THE LAST REGAL KINGSIZE

WHY THIS STORY?

This film draws on the personal experience of its director (Simon Hipkins) during his time living in Glasgow's Govan area. The story originated one July morning when he looked out his window and saw several young children dressed as the historical figures of William of Orange and Queen Mary II. In the largely Protestant community, residents were preparing for their annual Orange March to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne from July 1, 1690. This pivotal event secured Protestant ascendancy to the British throne and reinforced colonial control over Ireland, marking a defining moment in the history of the British Isles. Yet the evident pride and tradition on display clashed sharply with the harsh realities of the area: persistent deprivation, violence, and poverty lingering in the wake of de-industrialisation. Known for its deep suspicion of outsiders and hostility towards them, the community presented significant barriers to a direct documentary approach, so instead, the production team chose to explore the intricate relationships between generations and religious divides through drama. Over six months of weekly workshops, he guided local teenagers in improvising and enacting various scenarios until the film's narrative gradually emerged. What resulted is a synthesis of ethnographic study, real-life characters and hypnotic images that seamlessly blend the reality with fiction.