AN ARTIST is staging the charity premiere of a slapstick film in Sussex inspired by the death of two close family members.

Renato Pires, 25, from Pevensey Bay spent the last two years planning the premiere of Impatient Patient Disorder which will take place at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne.

Renato, who runs Acting Moon Events - a company based in the town which specialises in providing highly creative professional entertainment, is going to split the proceeds from the premiere between the theatre and a charity close to his heart following the deaths of his father and grandfather.

He said: "The two years has been an amazing journey, right from planning the project, to scheduling, finding the cast, hunting for sponsorship, and now looking forward to the premiere.

"This is a first for Eastbourne – when did it last stage a premiere? – and I think it will attract people from all over Sussex because it is so different, unique."

Renato, originally from Portugal, added: "I have worked in productions for 10 years and I first came to England to see my grandfather.

"Sadly, both my father and grandfather died of cancer, which is why proceeds from the premiere will be split between St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne, and also the Royal Hippodrome Theatre itself which is run by volunteers."

The comedy film tells the story of Jack Goode, a young student at the CSM Central School of Medicine, who aspires to follow in his prestigious father’s footsteps and become a doctor.

Jack suffers from psychosomatic disorders and his best chance of getting his mental state back on track is to be treated by the psychiatrist, Doctor Pearce Stephens who clandestinely believes himself to be Dean Martin.

It is written by Renato and colleague Mia Carey and Renato also co-directs with Antony Meadley. He takes on the role of Jack while Steve Price is Doctor Stephens.

Guest stars include ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, a former finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, and Drew Cameron, a celebrity voice over artist who is also a stand-up comedian and impersonator.

Filming took place last November and January at various venues across Eastbourne, including All Saints Chapel, an estate agents, a care home, and along the seafront.

Impatient Patient Disorder will take place on Friday, July 8.

Tickets cost £6, the show starts at 8pm, and you can book on 01323 80 20 20 or at The Royal Hippodrome Theatre.