Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Kelechi Anucha

Nigel Cole to take Fisherman's Friends to the big screen

The story of Cornish sea shanty group the Fisherman's Friends is to be made into a film. The good news will be welcomed by supporters of the band still mourning the death of singer Trevor Grills and tour manager Paul McMullen, who died in an accident at the G Live theatre venue in Guildford earlier this year.

Reading on mobile? Watch the band's video here

The film, to be directed by Nigel Cole, will chart a journey that started in a pub in Port Isaac and led to the Sunday morning slot on the main stage of Glastonbury festival in 2011. The 10-strong group of fishermen, coastguards and lifeboatmen gained a boost after DJ Johnnie Walker heard them play while on holiday in the Cornish village. A £1m record deal soon followed.

Cole, the director of hit comedies Calendar Girls, Made in Dagenham and the Port Isaac-set Saving Grace, told the BBC he was looking forward to transforming the band's success story into a "truly British film". He is working alongside St Trinian's scriptwriters Nick Moorcroft and Piers Ashworth.

The youngest member of the Fisherman's Friends is 45, the oldest is 80. No casting details have yet been announced, but filming is set to begin in spring 2014.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.