Atomic Boys tells the astonishing story of the ‘Matthews Final’, Blackpool’s last-gasp 4-3 victory against Bolton Wanderers in 1953. Arguably the greatest football final ever, featuring the greatest footballer England has ever produced, in the greatest and oldest cup competition in the world.

But this isn’t just about a game of football. It's the story of England's first, most original and colourful supporters club: the Atomic Boys.

In the grey austerity of post-war Britain, the Atomic Boys set out to bring a smile to the face of the club, the town, and even Winston Churchill through crazy costumes, off-pitch (and sometimes on-pitch) antics and by inspiring their beloved Blackpool to finally win the Cup.

Above all, the film is about the liberating power of male and female friendship, of performance – whether on stage or on the terraces, of finding your identity, and how relationships and marriages can also enjoy their own Cup Final triumph after years of struggle. 

 

It's a joyous, optimistic and hilarious exploration of how community, loyalty, love and a really impressive Nelson costume can bring people together in a world where racism, chauvinism and the echoes of war still hold sway.

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Feature Film 1x120’

Writer: David Schneider (“Death of Stalin” and “I’m Alan Partridge”)