Overview

• Thelma Barlow, best known as Mavis Wilton on Coronation Street, has come out of retirement at age 95 to star in the short film Sleepless in Settle.
• The 22-minute film follows Barbara, a mother trying to find a partner for her middle-aged son, blending comedic misunderstandings with heartfelt moments.
• The role was specifically written for Barlow by her friend Judy Flynn, who also directed the film and appears in it.
• Filmed over three days with a small crew in Rye, East Sussex, the production offered a low-pressure environment suited to Barlow's preferences.
• The film delivers a refreshing age-positive message, showcasing vitality and humor in later life, which Barlow emphasized in recent interviews.