Press Release - Sheep, Actually

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sold-Out 'Sheep, Actually' Premiere Connects London Wool Farmers with the Creative Community

LONDON, UK – 22 October 2025 – A new film is unravelling the complex and often disconnected story of British wool, bringing London's farmers and creative makers into the same fold. The much-anticipated "Sheep, Actually," documentary by filmmaker Paul Wyatt, celebrated its sold-out world premiere on 9 October at the historic Cutty Sark, highlighting the shared challenges and creative ingenuity at the heart of the capital’s fibre ecosystem.

The film deftly balances two parallel stories set in London. On one side are the farmers, facing the harsh economic reality that a shorn fleece might fetch as little as 50p, or even be considered worthless. As Tom Davis, Farm Manager of Mudchute Farm, states in the film, "Gone are the days of... the money they make from the wool paying for the rent of the farm for an entire year. That does not happen at all anymore." This agricultural narrative is told through the unique lens of farmers at London's city farms and through the life of a Zwartbles ewe named Cow, whom audiences follow from lambing and shearing to life with her new lamb, offering a unique glimpse into the life of an actual wool producer.

On the other side are the city's creative makers, who need high-quality, traceable, local materials but struggle to source them. "Behind every object is a person trying to make a viable business," says weaver Majeda Clarke in the film. The documentary gives a voice to artisans like Clarke and fashion designer Justine Lee, who navigate the complex compromises of running a sustainable craft business in a world dominated by fast fashion and opaque supply chains.

“Sheep, Actually” poses a critical question, articulated by Clarke: "How do we value our wool and the sheep in this country?... It's a question where maybe farmers and the people who work with the end products... need to get together and think about what we do."

Wyatt’s film and the premiere event, which he designed in partnership with Royal Museums Greenwich, were created as a direct response to this challenge. "The Cutty Sark Wool Experience" created a physical space for farmers, spinners, weavers, and designers to connect, fulfilling the film's central mission. Building on the significant social media buzz and high engagement from the “Sheep, Actually” film trailer, the screening was the main draw for the sold-out crowd.

The choice of venue was deliberate; while the Cutty Sark is known internationally as a tea clipper, it has a lesser-known but longer history with wool. Built in 1869, the ship completed eight tea voyages over seven years (1870–1877) before pivoting to the Australian wool trade (1883–1895), where she became the fastest ship on the route for twelve years.

The enthusiastic reception for “Sheep, Actually” and a lively post-screening Q&A have confirmed its appeal. Plans are now underway for a UK tour in 2026, with over 100 venue suggestions already received from an engaged audience.

Meet the sheep: Cow:

Central to "Sheep, Actually" Cow, a friendly Zwartbles cross ewe at Surrey Docks Farm in London. When she was born, her resemblance to a calf earned her that memorable name. Cow is featured throughout the film, giving audiences a unique touchpoint into the agricultural world.

Meet the Humans in the film:

The film features a host of notable collaborators, including textile artist Remiiya Badru, weaver Majeda Clarke and Andrew Kite, known as "The Yarn Whisperer". The film also features Justine Lee, co-author of “The Wonder of Wool: A Knitter's Guide to Pure Breed Sheep,” and Surrey Docks Farm, a working city farm and charity on the south bank of the River Thames in Rotherhithe.