Houses destroyed in Lockerbie bombing painstakingly recreated for new TV drama

In a new television drama about the Lockerbie bombing, houses destroyed in the tragic event have been meticulously recreated to bring the story to life. Set to air on Sky in January, “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth” focuses on the aftermath of Pan Am Flight 103 exploding over Lockerbie on December 21, 1988, claiming the lives of 270 people, including nine residents of Sherwood Crescent.

The production team behind the drama aimed for authenticity in depicting the scene of destruction on Sherwood Crescent. Production designer Tom Sayer shared insights into the recreation process, highlighting the challenges of accurately representing the devastation. The set was built to match the actual layout of Sherwood Crescent, with attention to detail to align with real archive footage taken the day after the tragedy.

Sayer explained the meticulous approach taken to recreate the street, where the impact of the explosion left some houses completely destroyed while others remained untouched. The team also incorporated elements like damaged cars and random debris to convey the chaotic and impactful nature of the disaster.

Actor Sam Troughton, who plays the role of fictional local journalist Murray Guthrie in the series, described the intense experience of filming scenes on the set. Troughton recounted poignant moments, such as stepping on debris from the plane crash, which added to the realism and emotional weight of the storytelling.

“Lockerbie: A Search for Truth” is based on a book by Dr. Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph, with Dr. Swire’s character portrayed by Oscar winner Colin Firth. The drama aims to shed light on the quest for justice and answers following the tragic events of the Lockerbie bombing. The series will consist of five episodes and will be available on Sky Atlantic and NOW from January 2, 2025.

In conclusion, the painstaking efforts to recreate the harrowing events of the Lockerbie bombing for television serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy. By bringing the story to a wider audience, the drama honours the memory of the victims and highlights the ongoing search for truth and justice in the aftermath of such catastrophic events.