NI writer Susie Farrell brings child abuse story to big screen

Susie Farrell from Hillsborough penned ‘Sulphur and White’ which stars Game of Thrones actor Mark Stanley as David Tait, who was sexually abused by a group of men when he was a child.

The film, which is directed by Bafta and Emmy Award nominee Julian Jarrold, also stars Emily Beecham, Dougray Scott and Anna Friel.

Among the 300 guests attending the London premiere, which was held at Curzon cinema in Mayfair at the end of last month, was the NSPCC’s Royal patron Her Royal Highness, Sophie, The Countess of Wessex.

It opens in UK cinemas on Friday and next Wednesday at the QFT in Belfast there will be a special screening of the film at 6pm followed by a Q&A with David Tait and Susie Farrell.

Mr Tait has been a long-term advocate and supporter of the NSPCC, raising over £1.5 million for the charity by climbing Mount Everest five times. He was awarded an MBE in 2010 by the Queen for his services to children.

He said: “When I was 10 I was abused by a group of men. It took a lot of time for me to come to terms with it and make it public, now my goal is to destigmatise sexual abuse.

“I’m convinced by removing the stigma people will cope with the problem better than in the past.

“‘Sulphur and White’ does three things, teach the world what sexual abuse actually is, show the collateral damage that someone is capable of doing and that there is redemption and a future. Now we have NSPCC and Childline – we have an alternative.

“Hopefully it can encourage people with a hidden past to talk about their own problems and wear them on their sleeve. The film will give an awful lot of people comfort going forward.”

He continues to be a significant figure at the NSPCC, speaking personally about his experiences to raise awareness and champion the work of the NSPCC at events the length and breadth of the UK.

Some of the proceeds from the film will be donated to the NSPCC to help their fight for every childhood.

Mark Stanley, who plays David on screen, said: “I hope that people watching ‘Sulphur and White’ will gain some of the insight and understanding that I got from playing this part about the profound impact of child sexual abuse.”

Peter Wanless, chief executive of NSPCC, said: “It is so important that people feel that if they speak out they will be listened to and believed, however much time has passed since the abuse happened.

“We hope that David’s story will give people the courage to do so, and that they will receive the support they need.”