“Niftie Swiftie”: An 83-Year-Old’s Surreal Day with a Superstar
Barrie Reynolds, a regular with the St Nicholas Players in Ringwold, was cast as a judge in the surreal, 1980s-inspired video. Reynolds traveled from Capel-le-Ferne to North London via a taxi sent by the production team because early morning trains were unavailable.
Highlights from the Set of “Opalite”
- The Score: In the video’s climax—a quirky dance contest at The Whitgift Centre in Croydon—Reynolds plays a judge who scores Swift a zero.
- The Nickname: Unimpressed by her fame but impressed by her footwork, Reynolds dubbed the singer “Niftie Swiftie” due to her speed during the choreography.
- The Interaction: Despite high security, Reynolds praised Swift as “kind and compassionate,” noting that she took the time to chat with everyone on set.
“I’m afraid I had no idea who she was,” Reynolds told BBC Radio Kent. “I only became aware of her after I read about her tour in the newspaper shortly before the assignment.”
Inside the “Opalite” Music Video: A Graham Norton Reunion
The “Opalite” video has gained massive traction for its star-studded “school project” feel. The idea was sparked during Swift’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show in late 2025.
- The Cast: The video features a reunion of Swift’s fellow sofa guests, including Domhnall Gleeson (who plays her romantic interest), Lewis Capaldi, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Graham Norton himself.
- The Cameo: The video also features a surprise voiceover from Cillian Murphy.
- The Aesthetic: Filmed across London—including the Mildmay Club and the retro-transformed Whitgift Centre—the video utilizes “gigantic scrunchies,” camcorder footage, and a 1990s mall aesthetic.