Film Notes

Seaside Special review – a heartfelt time capsule of Brexit-divided Britain.

Jens Meurer’s film, beautifully shot in the summer of 2019 in Cromer on the Norfolk coast, is refreshingly free of cynicism.

German filmmaker Jens Meurer has had a huge success in his native land with this vivid and richly affectionate anglophile documentary. I think I can see why, and it could even turn into a German national TV tradition – like Dinner for One, the English-language drawing room comedy sketch that the Germans love watching at Christmas. Could it be that a German documentary about an English seaside town will show us all the way ahead, and heal the psychic wounds of Brexit?

Seaside Special is all about Cromer on the north Norfolk coast in the distant summer of 2019 – and mostly about all the local people preparing to take part in the annual end-of-the-pier show, the last of its kind in the UK, or for that matter the world. This theatrical event itself looks like a terrifically enjoyable variety gang show: with naughty gags, brassy musical numbers, Hollywood homages and pop songs. It is a bit like the BBC’s 70s programme Seaside Special (does Meurer really know about that?) or the old kids’ TV show Crackerjack.

Cromer, as Meurer’s film is quick to tell us, was overwhelmingly for Brexit but, interestingly, the tone of his film isn’t condescending or derogatory – perhaps because, to Germans, the leavers and the remainers both look like wacky Pythonesque British eccentrics. Meurer interviews leavers includer a fisher who we see bobbing thoughtfully about in his boat, just next to the pier, explaining why he’s against the EU. Then we talk to some of the showbusiness folk who are broadly in favour of staying. But they have no ill-will towards neighbours who feel differently. People talk animatedly about feeling European and also feeling British, and it doesn’t occur to anyone to start a fight about it.

There is always a kind of rackety glamour and melancholy in the end-of-the-pier idea, and at times this reminds me, just a bit, of Ken Russell’s The Boy Friend. I suspect, though, a British feature film or documentary on the same subject would have opted for miserablism and found an end-of-the-pier show that was just about to close down for ever. Meurer has instead found a show that is a big success, in rude commercial health and doing its bit to keep Brexit Britain together.

Seaside Special is a time capsule for that almost forgotten era: after the Brexit vote, but before Covid, when the nation was convulsed by daily headlines about hard Brexit, soft Brexit, leaving with a deal, leaving without a deal, and whether or not Theresa May was a more impressive politician than Boris Johnson. The show goes on and the politicians’ incompetence is resolutely ignored. There are some Johnson fans here, of course, and the show itself is a little like Boris, only without the cynicism and mendacity.

There is a strange and heartbreakingly sad footnote: standup comic Paul Eastwood, a cruise-ship veteran and Cromer show regular who was hugely loved by the audiences here, and sometimes shown in sad-clown mode pensively smoking, died in an accident just after this film was made.

When the cast perform their heartfelt rendition of We’re Off to See the Wizard from The Wizard of Oz followed by Daft Punk’s Get Lucky, it is unironically brilliant. The Cromer end-of-the-pier show should run all year: maybe they can do a residency in Hamburg.

Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 31/3/2023.

A German documentary examines the very English phenomenon of the end-of-pier variety show.

Regardless of any reservations that I have about this film, I feel sure that it will be a hit with the right audience and it has already proved highly popular in Germany. Seaside Special was shot in Cromer, Norfolk but it is not surprising that the film appeared in Germany before reaching the UK because it is the work of Jens Meurer who comes from that country. Furthermore, this filmmaker is far better known there than he is here. However, despite his nationality Meurer has spent time in a number of other countries and has made documentaries in those locations. As for this new project, Meurer already knew England since he had studied at Baliol College in Oxford in the 1980s and he has clearly developed a fondness for the UK since when this film’s title comes up it also carries the inscription "A love letter from Europe".

