Beautiful Thing is an optimistic love story about teenage boys Jamie and Ste growing up in Thamesmead in the 90s. Written by playwright Jonathan Harvey, who was a teacher in Abbey Wood at the time, a screen adaptation of the play was later released in 1996 by Channel 4 and has grown to become an iconic and uplifting story that celebrates inclusivity, diversity and love in the LGTB community. Set wholly in Thamesmead, Beautiful Thing portrays a strong sense of community, open spaces, children’s play, and of course, a tender love story. Many residents were extras in the film and remember it being made. There is still a sense of local pride that Thamesmead inspired such a story.