British singer-songwriter Lily Allen is set to make her major film debut in an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s 1919 novel Night and Day, marking her first significant role in cinema after years of sporadic acting appearances in television and theatre.
The film, directed by Tina Gharavi and written by Justine Waddell, will premiere as the opening film of the Screen strand at SXSW London 2026, running from June 1 to 6 in the Shoreditch area of London. Allen plays Mary Datchet, an outspoken suffragette and friend to the novel’s protagonist, Katharine Hilbery, portrayed by Haley Bennett. Jack Whitehall stars as William Rodney, Katharine’s suitor, with Jennifer Saunders, Timothy Spall, and Sally Phillips rounding out the supporting cast.
Set in Edwardian London against the backdrop of the suffrage movement and early 20th-century scientific progress, Night and Day follows Katharine Hilbery, a young woman from a literary family who is more interested in astronomy than societal expectations of marriage. As she navigates family pressures and an unwanted engagement, her circle of friends — including the politically active Mary Datchet and lawyer Ralph Denham — challenge her views on love, independence, and tradition.
Allen, known for her chart-topping music career and candid public persona, has previously appeared in television series such as How to Build a Girl and Dreamland, as well as stage productions including 2:22 A Ghost Story and Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman. This role in Night and Day represents her first leading part in a feature film, a milestone highlighted by multiple entertainment outlets covering the project’s announcement.
The adaptation is being positioned as a modern reinterpretation of Woolf’s lesser-known novel, blending romantic comedy with social commentary on gender roles and intellectual ambition in early 1900s Britain. Director Tina Gharavi, a BAFTA and Sundance-nominated filmmaker, brings her signature focus on character-driven narratives to the project, emphasizing the internal struggles of women navigating societal constraints.
Produced for SXSW London, the film will have its world premiere during the festival’s opening weekend before opening in UK cinemas on June 19, 2026. The SXSW London event extends beyond film to include music, technology, and panel discussions, positioning the adaptation as a cultural centerpiece of the transatlantic arts festival’s UK edition.
With a cast blending established British talent and rising stars, the film aims to attract audiences interested in literary adaptations, feminist narratives, and period dramas with contemporary relevance. Allen’s casting has drawn particular attention due to her transition from music to acting, a shift she has discussed openly in past interviews about wanting to explore new creative challenges.
As the release date approaches, promotional activity is expected to increase, with cast interviews and behind-the-scenes content likely to surface through official SXSW London channels and partner media outlets. For updates on screening times, ticket availability, and festival programming, audiences are encouraged to consult the official SXSW London website.
For now, the project stands as a notable moment in Lily Allen’s evolving career — one that bridges her musical identity with a serious foray into dramatic acting, anchored by a literary classic that continues to resonate over a century after its publication.
Share your thoughts on Lily Allen’s film debut and the enduring relevance of Virginia Woolf’s work in the comments below.