Hancock and Joan (2008)

Ken Stott sat at a wooden table with a white tea cup.

Ken Stott as Hancock. Copyright BBC/World Productions

Writer: Richard Cottan

Director: Richard Laxton

Production Company: World Productions

Kent Filming Locations: BroadstairsRamsgate

A one off drama starring Ken Stott as Hancock (Rebus) and Maxine Peake (Shameless), Hancock and Joan charts the affair between Hancock and his best friend’s wife, Joan Le Mesurier.

Not long wedded to their current spouses, Joan and Tony embarked on a passionate love affair that lasted nearly two years. But Tony, despite his adoration for Joan, was plagued with depression and alcoholism, which proved to be a constant drain on their relationship.

When Tony is offered a chance to revive his career with a new series in Australia, Joan gives him an ultimatum to give up alcohol and in return for her leaving John and marrying him. Agreeing Tony embarked to Australia. Unfortunately, the failure of his series and a misunderstanding about Joan’s loyalty for him prompted him to take his life.

 

Paul Hicks standing by a classic car in front of a house

Paul Hicks and his car. Copyright: Kent Film Office

 

On set of Hancock and Joan - cameras in a residential street with two classic cars on the road

On set of Hancock and Joan. Copyright: Kent Film Office

The programme is based on John Le Mesurier’s autobiography ‘Lady Don’t Fall Backwards’ and Edward Joffe’s ‘Hancock’s Last Stand’ and was filmed in the Le Mesurier’s home town of Ramsgate.

Set in 1967, the challenge to find period locations for the piece were providentially solved. Both Ramsgate itself and it’s close neighbour Broadstairs provided some untouched gems such as Morellli’s cafe, one of the only remaining 50’s style cafes in Britain and the house that doubled as John and Joan’s family home. Vintage cars where bought in from around the county to dress the streets, which proved to be a task in itself as despite glorious November sunshine temperatures were brisk and the cars had to be well looked after due to their fragile nature.

Broadstairs and Ramsgate are coastal towns in the Thanet District of Kent offering gorgeous beaches, historic towns and a harbour. Eastenders (2015), Edge of Heaven (2013) and True Love (2012) have all utilised the area for filming.

Hancock and Joan was shown on BBC 4 at 9pm on 26th March 2008.

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


Tipping the Velvet (2002)

Tipping the Velvet dvd cover- two ladies dressed in corsets sat next to each other in front of a red curtain. Tipping the Velvet written in white on top

Tipping the Velvet © BBC

 

Production Company: Sally Head Productions

Starring: Keeley Hawes, Rachael Stirling, Anna Chancellor, Sally Hawkins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Bonneville

Kent Locations used: Whitstable, The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Tipping the Velvet is a BBC television drama serial based on Sarah Waters best-selling  novel of the same name. Set in the 1890’s, the story focuses on  the lesbian love affair between male impersonator music hall star Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes) and Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling).

The series stars many familiar faces including Rachael Stirling (Snow White and the Huntsman, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), Keeley Hawes (Death at a Funeral, The Bank Job), Anna Chancellor (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Dreamers), Sally Hawkins (All or Nothing, Layer Cake), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek Into Darkness) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Iris).

 The production team visited Whitstable which doubled as the coastal village where Nancy Astley (Rachael Stirling) lives with her family before she leaves for London and The Historic Dockyard Chatham which was used for the London street scenes.

 

Production filming at Whitstable beach, lightning equipment pointed towards the sea

Production team at Whitstable © Kent Film Office

 

Rachel Stirling walking in costume down a muddy track next to white buildings, an umbrella is being held over her by a crew member

Rachel Stirling on set © Kent Film Office

Whitstable is a traditional seaside town renowned for its Oysters, which are integrated into its rich history and culture. Whitstable has been used previously for other TV and film projects such as Venus (2007).

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a very popular filming location due to  its varied Victorian and Georgian period architecture a and has previously welcomed productions such as Mr Selfridge (2013-2014), Les Miserables (2012) and Sherlock Holmes – Game of Shadows (2011).

Tipping The Velvet was shown in 2002 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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