Hullywood: TPE station staff reveal what it was like to be on set of new blockbuster film Blitz

For two weeks in February 2023, Platform 2 was reimagined as Waterloo station during wartime London, complete with a steam train, old station signage and dozens of actors dressed in 1940s clothing. 

Andy McNeil, Area Customer Experience Manager at TPE, was one of the production company’s main contacts while filming was taking place.  

He liaised with the film crew, making sure there was no disruption to customers using the station and called the role ‘one of the highlights of his career’ and a ‘once-in-a lifetime experience’. 

Andy was even able to meet Saoirse Ronan – who he said was ‘lovely’ as well as Paul Weller of The Jam fame, who appears in his film debut.  

He said: “Even if Hull station is only visible for 30 seconds, we can be proud of what we have achieved, it was a huge undertaking – and we were able to help make a huge blockbuster film. It brought everyone at the station a huge amount of joy and excitement to be part of.”  

Most of the filming took place overnight, meaning minimal disruption to customers.  

Andy added: “We all pulled together to make this happen, and everyone worked incredibly hard, for the station and for the area.”  

Ben Courtney, Station Manager at Hull Paragon Station, played a key role in making the filming happen at the station. 

He said: “I truly lived and breathed this production alongside my colleagues and witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work that went into every scene. I’d like to give a special thanks to our station teams, whose efforts were instrumental in making everything run seamlessly. 

“Our beloved Hull Paragon Station became a crucial anchor for the production, securing Hull as a primary filming location. 

Retired TPE driver Chris Cubitt from North York Moors Railway was in charge of moving the steam engine back and forth along the track. 

To celebrate Hull’s link to Hollywood, TPE also unveiled a new mural. Painted by Andy Pea, it celebrates the city’s film links, with homages to recent film productions such as Blitz, Enola Holmes 2 and David Copperfield.  

Andy is no stranger to Hull Paragon Station as he is also the artist behind the remarkable 175th birthday mural, which has become a cherished landmark.  

Ben added: “This mural is a tribute not just to the films and the people who made them, but to the community of Hull—those who live here, work here, and open their doors to support and celebrate the arts, as part of a new digital trail.”  

Following its successful launch earlier this year by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, the ‘It must be Hullywood’ trail is now going digital with augmented reality through the app WhatsApp. Like the printed map, the AR will guide film enthusiasts to key filming locations across the city, allowing users to immerse themselves in movie scenes. 

Following the unveiling Hull Independent Cinema premiered the new film The Blitz, with showings for guests and the public that evening at Vue cinema, Princes Quay.