New Sky drama filming in Birkdale this morning

30th November 2021

A new period drama set in the 60’s is filming in Birkdale this morning.

An adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel Funny Girl, set to star Gemma Arteton, is filming outside Brough’s Butchers in Birkdale village.

Sky say the show: “is about a young woman from Blackpool finding her comic voice in the male dominated world of the 1960s sitcom.”

A full camera crew has taken over the street and a number of 60’s period vehicles were also on display.

The initial run will comprise of 6 episodes and also features  Shaneless’ David Threlfall

The show was announced in August, a release date has not been confirmed.

Gemma Arterton said: “It’s a heart-warming story of an ambitious woman with a dream of making people laugh – it’s going to be something special. It’s an honour to be working with such an incredible team and be reunited with my first ever director, Oliver Parker.”

Director of Comedy for Sky Studios, Jon Mountague, said: “With Morwenna Banks’ brilliant script, this was the perfect opportunity to bring a contemporary take on this inspiring story. Funny, smart and revealing – exactly what a Sky Original comedy should be, and we can’t wait”