From that it might be assumed that Meurer’s chief focus is on Cromer as a typically English seaside resort and one whose inhabitants are engagingly representative in tone, outlook and character of what Meurer regards as being quintessentially English. But, in point of fact, there is a strong case for saying that in Seaside Special Cromer comes second to a study of the theatre at the end of its pier which for years has regularly put on a summer show. Even if this entertainment is not so very different from the kind of show still staged on many cruise ships that set off from these shores, the style of it can be seen as deriving from the bills once found in the variety theatres of Britain. Indeed, the professional company that is assembled each year includes comics, singers, dancers, an impressionist and a magician. When filming took place in 2019 this offering, the Cromer Pier Show, had become the last surviving example of its kind to be found anywhere in the world. Although at its close the film expresses uncertainty about the show’s future, Covid has not been a death blow since I see that a 2024 show has been announced online.

The first half of Seaside Special balances these two aspects rather well. Mainly built around the show, the film introduces us to those behind the scenes such as the general manager, the producer, the director and the designer and also to the leading performers. These early scenes come under the heading ‘Spring’ and consequently we see the assembling of the company, glimpse rehearsals and observe the build-up to the opening night in the Pavilion Theatre. Marlene Duniam who runs a school of dancing in Cromer supplies the children for the show and is just one of the locals that we meet. Others range from a fisherman to a LibDem councillor. In this way we gain an impression of the townsfolk and one sufficient for us to be aware of the split in opinion over Brexit. If such footage captures attitudes that can be considered typically English while reflecting the outlook of both the young and the old, seen today Seaside Special also captures what now seems like a bygone age: this is England before the full impact of Brexit was felt and ahead of the arrival of Covid on our shores.

Despite the other elements that are present in Meurer’s film, I feel that it is the show that lies at its heart. But there is a drawback to that since, while the lead up to opening night initially provides the film with an effective shape, Seaside Special continues thereafter with all sorts of bits and pieces shot during the summer. Here we still get snippets from the show but they are interspersed with odds and ends: news headlines about the doings of Boris Johnson, background stories revealed in comments made by the show artists, street footage of Carnival Day in Cromer and a variety of comments from its inhabitants among them a young man who is Caribbean. These segments are not without value and there are some fine comic moments among them, but the mixture no longer blends readily to make a satisfactory whole. However, once the film is drawing to a close, it can firmly come back to the show by choosing to make its closing night the climax.

I started out by saying that I believed that this warm-hearted and affectionate film would have strong appeal for the right audience and I would define that audience as being first and foremost those who love films about working in the theatre. While the artists who take the stage here are professionals, I think that anybody involved in amateur theatricals would take a special delight in following the Cromer Pier Show through the season. But those more inclined to be critical may share my feeling that the second half of Seaside Special is uneasily split between its two aims. Nevertheless, this is a distinctly likeable piece and I wish it well.

MANSEL STIMPSON, Film Review, October 2023.

What you thought about Seaside Special

Film Responses

Collated Response Comments

154 members and guests attended this screening. 93 responses gave a film score of 4.43 and response rate of 60%. Attendance was 60 % of membership. The largest  audience before this was for A Man Called Ove in December 2017 which was 184. 

All of your responses are shown below.

“I am curious as to exactly why this was a hit in Germany. Also, though it is not at any point pretending to be unbiased, what amount of inconvenient content was ignored? The show appears to come together with none of the tears, tantrums and toys exiting prams usually associated with theatrical endeavour, the professionals are all quirky individualists pursuing an art they love but fully understand their precarious position. An attitude echoed by most of the townsfolk in terms of thoughts on the town, the country, the EU and even weapons grade twerp Bojo. The wry, self-deprecating humour and stoicism of the interviewees gives the film much of its feelgood charm and is perhaps how we see ourselves at our best, muddling along in hope of a brighter dawn. Perhaps the Germans liked the particularly laid-back version of 'The ride of the Valkyries'”.

“Thank you - what a treat! Not only a very funny and enjoyable short film to start but also the wonderful, amusing and nostalgic documentary on Cromer and the End of the Pier show - makes me want to book tickets having seen the devotion and hard work that goes into it and glad to see that somethings still survive post Brexit and Covid”.

“What a gem. So much to laugh about, including ourselves against a Brexit backdrop”.

