Celia and Claudia share popcorn, laughs and good cause stories

Claudia, the National Lottery’s first ambassador-in-chief, has been visiting National Lottery-funded projects right across the UK. “Do you want to see where I went?” she asked Celia. “I do,” replied the actress and national treasure.

Claudia showed Celia a film in which she cooks up a storm with a group of older men who are part of the Men’s Grub Club at Cook for Good in London’s Kings Cross. The men are making hearty food and firm friendships at the National Lottery-funded project.

Claudia said, “These guys didn’t know who their neighbours were. Then, all of a sudden, they’re going down to the Men’s Grub Club.”

“Such a brilliant idea,” said Celia.

The film also captures Claudia’s visit to North Wales Crusaders Rugby League and Disability Sports Club, a project she describes as “an amazing place”. Thanks to National Lottery players, the club has a good supply of the tough wheelchairs it needs to play the fast-paced game. The film shows Claudia yelling encouragement from the sidelines.

Celia said, “I love the way you always encourage people by screaming. Did you have a go?”

“Absolutely not,” said Claudia. “I was too scared.”

Claudia and Celia also watched a film showing the moment Celia walked into the cinema at the Warwick Art Centre and surprised an audience gathered for a screening of her 1995 classic In the Bleak Midwinter. They cheered when she broke the news that Warwick Arts Centre will receive £10,000 of National Lottery funding to create an uplifting cinema season exploring how we care for ourselves and each other.

Claudia said, “If I went to watch a film and was surprised by Celia Imrie, I would be overjoyed. To see it happen in real life is marvellous.”

As they shared the last of their popcorn Claudia said, “We have both been fortunate over the past few weeks to see first-hand the difference National Lottery funding makes to real people’s lives every single day in every corner of the country. Every time you buy a ticket it makes a big difference, and I cannot put into words the gratitude and joy I saw at every single project.”

Celia added, “Everybody loves to see if they might win. Meanwhile, secretly, all these places are being funded.”

Claudia said, “And it’s all because of National Lottery players.”

Warwick Arts Centre will use the National Lottery funding announced by Celia to host a cinema season called ‘Handle with Care!’ It will include:

• Cosy Classics – a selection of beloved films with a focus on self-care. Audiences will be encouraged to bring blankets, enjoy hot drinks and discuss the films.
• Care on Screen – a selection of contemporary films exploring caregiving roles across different cultures.
• Care Behind the Scenes – screenings and workshops on ethical filmmaking, consent, and community care.

James McEvoy, Screen Producer at Warwick Arts Centre, said: “We were so excited to have film icon Celia Imrie visit us and announce that we’d received an incredible amount of £10,000 of National Lottery funding. Everyone was truly star struck! “

27th November 2025