Watch Blackpool

Blackpool is a British television drama, aired on BBC One in 2004. The series, consisting of 6 episodes, was created by Peter Bowker and directed by Coky Giedroyc. It is set in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire, and focuses on the story of a charismatic entrepreneur, Ripley Holden, portrayed by David Morrissey, who is determined to bring the town back to its former glory through a grandiose entertainment complex, the Wonderland.

Ripley Holden is a flawed character, with a confident and slightly arrogant attitude, a tendency for recklessness and an inability to be faithful to his wife, Natalie, played by Sarah Parish. Ripley is convinced that the success of his project is the key to revive Blackpool's economy, to give the town a new identity and purpose. Natalie, on the other hand, is less enthusiastic about Wonderland, and is struggling to keep the family together amidst her husband's increasingly erratic behavior.

Their daughter, Shyanne, portrayed by Georgia Taylor, is a talented performer who hopes to make a career in show business, but faces challenges both from within her family and from the outside world. Shyanne has a complicated relationship with her father, who sees in her the potential that he failed to exploit in his own youth.

Another key character is Danny Holden, played by Thomas Morrison, Ripley's loyal and supportive younger brother, who works for him as a bouncer and helps him with the Wonderland project. Danny is a voice of reason, and tries to mediate between Ripley, Natalie and Shyanne, even as he gets dragged into Ripley's schemes.

The chief antagonist of the series is Adrian Marr, portrayed by Steve Pemberton, a wealthy businessman and a potential investor in Wonderland, who has a hidden agenda and a personal vendetta against Ripley. Marr's manipulative tactics and Machiavellian nature create a sense of tension and conflict throughout the series.

The plot thickens when Mark Reed, played by Joe Armstrong, a young man from Manchester, is found dead on the beach, and the investigation is led by DI Carlisle, played by David Tennant. Carlisle is an astute detective who uncovers a web of secrets and lies that implicate several characters and complicate Ripley's plans for Wonderland.

The show features a wide range of musical performances, dance numbers and cabaret acts that punctuate the narrative and add to the atmosphere of the seaside town. The music is an eclectic mix of pop, rock, jazz and ballads, performed by both established and emerging artists, such as Elvis Costello, Mavericks, Raul Malo, Bryan Ferry, and Lisa Stansfield.

Blackpool is a compelling drama that blends elements of crime, romance, comedy, and musical theater in a unique and vibrant way. The characters are complex and flawed, the dialogue is sharp and witty, the visuals are colorful and eye-catching, and the soundtrack is diverse and engaging. The show captures the spirit of a town that is trying to reinvent itself and the people who are struggling to find their place in it.

Blackpool is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between November 11, 2004 and on BBC one