A fire at the derelict Shiregreen Working Men's Club in Sheffield, where the final scene of the 1997 film The Full Monty was filmed, is thought to have been started deliberately, according to the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The blaze broke out on Sunday at 16:45 BST, prompting a response from eight fire engines and a turntable ladder. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and crews were able to leave the scene just after midnight, with plans to return later to ensure no hotspots remained.
The building has been closed since 2019 and has fallen into disrepair, with a previous fire also being started deliberately last year. This latest incident has sparked concern among those who have a connection to the club, including Ann Bentley, who worked at the club for 15 years and led a petition to save it from demolition in 2020. Bentley expressed her devastation at the news, saying the club "meant so much" to her, and that she would have loved to see it restored to its former state.
The Full Monty, which starred Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy, was a critical and commercial success, grossing millions and becoming one of the best-loved British films of the 1990s. The film's portrayal of Sheffield steelworkers turning to stripping to earn a living resonated with audiences, and its final scene, filmed inside Shiregreen Working Men's Club, has become an iconic moment in British cinema. The club's cultural significance has been recognized by the community, with over 1,000 people signing a petition to save it from demolition.
Sheffield City Council's decision to refuse the demolition application in 2020 was seen as a victory for those who wanted to preserve the club's history and cultural significance. However, the latest fire has raised concerns about the building's future and the potential consequences of leaving it vacant and vulnerable to arson attacks. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this beloved piece of Sheffield's cultural heritage.
