Whistle and I’ll Come To You (2010)

John Hurt wearing a dressing gown with one arm holding the dirty wall behind. Looking slightly distressed,.

John Hurt stars as James Parkin in Whistle and I’ll Come To You © BBC/Laurie Sparham

Starring: John Hurt, Gemma Jones, Lesley Sharp
Kent Filming LocationsBotany Bay, Kingsgate Bay and the Sea Pavilion at Walpole Bay

BBC2 drama Whistle and I’ll Come To You is a modern adaptation of M R James’ Edwardian ghost story which stars John Hurt (Merlin, Hellboy) as James Parkin who after leaving his wife in a nursing home travels to their favourite destination, a quiet seaside town. On a deserted beach he has an encounter with an apparition which continues to haunt him for the rest of his stay.

The one off drama was written and adapted by Neil Cross and explores the themes of ageing, supernatural with a psychological element throughout.

The drama also stars Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones Diary, Sense and Sensibility) and Lesley Sharp (Scott & Bailey, The Full Monty). 

Kingsgate Bay is a small sandy bay surrounded by white chalk cliffs with it having some of the best sea caves in the country and has been used by Sulphur and White (2019) . Nearby Botany Bay which also has a white cliff backdrop is a popular filming location and has been used for productions such as True Love (2012) and Hunderby (2012).

Whistle and I’ll Come To You was shown on BBC TWO 24th December 2010 at 22:00. 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.