In Inspiration

Our friends at VisitBritain have launched a new campaign - #StarringGreatBritain - celebrating the country’s starring role on both the big and small screen. This has inspired us to turn the spotlight on Brighton. 

Join us as we take a tour around the city and discover which films and TV shows have included a starring role for Brighton...

Brighton Station

🎬 Brighton Rock (1947) - one of the most famous films shot in Brighton, the opening sequence of Graham Greene’s thriller takes place at Brighton’s stunning Victorian Station.

🎬 Oh!, What a Lovely War (1969) also features Brighton Station.

The Lanes & North Laine

🎬 Brighton Rock (1947) - local scenes were shot in The Lanes & North Laine area.

🎬 Quadrophenia (1979) - depicts Mods & Rockers fighting it out in The Lanes. A major scene takes place in an a little alleyway of East Street, where two lovers escape the police. The alley has since become a shrine to Mods from all around the world.

🎬 Brighton Rock (1947) – The Star & Garter pub features prominently in the film.

🎬 Grace (2021 – present) – The episode Dead Tomorrow was filmed on Ship Street, Bond Street and Jew Street.

Royal Pavilion & Brighton Musuem

🎬 Richard III (1995) – this Shakespeare interpretation with Ian McKellan, features Brighton’s famous palace.

🎬 End of the Affair (1999) - the film starring Ralph Fiennes & Julianne Moore, includes a scene at the Royal Pavilion.

🎬 Brighton Rock (1947) - the character Kolly Kibber is seen running through the Pavilion area.

🎬 On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) – this Barbara Streisand classic features the Royal Pavilion.

🎬 My Policeman (2022) – Several key scenes of the period drama starring Harry Styles were filmed at the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum.

🎬 Wicked (2024) – The set design for Shiz University was inspired by the iconic dome windows of the Royal Pavilion.

🎬 The Sandman (date tbc) – Netflix’s The Sandman is returning in 2025 and viewers will be treated to some scenes shot at the iconic Royal Pavilion.

Theatre Royal Brighton

🎬 Bridgerton (2020 - present) - In the first series of Bridgerton you can spot our beautiful Theatre Royal Brighton. 

Regency Square

🎬 My Policeman (2022) – The iconic square was transported back to the 1950s for this drama based on the novel by Bethan Roberts.

Brighton Beach & Seafront

🎬 The Persuaders: Sporting Chance (1973) – this Roger Moore outing included key beach scenes.

🎬 End of the Affair (1999) - includes scenes shot beneath the King’s Road Arches.

🎬 Circus (2000) – this John Hannah thriller includes scenes on the beach west of Brighton Palace Pier.

🎬 Me Without You (2001) - Anna Friel & Michelle Williams come of age, with key scenes on the seafront.

🎬 Ashes & Sand (2003) – this film about a teenage gang shows much of Brighton seafront.

🎬 Quadrophenia (1979) - Mods & Rockers fight it out on Brighton seafront to the sounds of The Who.

Brighton Palace Pier

🎬 Mona Lisa (1986) – the 80s Bob Hoskins crime thriller includes scenes on Brighton Palace Pier.

🎬 Circus (2000) - this film was partly shot on Brighton Palace Pier.

🎬 Brighton Rock (1947) – the character Kolly Kibber dies on Brighton Palace Pier.

🎬 Grace (2021 – present) – The pier is a regular feature of the gritty crime drama starring John Simm as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. The series is based on the best-selling books by Peter James. 

🎬 My Policeman (2022) – For this period drama starring Harry Styles and Emma Corrin, the pier was given a 1950s makeover.

West Pier

🎬 Oh!, What a Lovely War (1969) - was shot on the West Pier before the landward end disappeared.

🎬 Loot (1970) - based on the Joe Orton play, opens on West Pier.

🎬 Villain (1971) - this film starring Richard Burton, features a sequence on West Pier.

🎬 Carry on at your Convenience (1971) - features employees from W C Boggs & Co visiting West Pier.

Madeira Drive

🎬 Genevieve (1953) - the finale was shot here.

🎬 Circus (2000) - includes scenes on Madeira Drive.

🎬 Wimbledon (2004) – love, set & match for Kirsten Dunst & Paul Bettany, with key scenes on Madeira Drive.

🎬 End of the Affair (1999) - shows Madeira Drive arches.

Kemptown

🎬 Behind Her Eyes (2021) – A café in Kemptown is featured in the thrilling final episode of this Netflix drama based on the novel by Sarah Pinborough.  

🎬 Brighton Rock (2010) – While the majority of this version of Graham Greene’s novel was actually filmed in Eastbourne, viewers can still see the iconic Royal Pavilion and Duke’s Mound on the seafront.

Brunswick Square & Adelaide Crescent

🎬 Genevieve (1953) - key scenes for the lovable London to Brighton veteran car rally rivalry film, were shot around Brunswick Square.

🎬 Dirty Weekend (1983) – a key part of Michael Winner’s revenge film was filmed here.

🎬 Me Without You (2001) - includes key scenes shot in Adelaide Crescent.

🎬 My Policeman (2022 ) – Harry Styles was spotted alongside a police box in this beautiful, regency square.

Saltdean Lido

🎬 The Death of Bunny Munro (date tbc) – The upcoming television adaptation of the Nick Cave book includes scenes filmed at the art deco lido, other scenes were filmed in the Hanover area of the city.

Bonus secret location

🎬 We can’t reveal the exact location as it was filmed on private land but part of last year’s epic blockbuster Gladiator II was filmed in Brighton!

Starring Sussex

Movie fans can also use Brighton as a base to experience Sussex locations which have appeared on screen. Here are a couple to look out for:

🎥 Beachy Head – The dramatic cliffs have featured in Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire, The Living Daylights, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Quadrophenia.

🎥 Littlehampton & Arundel – The true-life comedy drama Wicked Little Letters is set in Littlehampton and while some scenes were filmed in the town, most of the filming was done at Arundel.

🎥 Petworth House & Park – Ridley Scott’s epic drama Napoleon was filmed at the house and the park can be spotted in Maleficent.

🎥 Cuckmere Haven – This beautiful country spot has featured in Atonement and most recently appears in Wicked.

🎥 Eastbourne – Our neighbour along the coast doubles up as Brighton in the 2010 version of Brighton Rock and can also be seen in Netflix’s The Crown.  

Sussex Film Office

If you are a film maker looking for a location for your film or TV series and would like our city to play a starring role then get in touch with Sussex Film Office as they can support you through every step of the process. Find out more at: sussexfilmoffice.co.uk

Charlotte

Related

0 Comments

Comments

Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?

Leave a Reply