Writers in Sussex: Jamie Patterson and Tucked

Jamie Patterson, born in 1986 in Brighton, East Sussex, is a British filmmaker whose work is closely tied to his home city. He co-founded the Brighton‑based production company Jump Start Productions and in 2018 wrote and directed Tucked, his first feature film.

Tucked is a raw and tender drama about Jackie, an ageing drag queen given six weeks to live, who forms an unexpected bond with a younger queen called Faith. The film explores identity, grief and community, blending humour and emotion as it considers what it means to be true to oneself. Derren Nesbitt gives Jackie a mix of warmth and weariness, while Jordan Stephens as Faith brings humour, defiance and restless energy.

 Derren Nesbitt as Jackie

Brighton is integral to the story, more than just a backdrop - it is a city of character, history and contradictions. Patterson drew on the city’s nightlife, from Kemp Town pubs to seafront promenades, capturing the sense of performance, vulnerability and quiet resilience that permeates its streets. Brighton’s reputation as a centre of LGBTQ+ culture is quietly celebrated in the film, showing a community where people at the margins find visibility, humour and solidarity.

Patterson filmed extensively on location, using the West Pier, the promenade, small venues and hidden corners to create an authentic sense of place. The crowded arcades and seafront cafes hum with life, while quieter spaces - a deserted beach at dusk, the flicker of lamplight on a back alley - reflect private struggles.

Tucked premiered to acclaim, praised for its humour, humanity and honesty. Patterson has since returned to Brighton as a backdrop in his subsequent films, using the city’s vibrancy and contradictions to explore stories of identity, belonging and the hidden lives of its residents.

This entry continues our Writers in Sussex series, exploring how the county’s landscapes, towns and communities continue to inspire voices across literature and film. Sussex is not just a setting in Tucked - it is a character in its own right, a place of humour, resilience and quiet courage.

Tucked is available to buy on DVD or Blu-ray and can also be streamed via various platforms.