Vanessa Redgrave, Gemma Arterton, Terence Stamp and Christopher Eccleston have all signed onto star in the upcoming British comedic drama ‘Song for Marion,’ Collider is reporting. The movie, which is set to start filming on July 18, 2011, will be directed by Paul Andrew Williams, who also wrote the screenplay.

Steel Mill Pictures and Coolmore Productions are producing ‘Song for Marion,’ which will be shot in North East England, primarily in County Durham. The film, which is set in London, follows a grumpy retired man named Arthur (played by Stamp), who reluctantly joins a highly unconventional local choir after his wife Marion’s (played by Redgrave) urging.

Arthur, who’s at odds with his son James (portrayed by Eccleston), is encouraged to embrace life by the choir director Elizabeth (played by Arterton). Through music, Arthur embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Williams has said ‘Song for Marion’ is “a story which is not only incredibly personal to me, but to many families and generations around the world. To see it brought to life by such an incredible and dynamic cast is not only massively exciting but also totally nerve racking!”

One of ‘Song for Marion’s producers, Ken Marshall, has described the film as hilarious, and hopes it will make audiences laugh and cry. “We took our time with this project as we knew we had to get the casting right to do it justice,” he added.

Written by: Karen Benardello