsequently adapted into major films by Alfred Hitchcock.
International cast and Limerick production talent
The production will bring an internationally recognised cast to Limerick, including Tom Bennett, who previously worked with Stillman in Love & Friendship, where he played the memorable Sir James Martin.
Also joining the cast is acclaimed British actress Susan Hampshire, a multi-Emmy Award-winning performer whose extensive career includes the television classic The Forsyte Saga.
For Limerick, the production represents another significant opportunity to showcase the region's locations, creative workforce and growing capacity to support high-profile screen productions.
Filming will take place in the coming months with the film expected to be completed and released in 2027.