Quick Summary
A music executive travels to a fishing village in Cornwall with the aim of persuading its local fishermen to record a collection of sea shanties. The premise is presented as a comedy and features James Purefoy and Daniel Mays as the leads.
About This Program ✦
Fisherman's Friends is a programme delivered in the style of a feature‑length movie and is categorised as a comedy. It follows the conventions of a light‑hearted film, combining elements of music and humour to create an entertaining narrative. At the centre of the story is a music executive who travels to a small fishing village on the Cornish coast. His mission is to persuade the local fishermen to join him in recording an album made up entirely of sea shanties, the traditional songs once sung by sailors at sea. The comedic aspect of the programme is highlighted by the involvement of James Purefoy and Daniel Mays, who take on the principal roles. Their performances drive the humour that stems from the recruitment effort, providing a playful contrast between the executive’s professional aims and the fishermen’s everyday routine. Both actors bring a distinctive presence that enhances the film’s light‑hearted mood. In summary, Fisherman's Friends presents a light‑hearted look at a music executive’s attempt to assemble a collection of sea shanties with the help of Cornish fishermen. The film relies on the simple premise of recruiting the fishermen for a recording project, delivering comedy through the interactions of the cast and the unique maritime setting. The storyline remains centred on the recording of the shanty album, keeping the narrative tight and focused.
Fisherman's Friends broadcasts on Film4 +1 at 7:45pm, Thursday, 12 February 2026. (Subtitles)




