**Strictly’s Wynne Evans has an Unexpected Connection to Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park**
Wynne Evans, known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, has a surprising link to Steven Spielberg and the iconic film Jurassic Park that helped save an old Welsh cinema. Although Evans is currently captivating audiences on Saturday nights with his performances on the latest season of BBC’s dance competition, his lesser-known connection to Spielberg has a remarkable backstory involving his hometown.
Hailing from Carmarthen, Evans gained fame through Go Compare adverts, winning Celebrity MasterChef, and hosting a daily show on BBC Radio Wales. While his popularity has soared due to his recent stint on Strictly Come Dancing, it was actually his mother who made headlines over 30 years ago for her role in securing a screening of Jurassic Park at their local cinema, the Lyric Theatre.
In a fascinating turn of events, Carmarthen’s then-mayor, Richard Goodridge, and Evans’ mother, Elizabeth Evans, played pivotal roles in bringing Jurassic Park to the Lyric Theatre. Despite initial challenges from a London-based distribution company that had reservations about showing the film in Carmarthen, Mayor Goodridge took matters into his own hands by sending a fax directly to Spielberg’s office in Hollywood.
The efforts of Mayor Goodridge and Mrs. Evans paid off when a print of Jurassic Park was allocated to the Lyric Cinema, not only ensuring that the film was screened but also premiering there before the widespread release in London. This extraordinary tale of community spirit and determination was immortalised in the film “Save the Cinema,” where actress Samantha Morton portrayed Elizabeth Evans and her significant contribution to the local theatre.
The story of how Jurassic Park came to Carmarthen became a symbol of the town’s resilience and the passion of its residents for their cultural heritage. In a touching tribute to this historic event, the Lyric Theatre once again screened Jurassic Park nearly 30 years later, underscoring the enduring impact of Evans and Goodridge’s collaboration in saving the cinema.
Evans’ family legacy, intertwined with the magic of cinema and community support, continues to inspire audiences and highlight the power of individuals coming together to preserve treasured cultural institutions. As Wynne Evans enchants viewers on Strictly Come Dancing, his connection to Jurassic Park serves as a testament to the enduring bond between art, community, and the indomitable Welsh spirit.