Quirky portrayal of Brexit Britain proves surprise hit in Germany

A German film director’s whimsical and heartfelt portrait of Cromer has become an unexpected hit among audiences and critics in his home country, sparking an interest in the town on the north Norfolk coast.

- Kate Connolly

Seaside Special follows the town as it prepares for its annual end-of the-pier variety show a burlesque mix of song and dance, standup comedy and slapstick performed twice a day for three months in the summer of 2019. The film is set against the backdrop of clashing views within the community over Brexit.

Its director, Jens Meurer, said that in Cromer he had discovered a very filmic microcosm” of Brexit Britain.

“It was a great relief to discover that despite such politically charged times, Britain having slammed the door on the EU so loudly, a quintessential Britain that we love that is decent and funny, eccentric and compassionate, still exists,” he said.