GANGSTERS WANTED BY FILM MAKER!

Do you know anything about gangsters in Thanet? If so, local film-maker Norman Thomas wants to hear from you – in strictest confidence, of course!

Mr Thomas, co-producer of the highly successful “Thanet On Film” series, is researching Thanet’s gangster history for a provocative new multi-media project and is asking anyone with stories to tell to get in touch.

“Thanet has long been known for its gangster links,” said Mr Thomas. “Most famously the train robber Ronnie Biggs spoke about his dream of leaving prison and having a pint in a Margate pub – but its underworld connections, I believe, go much deeper than that.

Mr Thomas believes that well-known London gangsters such as the Kray twins had associates who came to live on the isle and that the links have continued to the present day.

“Seaside areas have long attracted members of the criminal fraternity,” Mr Thomas said, “but Thanet’s closeness to the nation’s capital has made it even more attractive to gangsters, big and small.”   

Mr Thomas wants people’s experiences to feed into a play and film he’s working on.  The play will premiere in October and the film will be screened next year.

“The gangster connections of this area are its great unspoken secret, and I believe they still exert an enormous influence on what happens in the locality,” Mr Thomas said.

Mr Thomas added: “I’ve already found it’s a subject which many people are scared to talk about. But I’m hoping there will be somebody out there who’s ready to speak from their experience – and I’m guaranteeing anyone who contacts me complete confidentiality. “

Anyone interested should ring Mr Thomas on 01843 604253.

The play, called “Gangsters In Thanet”, will be performed from Wednesday to Saturday, 19^th to the 22^nd October at 7.30pm every night at the Red Hall, Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs. All tickets are £6. To book ring 01843 604 253.