croydon's fake history

Croydon’s fake history is my series of spoof newsreels, styled like 1930s Pathé or Movietone films.

Each video lovingly satirises the London Borough of Croydon, blending vintage charm with cheeky nods to modern life.

The newsreels reimagine Croydon’s past through a time-warped lens - like when the Whitgift Centre was the “pinnacle of retail joy” or when rising debt was measured in shillings. One takes viewers on an aerial tour of lost landmarks, another calmly documents elephants wandering the high street - based on a real 1930s photo, believe it or not.

Using genuine archival images, a touch of Photoshop and deadpan narration, I aim to balance silliness with sincere nostalgia.

Many viewers have been fooled (in the nicest way), fondly reminiscing as if it were all true. That blurring of fact and fiction adds a strangely poignant twist.

I plan to expand the series over time, as more long-forgotten newsreel clips are mysteriously unearthed - or as Croydon life takes yet another unexpected twist that simply begs to be lampooned.

After all, here in Croydon, it’s often hard to tell where the joke ends and real life begins.

Watch the complete series Croydon’s Fake History on YouTube.

Croydon's fake history is written, voiced and visualised by Tim Longhurst. I enjoy bringing ideas to life through playful storytelling, blending humour, creativity, and visual flair to create something unique and engaging. I love to collaborate with others on creative video and audio projects - especially those with a sense of humour, a strong local flavour, or a fresh take on familiar stories.

Contact me if you'd like to explore working together.