Review: Blackpool by Phil Pearson is ‘a love letter to Blackpool, the good, the bad and the ugly’

Local writer Phil Pearson found his calling when he began working as a journalist.

He cannot recall a time when he did not love words. It was whilst studying at night school that he recalls discovering Arthur Miller’s brilliant play Death of A Salesman.

This caused a lightbulb moment and he decided he wanted to write plays.

Last year he had a new collection of plays published, including his most famous one, which was stage again recently, Blackpool, What a Shit Place to Die!

Blackpool, a short film by Phil Pearson

He has revisited this piece but in the form of a short film called Blackpool. The essence of the play remains, but it is a different beast, as opposed to a retread.

Blackpool is a place which divides people.

You either love the kiss me quick and candy floss approach of the place or hate it.

And beneath the arcades and Pleasure Beach, there have been attempts to create jobs here, so that young people have more of a choice when it comes to employment opportunities.

Following Billy around Blackpool

In the short film Blackpool, we follow Billy as he explores the place on a day out.

But he has chosen it as a place to end his life.

This black comedy explores mental health through terrific sound design and brilliant editing.

We get to experience being in the protagonist’s head as he walks the infamous Blackpool mile for the last time.

Shane Meadows is a big fan

Director Shane Meadows loves this short, and you can see why. It reminds you of his work, as there is the grittiness and raw appeal that you see in the likes of This is England.

And the film is unafraid to go to places that any short film would avoid.

I found myself drawn to the things Billy is not saying.

The film enables you to see what makes him tick, and this means that his ultimate despair is totally believable and there is good Northern humour waiting in the wings to punctuate the sadness.

Andrew Ellis plays Billy and he imbues him with so much more than the predicament that he finds himself in.

Whether he is delivering Phil Pearson’s Parklife-style ode to Blackpool or living in his own head, he commands your attention throughout.

This short is a love letter to Blackpool; the good, the bad and the ugly sides.

But ultimately, it is viewed as a saucy postcard of a place, where something funny awaits you, whatever your state of mind at the time.

How to see Blackpool by Phil Pearson

You can view the Blackpool trailer here and look out for this short at film festivals and at HOME soon.