A new comedy, to be shown on Apple TV, recently sent cast and crew to film scenes in both Eastbourne and Lewes.
‘The Choir’ will be an eight-episode comedic drama series for Apple TV next year, co-created by and starring Gavin & Stacey duo Ruth Jones and James Corden. Hannah Waddingham, James McAvoy and Jim Broadbent will make guest appearances.
Reporter, Ivana Domozetska spotted the filming at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, where the crew created a fake fun fair. Ivana submitted a report and pictures to the Sussex Express, while photos of Ruth and James were also taken by Sy Martin. We are indebted to both Ivana and Sy for permission to reproduce their images here.
In addition, filming has been carried out in Lewes, with the Oxfam Shop in Cliffe Hill Street being transformed to a post office.
The Choir tells how estranged brother Ben (Corden) returns from abroad to a small coastal English town, reuniting with his sister Lisa (Jones). The siblings, who haven’t spoken in years, are brought back together through a struggling local community choir. The story is partly inspired by real life, as Jones’s sister and Corden’s parents participate in local groups. Corden’s mother sings and his father plays saxophone in an amateur choir.
Eastbourne is becomiig a popular location for television series.
Cast and crew from ITV’s crime drama ‘Grace’ were spotted filming around Eastbourne in September for the show’s upcoming season.
Actors John Simm (Detective Superintendent Roy Grace) and Richie Campbell (DS Glen Branson) were seen on set, and the Congress Theatre was disguised to look like a hotel in Brighton.
Tony Flood spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of Football Monthly, Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with The People before retiring in 2010.
He recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email: tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:www.anderidawriters.co.uk
