When a future Carry On star filmed a comedy in Brighton

The much-loved amusement park had been a big draw on Brighton’s seafront since the Second World War, its whirligigs and go-karts proving a hit with the town’s children.

Then Mr Crossington and his Society of Organised Fun came in and closed the place down in 1955.

At least that is what happened in the short film Playground Express, filmed on the seafront that year starring future Carry On fixture Peter Butterworth.

The real Peter Pan’s Playground continued for much longer, remaining open until it was left in its current derelict state in the early 2010s.

Mr Butterworth, left, and the child-hating Mr Crossington. Photo British Film Institute

But what happened in Playground Express is much more fun.

Determined to beat Mr Crossington, the children team up with playground manager, Mr Butterworth, to get the key back.

After some madcap encounters on the whirligig and at the roller skate rink, the children are seemingly left defeated as the villain scarpers to Black Rock lido in a mini car.

But Mr Butterworth and his gang speed to the pool on Volk’s Railway before diving in, winning the swimming competition, and nabbing the key from Mr Crossington.

The children and Mr Butterworth parade by Black Rock lido, with Sue Downey on the future Carry On star's shoulders. Photo British Film Institute.png

Sue Downey, 73, remembers the fictional high jinks well – Mr Butterworth hoisted her up on his shoulders.

She and other children were paid five shillings, the equivalent of £33 today, to take part. Later in life she became good friends with Peter’s wife, Janet Brown.

“I was only eight or nine at the time,” the Shoreham resident said.

“Peter Butterworth was very friendly. He probably picked me up because I was the closest and the lightest.

“I remember spending a lot of time filming on the whirligig, we had to sit on that for a while.”

Volk's Railway in Playground Express. Photo: British Film Institute

But Sue had not seen Playground Express until The Argus published an article on the film.

“I was happy to see it, the seafront looks quite different,” she said. “But the villain’s acting was awful.”

Now Volk’s visitor centre manager Phil Lucas hopes to gather the stars for a seafront reunion.

If you were in Playground Express, email samuel.brooke@theargus.co.uk.