In a story that seems straight out of a movie script, Hollywood legend Quentin Tarantino and pop icon Kylie Minogue have descended upon the sleepy seaside town of Porthcawl, Wales, to star in a new film by local director Jamie Adams. The unlikely pairing has turned the town into a buzzing hub of excitement, with residents still pinching themselves at the sight of global superstars in their midst.
A surreal homecoming
For Adams, the experience has been nothing short of surreal. "Sharing a pint with Quentin Tarantino in my local pub was an out-of-body experience," he said. The pub in question, formerly the Ship and Castle, was once run by his father and holds a special place in his heart. "The bar is actually a boat that my dad brought from Weymouth, where I was born," Adams explained. "So there I was, having a drink with Quentin Tarantino in my dad's old pub, chatting with my childhood friend Neil. It was incredible."
The film, titled Tangled Up in Blue, follows a talent manager (played by Tarantino) who, after four decades of managing legends, finds himself stranded at a hotel bar, torn between an old flame and a lost soul. The project came together after Adams shot a film in France last year using his signature improvisational style, which impressed Tarantino and reminded him of the French New Wave movement.
Kylie's Welsh roots
Minogue's involvement was a natural fit, given her Welsh heritage. Her mother, Carol Jones, and her Welsh-speaking grandmother, Millie Jones, emigrated from Maesteg, near Porthcawl, to Australia in the 1950s. The singer, who has described herself as "half Welsh," jumped at the chance to reconnect with her roots. "She told me she rarely gets to visit, so she was thrilled to be part of this," Adams said.
The director likened the project to a small football team on a cup run, bringing the community together. "People are still talking about it down at my local pub," he said. "They stop me to chat about their favourite Tarantino film or Kylie's records. It's been a beautiful haze, and I think it'll be a topic of conversation in Porthcawl for a long time."
Showcasing star power
Adams relished the opportunity to showcase his stars in roles they're not typically known for. Tarantino, famous for his directorial work, takes on a rare acting role, while Minogue, a global pop sensation, gets to flex her dramatic muscles. The improvisational approach gave them freedom to shape their characters in ways that might not be possible on a traditional set. "It was about bringing a spirit of joy to south Wales," Adams added.
While no release date has been set, Adams is aiming for summer 2027 and hopes to host a premiere in Cardiff with his star-studded cast in attendance. "You have to be very grateful for the opportunity to work with them," he said. "It was a dream come true."
