Date: March 4th, 2022
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Occasion: Saying farewell to a mate — and unexpectedly appearing in a movie.
I headed into Ipswich on a cool Friday in early March 2022 for what was supposed to be a standard send-off for my good friend Watty, who was preparing to relocate to Dubai. Our meeting point was The Plough, a traditional local where we enjoyed a proper pub lunch and more than a few pints of lager.
The significance of the date is something that’s stayed with me ever since — not just because of Watty’s big move, but because it was the day we lost Shane Warne, the legendary Australian cricketer. A gut-punch for cricket lovers across the globe.
From pints to the unexpected
Post-lunch, we strolled over to The Cock n Pye, indulging in a few overpriced rounds as the afternoon wore on. That’s when Watty got a text telling him to head home — duty called. We began making our way back towards the bus station when fate decided to throw us a curveball.
As we passed The Shamrock pub, a buzz of activity inside caught our attention. Intrigued, we stepped in for a nosey. What we found was a film crew in full swing — and to our amazement, we were invited to stay and appear in the scene, so long as we stayed put at the bar and didn’t disrupt the shot.
From barflies to background stars
So there we were, two lads a few pints in, suddenly transformed into background extras in a movie scene being shot right there in Ipswich. It was one of those rare, perfect moments where something totally unexpected becomes unforgettable.
After filming wrapped, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jordan Barrow, one of the actors in the film, as well as Mark Nixon, a well-known Felixstowe hairdresser and professional extra, who was part of the shoot. What began as a routine farewell turned into a memorable brush with showbiz.
🎥 Clip from the movie scene
(Look for Watty and me around the 30-second mark – no, we’re not kissing)
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The Film: One Ranger
Here’s the rundown on the film we stumbled into:
One Ranger is a high-octane action-thriller where Texas justice meets British intelligence. Starring Thomas Jane as a sharpshooting Texas lawman, the story sees him chasing a suspected bank robber through the desert, only to discover a much larger plot: a terrorist attack aimed at London.
After losing his partner, the ranger teams up with a British agent to track down the fugitive — dead or alive.
Cast Highlights:
- Thomas Jane as Alex Tyree
- Dominique Tipper as Agent Jennifer Smith
- Nick Moran as Yuri the Cossack
- Patrick Bergin as Doc
- John Malkovich as Geddes
- Rachel Wilde as Angel
- Jordan Barrow as Handsome Dude
- Jamie Versey and Ian Watson – as themselves (naturally!)
Final Thoughts
Though it began as a sentimental farewell, March 4th turned into one of the most unexpected and memorable days in recent years. It had everything: mates, memories, sadness (RIP Warnie), and a brush with the silver screen.
Sometimes, life just throws you into the scene — literally.
