Manchester will host the first public screening of a Hollywood blockbuster – and you could be there.
The Iron Lady – a biopic of Margaret Thatcher starring Meryl Streep – was filmed using the Manchester’s 19th-century town hall to represent the Houses of Parliament.

Now the city has been chosen to host an exclusive showing on the film ahead of its general release in January.

The gala screening will take place in the town hall on December 15.

And the M.E.N. has five pairs of tickets to give away to lucky readers.

The winners will be ferried into the town hall through the main staircase – used in the film – and have the chance to see locations where various scenes were shot.  There will also be an exhibition of stills from the film on show.

The Iron Lady – which also stars Jim Broadbent as Mrs Thatcher’s husband Denis – was written by Abi Morgan and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Filming took place last year – with one couple from Northenden getting the surprise of their lives when they went to the town hall to get married, only to be greeted by the A-list stars who were practising a scene inside.

Mike Amesbury, the council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Manchester town hall is a national treasure of a building and this isn’t the first time it’s doubled as the Houses of Parliament on the silver screen.“It’s one of the reasons why Manchester is becoming a magnet for film-makers, helping to boost the city’s economy and creating a buzz.

“Meryl Streep is a great actress and whatever your views about Margaret Thatcher herself, and I’m certainly no fan, it’s a real honour for Manchester that the city is getting a sneak preview of this high profile biopic.”

The screening is the latest in Volkswagen’s See Film Differently series, which is designed to provide film fans with a behind-the-scenes insight into the making of big British movies. A Volkswagen spokeswoman said: “As one of the most highly anticipated British films on the horizon for next year, we’re incredibly proud to be screening The Iron Lady in Manchester town hall – the location used to portray the Houses of Parliament in the film.

“It’s great to be able to bring the film home and offer people in Manchester the opportunity to experience this unique screening, before the film comes out next year.”

For the chance to win tickets answer this question:

Where was Margaret Thatcher born?
  • A. Grantham
  • B. Manchester
  • C. Liverpool
Email answer with contact details including daytime telephone number to win@menmedia.co.uk with the subject line 'Win Iron Lady'.

The competition closes on Tuesday December 13, 2011 at 12pm. Any entries received after this time will not be counted. The winners will be notified by phone on December 14 before 5pm. If a winner cannot be contacted before 5pm on that day, an alternative winner will be picked

Manchester Evening News