Worthing seafront is centre stage for Hollywood hit

Hollywood stars flocked to Worthing as the seafront became the backdrop for a new feature-length film.

Stan & Ollie, starring Steve Coogan and U.S. star John C. Reilly, tells the story of Laurel and Hardy’s final tour in 1953.

As part of their caper, film crews booked out the Worthing Borough Council-owned Lido to capture one of the movie’s crucial scenes.

It is the latest in a series of productions to visit the town in recent years, including television shows such as Cuffs, Don’t Tell The Bride and The Fear.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly and the rest of the crew to Worthing.

“Our town has a fine heritage when it comes to film: from hosting some of the first moving pictures on the pier in the late 19th Century through to providing locations for more contemporary shows in recent years.

“I can’t wait to see our town become the backdrop to the comic capers of Stan and Ollie, whose presence will help continue to put Worthing on the map.”

The BBC film sees the comic duo visit a number of music halls across the UK to entertain their fans one last time.

It has been written by Jeff Pope, who worked with Coogan on Oscar-nominated Philomena.

The key scene shot in Worthing features Laurel and Hardy judging a beauty pageant.

To accommodate the film crew, some parking bays were suspended for a day and agreement was sought with the leaseholder of the Lido as the rides were relocated for a day.

Councillor Jenkins said:

“I want to thank the tourism and events team at the council, the leaseholder of the lido and the wider population for helping make this happen.

“I’m sure seeing the town on the big screen will give our four million visitors a year one more reason to Discover Worthing.”

Councillor Sean McDonald, the outgoing Mayor of Worthing, who is a big fan of the comic duo, said:

"I am absolutely delighted that the new Laurel & Hardy film is being filmed in my home town of Worthing. This is the perfect location for this great comedy duo.  

“I am a long time fan of the boys and a member of their fan club The Sons Of The Desert. I hope that the film is a great success and it just emphasises the opportunities available in Worthing."