Stan & Ollie Opens in UK Cinemas

Stan & Ollie Bristol:

Laurel & Hardy biopic, Stan & Ollie, has opened in UK cinemas, with Bristol residents playing spot the location.

The new movie staring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the famous comedy duo, used many of Bristol’s historic locations during filming.

Princes Wharf on Bristol’s harbourside was used as the Irish docks the pair arrive at as part of their variety hall tour in 1953. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice The Balmoral ship as well as the exterior of the Bristol Hippododrome.

BAFTA annouced that the film has been nominated for three 2019 EE British Acadamy Film Awards: Outstanding British Film, Best Actor (Steve Coogan) and Make Up & Hair.

“One of the most memorable days [of the shoot] was when we recreated Cobh Harbor in Ireland.,” Stan & Ollie Producer Faye Ward says.

“We couldn’t actually go to Cobh Harbor, so we cheated it in Bristol Harbour, which was fantastic. It was a sunny day and we had this incredible vintage ship there and had about 350 extras, all dressed in Irish textures along with authentic reproduced banners and we recreated that wonderful arrival. The Irish church at Cobh Harbor played the Cuckoo Waltz, through the bells, for their arrival, which was really wonderful. And it was their journey from England to Ireland at the last moment of their tour…It was a very special day and I am sure that will come across in the film.

“The Balmoral was a gem of a find. Its conserved beauty was the perfect setting for a crucial moment in the film and we couldn’t have done it without the wonderful support of Bristol.”

The movie is inspired by the real life events of the comedy duo as they embarked on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland.

www.stanandollie.co.uk