BBC The iPlayer quietly hosts one of the most significant documentary films from the 1990s, yet very few people in Britain are aware of its presence.
"Three Salons By The Sea," helmed by Philippa Lowthorpe, debuted in 1994 and spanned 40 minutes chronicling the journeys of three actual hair salons located in Blackpool.
Centering on the employees and patrons of Vanity Box, Tricia’s Hair Salon, and Mary’s Way, Three Salons By the Sea has later been recognized as a classic. interacting with a time capsule from 20th-century Britain .
The documentary was believed to have been lost to history, with only fragments remaining here and there. YouTube However, the BBC made the whole content available on iPlayer in 2022.
A renewed interest in the documentary spurred an American parody in 2022 titled "Two Hairdressers in Bagglyport," starring none other than the Hollywood actress. Cate Blanchett .
However, the most significant aspect was that it prompted Stockport-native comedy scribe Craig Cash, known for works like The Royle Family, Early Doors, and Gogglebox, to disclose that his collaborator Caroline Aherne held great admiration for it.
Craig and Aherne, who passed away from lung cancer in 2016, collaborated on writing "The Royle Family." This series aired across three seasons along with several specials from 1998 to 2012.
The Royle Family, set in Manchester, revolved around the lives of the main characters within their home. These individuals, portrayed by actors Ricky Tomlinson, Ralf Little, Liz Smith, and Sue Johnston, along with the on-screen duo Craig and Aherne, were known for being dedicated television enthusiasts.
The show garnered multiple accolades throughout its run and is frequently hailed as one of the finest British sitcoms from that era—by 1999, it had attracted an audience of around 10 million viewers at its height.
Speaking to the Radio Times In 2023, Craig stated: "Our source of inspiration came from actual experiences and our own family backgrounds. We also found humor in the documentary 'Three Salons at the Seaside,' which focuses on barbershops."
Often, individuals focus too much on the storyline and narration, neglecting the development of characters and conversations. In our work, we emphasized the significance of pauses and capturing the true essence of people.
Viewers have pointed out that Hilary, who works as both a hairstylist and an administrator at Vanity Box, shares a remarkable similarity in looks and demeanor with one of Aherne’s characters, Mrs. Merton.
The Mrs Merton Show aired from 1993 to 1998 on the BBC, with estimates suggesting an average viewership of around seven to eight million.
Paul Davies pondered on Facebook, "I wonder if Caroline Aherne drew inspiration from these remarkable women for her Mrs Merton character."
A lot of viewers who enjoy the documentary point to its serene ambiance and genuine depiction of Northern working-class life as factors that make them watch it over and over again each year.
Some have noted that it brings back memories with remarkable accuracy from an era predating reality TV and social media, as well as the times when the internet wasn't universally used and Sky TV was not commonplace.
Karen O'Mahoney commented on Facebook: "It's incredibly heartening to see [Three Salons At the Seaside]. It's hard to imagine that it has been just 30 years since then; it seems like a different era."
A memorable scene involved the 'mourning sack' distributed by Vanity Box to clients when they visited for a haircut, intended as a gesture of farewell to someone dear who had passed away.
Upon arriving at the salon, the women would receive the funeral bag from Hilary. This clutch included a modest sum of money along with a complimentary mint.
Fiona Botham remarked: "I appreciate the thoughtfulness of including some cash and a mint in the funeral bag. It appears that the hairdresser who owns it is truly a wonderful person."
In 2022, the Grierson Trust charity recognized "Three Salons at the Seaside" as one of the top British documentary films produced over the past half-century.
Regarding the status of each of the three salons — Mary’s Way ceased operations sometime between 2008 and 2012 as per Google Maps data, whereas the premises previously occupied by Tricia’s were converted into residential units in 2016.
Nevertheless, the Vanity Box remains robust, with Google reviews from just nine months back continuing to express gratitude towards the staff for their commitment and diligent efforts at the heart of Blackpool’s community.
Phillipa Lowthorpe, who created the short film, later directed episodes of the popular Netflix series "The Crown" as well as the long-standing BBC period drama "Call the Midwife."
"Three Salons By The Sea" is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
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