Now, I am quite a fan of the aforementioned Ms Portas.
But last night's documentary didn't quite hit the spot. I was hoping for an all-round view of people's opinion and some depth to how the area has suffered in recent times; admittedly, these (and others) are issues that are difficult to fit into an hours television but it didn't quite work - there was huge focus on Mary's efforts to be allowed into the town regeneration committee, as well as a slightly nauseating obsession with "Billy", a beleagured gift shop owner on the front who didn't quite believe his luck in gaining so much of Ms Portas' attention.
The end result was half of Chas and Dave in the High Street with some street entertainers, whilst showing some of the reinvigorated Old Town and fairground rides which were there anyway, plus some discounted train tickets from London. I don't feel that it really did anything - it didn't put the residents in a particulary good light, it showed how disjointed public opinion was in the area and, from all the press there has been since and during the production, it has only served to create some tension locally.
Her intentions were clearly positive; it wouldn't have been hugely difficult to create a more sensationalist style of programme but this avenue wasn't explored, but neither did it particulary endear the area or the people to the casual viewer. I don't think it would have changed many people's opinions, or inspired people to visit - the "light-hearted" moments seemed quite awkwardly predictible and insipid.
Campaign-wise, there were a lot of mentions about Dreamland and the Heritage Park which was encouraging and a great deal of shots of the Scenic. I am of course completely biased through long-term involvement in this campaign but mentioning this may have been the very best thing about the programme as it would have reached a sizable audience.
DD