Portsmouth landmarks star on big screen alongside Hollywood star in film premiere

Dame Joan Collins will be starring in her new movie The Time of Their Lives, which features scenes on Southsea Common, at Clarence Pier, on Portsdown Hill and onboard Brittany Ferries Mont St Michel.

Roger Goldby, who wrote and directed The Time of Their Lives, said: ‘We filmed in Portsmouth and on Brittany Ferries Mont St Michel last summer and it was all very jolly.

‘Southsea Common was the location for a key point in the storyline and stunt involving Pauline Collins’ character Priscilla.

‘So I hope we get lots of local people spotting locations they know in the south. More than anything of course, I hope everyone enjoys my film!’

Pauline Collins co-stars with Dame Joan and Italian heartthrob Franco Nero.

The leading ladies – one playing a fading film star and the other a housewife trapped in a loveless marriage – escape the shackles of their everyday lives for a road and ferry trip to the lé de Re. En route they find love, friendship and adventure.

Film goers will recognise shots from Portsdown Hill from a stolen bus, framing Portsmouth in the distance. Further scenes were filmed on Southsea Common, Clarence Pier and in the ferry port as the pair defy security guards and make their on board Brittany Ferries Mont St Michel to travel to France.

Scenes were shot on board cruise-ferry Mont St Michel last summer, to the delight of 500 passengers and Captain Bertrand Cuvillier who hosted the stars for breakfast during the crossing.

Capt Cuvillier said: ‘It was my pleasure to dine with these wonderful actresses, and for my crew to host the film entourage last year.

‘We are delighted to be showing The Time of Their Lives on board. Of course the leading ladies are the stars, but you will understand that my favourite supporting actress will always be my ship.’

Dame Joan and Pauline Collins, accompanied by a 40 strong film crew, shot in the bar, on deck and from the port, all scenes that make it to the big screen.

The premiere takes place tomorrow at the Curzon Mayfair with on-board advanced screenings on Brittany Ferries ships from Thursday.

Cinemas throughout the south will be showing the film from Friday.

For more go to thetimeoftheirlivesfilm.co.uk