Mindhorn, starring Julian Barratt, Simon Farnaby, Essie Davis, Russell Tovey and Steve Coogan, arrives in UK cinemas May 5^th  – and to celebrate we’re launching a very special competition!

Inspired by the film’s character The Kestrel and his love of plasticine, we’re inviting The Velvet Onion readers to submit their own plasticine creations to help Mindhorn solve the worst crime the Isle of Man has ever seen.  The best entry will win its maker a limited edition signed poster.

We know how creative you lovely lot can be (remember our Luxury Comedy bake off a couple of years ago?), so let your imaginations fly!

We’re looking for plasticine creations which are inspired by the film. Have a look at our introduction to Mindhorn, take a look at the trailer below, or have a read of this short synopsis for a few helpful pointers if you haven’t seen it yet:

Washed-up Richard Thorncroft (Julian) peaked with hit 1980s detective show Mindhorn, playing the titular Isle of Man sleuth with a robotic eye that allowed him to literally “see the truth”. Decades later, when a deranged Manx criminal demands Mindhorn as his nemesis, Thorncroft returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs for one last chance to reignite his glory days, professional credibility and even romance with former co-star/paramour Patricia Deville (Essie Davis).

To be in with a chance of winning the signed limited edition film poster, create a Mindhorn themed plasticine creation (or draw it if you don’t have any playdoh!), and tweet a photo of it to @TheVelvetOnion with the hashtag #Mindhorncomp
by 11:59pm on Tuesday 9th May.

We’ll choose a winner from the entries received, and will be in touch with them via email.  Apologies to our overseas readers, but unfortunately we’re only able to open this competition to UK residents. For the full terms and conditions, please see the small print below – it should answer any questions you might have about the competition.

Don’t forget, Mindhorn is in cinemas on 5th May. For updates and news about the film, visit the film’s website,  or twitter feed. We’ll be reviewing it next week, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

For anyone new to The Velvet Onion, here’s some extra background information about the film: Directed by Sean Foley from a script based on a Simon Farnaby (Yonderland, Horrible Histories) original idea, and co-written by 2016 BIFA nominated Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh) and Farnaby, MINDHORN is British comedy at its best. The film stars Julian Barratt as Richard Thorncroft / Mindhorn and Simon Farnaby as Clive Parnevik, they are joined by Essie Davis, Russell Tovey, Andrea Riseborough, Jessica Barden, Harriet Walter, and Steve Coogan.

Competition Terms & Conditions:
Competition promoter is: The Velvet Onion. Open to UK residents only. Competition will close at 11.59pm on 9th May. Entries sent after the closing date will not be considered.
To be in with a chance of winning, entrants must submit their own original ‘plasticine’ photo. Eligible entries must be tweeted to @TheVelvetOnion with the hashtag #Mindhorncomp.
All images submitted must be the work of the individual and must not have been published elsewhere. Entrants are responsible to ensure that any images they submit do not infringe the copyright of any third party or any laws. Entrants must warrant that the photograph they are submitting is their own work and that they own the copyright for it.
Entries will be judged by The Velvet Onion staff and The Velvet Onion will select the winner. 1 (one) winner will receive a signed Mindhorn poster. The prize will be delivered to the winners within 28 days of confirmation of delivery address. Winner will be notified via Twitter direct message requesting email details. Winner’s name, address and contact details will be requested for prize fulfilment. Failure to reply to notification within 2 weeks renders the competition void.
The Editor’s decision is final and binding on the entrants. No correspondence will be entered into.
Copyright on all images submitted for this competition remains with the respective entrants. However, on entering the competition entrants grant permission to The Velvet Onion or the film’s distributor to feature any or all of the submitted images on their website.
Prize winners may be required to take part in reasonable post-competition publicity for The Velvet Onion and may be filmed, photographed or otherwise recorded by The Velvet Onion or third parties for publicity and he/she consents to the use of his/her personal data for such purposes.
There is no cash alternative to the Prize, which is subject to availability, non-transferable, non-negotiable and non-refundable. Prize may not be sold, offered for sale or used in connection with any other competition or promotion by the Prize winner.
Prize details are correct at the date of this Agreement. Events may occur that render the competition itself or the awarding of Prizes impossible due to unforeseen circumstances or reasons beyond the control of The Velvet Onion. In this situation, the editor may at its discretion vary or amend Prizes so as to provide reasonable alternative Prizes and Prize winners agree that no liability shall attach to The Velvet Onion or parties connected to The Velvet Onion as a result.