“Great start to the new year and good to see the hall as full as I can remember. Vegan was one of the best shorts to date and Seaside Special was just that. Having never been to an end of the pier show it was interesting to see the level of work and devotion that goes into making this one such a success. The recognition by the "stars" of their limitations and lack of fame was touching, given their love of what they do and determination to pursue their career. Clever interweaving of the divisive politics of the time with everyday lives and humour. Very sad to learn that Paul, the relatively young MC, had died shortly after this was filmed, leaving a wife and young child behind. Another good choice. Thanks”.

“The short film Vegan was one of the best shorts, with a clear topic, entertaining performances (suited to the farce), and fun and colourful visuals. Seaside Special was charming, with many underlying themes subtly told through beautifully shot sea scenes. The music was nice. Somehow, I felt a sense of poignancy due to its reflections on recent years--on Brexit and then its impact, followed by COVID (which no one was expecting) and the resulting struggles of the theatre industry. Is the festival still going? Whatever happened, the documentary film served as an introduction to how the entertainment industry nourishes the soul, showcasing the passion and dedication of everyone involved. (It's truly sad to learn that Paul, the comedian, died in an accident. RIP)”.

“I found it very interesting how the two themes worked so well together. Following the development of the unique Cromer end of the pier show & the impact of the national political picture on the local people of Cromer. There were some clever scenes with music, food, etc that were clearly "European" juxtapositioned with pro/ anti Europe sentiments”.

“I found this film interesting. The two stories, the Cromer 'end of the pier' show, & the national political scenario at that summer, somehow worked together! It did not take too much imagination to see how the show could be an allegory for Britain & Europe... it also reminded me of the work of the photographer Martin Parr's work... a good snapshot of an aspect of quirky British traditional entertainment and how politically naive too many Brits are!”

“Joyous - full of nostalgia and fun. The juxtaposition between the lovable characters and the naivety of the Brexit voters was staggering but not surprising!”.

“Vegan – very funny”. “Most enjoyable”.

“Really entertaining and very well made – loved the humour and in the context of Brexit, really gave it an edge”.

“What fab entertainment! Sensitive, funny, brilliantly produced and directed – real feel-good film. Just what we need during these times……!!”

“Brilliant – perhaps only somebody from outside could have achieved this”.

“Absolutely fabulous – what fun”. “Superb and original”. “Fab”.

“Great reminder of the essence of theatre”.

“Charming…. P. S.  b******* to Brexit”. “Vegan was very funny”.

“Sadder than I expected…...and the saga rumbles on”.

“A very amusing and heartfelt film”. “Well done. Thoughtful”. “Loved it”.

“So beautifully done. Absolutely loved it. Brought back so many wonderful memories for me”.

“Brilliantly captured the characters at Cromer Seaside Special. Loved it”.

“Short was good too”. “Brilliant – pathos, humour and much more”.

“Just lovely”. “Both films were excellent. Very funny and enjoyable”.

“Vegan – very clever and funny. Wonderful final shot! Cromer – so well constructed. Totally engaging and has stood the test of time. Good to recall the chaos of Brexit”.

“Very striking scenes. Captured a moment in time”.

“Film of the season”. “More”. “Loved it”.

“A fascinating insight into how other nations see the British. Thoroughly enjoyable”.

“Interesting perspective”. “Very entertaining”.

“Not quite what I was expecting but interesting and enjoyable”

“Different from anything shown before. Very interesting and enjoyable”.

“Really enjoyed the film. An interesting observation of English life – from a German perspective”.

“The actual show was really excellent, as was the parade. Not so sure about the outside…...but ending struck right note and people”.

“Very nice…. could have been a bit shorter”. “Bizarre yet somehow charming”.

“More documentaries please”.

“Very unusual and very entertaining”. “Lovely different film”.

“The Germans didn’t want us to leave. Nor did we! Evocative of that troubled year”.

“Very good. Very enjoyable”. I thoroughly enjoyed it”.

“Sadly, without subtitles I could only understand one word in ten”.

“Very successful melding of different strands. Did drag a little towards the end. Amazing eye for typical humorous traits”.

“Feel good film, interesting look at Brexit”. “Enjoyed both films”.

“What was the point of that? Not a bad film, funny in places – but just not very interesting. Nd reliving Brexit was painful”.

“No thinking required - sometimes this is a good thing”.