Red Joan (2019)

Sophie Cookson wearing a green jumper talking to one of the other characters in the film who has his back to the camera, outside in what looks like a field.

Sophie Cookson in Red Joan ©YouTube

Writer: Lindsay Shapero
Director: Trevor Nunn
Starring: Sophie Cookson, Tom Hughes, Judi Dench
Production Company: Trademark Films
Kent Locations Used: Historic Dockyard Chatham

Feature film Red Joan (2019) follows the life of the KGB’s longest-serving British spy, Joan Stanley (Judi Dench). Sophie Cookson plays Joan in her younger years, when, as a Soviet and communist party sympathizer, she is recruited by the KGB while employed as a British government civil servant. She successfully hands over information about the manufacture of nuclear arms which allows the Soviet Union to keep up with NATO in the arms race, managing to remain undetected for over half a century.

The film is directed by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables, School of Rock) and stars Oscar winning actress Judi Dench (Murder on the Orient Express, Victoria & Abdul), Sophie Cookson (Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Huntsman: Winter’s War), and Tom Hughes (Victoria, About Time).

Some scenes were filmed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham using the HMS Cavalier as well as Anchor Wharf.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham, with its Victorian and Georgian architecture has featured in films such as Victoria & Abdul (2017) and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015).

Red Joan is due to be released in UK cinemas on Friday 19th April 2019.

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