Blackpool’s illuminated Frigate 736, AKA ‘HMS Blackpool’, was out on the promenade for an unusual private hire on Monday 10th June. Comedian Harry Hill is currently shooting scenes for his first ever feature film in Blackpool, and 736 was requested for a filming assignment on this evening.
The Frigate was used to provide an appropriate backdrop for the filming session, but with several takes required, the tram ended up shuttling between North Pier and Pleasure Beach several times, to ensure that the film makers could get the shots they wanted. This meant that for much of the evening, 736 was running backwards – presumably when it comes to editing the footage, it will be ensured that the tram is facing the right way around in the actual film! However, this did add even more novelty value to what was already a rare appearance for the tram. This was only 736‘s second outing of the year, as following some criticism last season, Blackpool Transport have made a concerted effort not to use the illuminated cars on daytime heritage tram tours anymore.
The imaginatively titled ‘Harry Hill Movie’ boasts an all-star cast including Julie Walters, Matt Lucas and Sheridan Smith. It tells the story of Harry’s road trip to Blackpool, after finding out that his pet hamster is seriously ill and promises to entertain the whole family.
Incidentally, the only currently operational tram in the heritage fleet which has not yet run in 2013 is the illuminated Trawler 737, so perhaps it would have been nice if this had been used for the filming instead of 736. After all, I like the Trawler, but I also like the Frigate – but which is better? There’s only one way to find out…. FIGHT!!!