Christmas

The Amazing Mr Blunden (2021)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Simon Callow, as Mr Blunden, stands in the centre of the frame. Either side of him, peering over some large decorative ornaments, are two children Jamie, played by Jason Rennie, on the left, and Lucy, played by Tsion Habte, on the right. They are inside of a historic looking room with dark orange walls. On either side are windows covered by lace net curtains, and large drawn open grey curtains. Jamie has short curly black hair and wears a black unzipped hoodie with a red t-shirt. Only Lucy’s head is visible, and she has long curly black hair. Mr Blunden has receding white hair and a full grey beard. He wears a long brown woollen coat, with a brown waistcoat underneath and a large red woollen scarf wrapped around his neck. All three characters look nervously off-screen.

The Amazing Mr Blunden © Sky

Writer: Mark Gatiss
Director: Mark Gatiss
Starring: Simon Callow, Tamsin Greig, Mark Gatiss, Tsion Habte, Jason Rennie, India Fowler, Xavier Wilkins
Production Company: Adorable Media
Kent Locations Used: Finchcocks

Based on the 1972 family film of the same name, The Amazing Mr Blunden (2021) tells the story of modern teenagers Lucy and Jamie, whose encounter with a mysterious old man called Mr Blunden leads to them becoming caretakers of an old country home. They soon discover that the home is haunted by the spirits of two young children, Sara and Georgie, and with the help of Mr Blunden, the two teens must travel back in time to save the children’s lives.

Written and directed by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Doctor Who), The Amazing Mr Blunden stars renowned actor Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral, A Room with a View (1985)) as Mr. Blunden, Tamsin Greig (Episodes, Friday Night Dinner) as Mrs. Wickens and Mark Gatiss as Mr. Wickens, as well as newcomers Tsion Habte (Liar (2017-2020), Sex Education (2021)) as Lucy, Jason Rennie as Jamie, India Fowler (Safe) as Sara and Xavier Wilkins as Georgie.

The production team visited Kent for their shoot, using Finchcocks in Goudhurst as Langley Park, the house the two teenagers are tasked with looking after. Built in 1725, Finchcocks is a fine early Georgian Manor set in 13 acres of parkland and gardens, with extensive views over the Kentish landscape. It is noted for its brickwork, with a dramatic baroque front elevation. For many years, the Manor played host to a Musical Museum, which housed around 115 period keyboard instruments, many of which have featured in TV and film themselves. Now operating as both a family home and a piano workshop retreat, Finchcocks has previously been used as the setting for a Pride and Prejudice sketch in the BBC show French and Saunders (1996).

The Amazing Mr Blunden aired on Sky and NowTV on Friday 24th December 2021.

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

Bargain Hunt Christmas Special (2016)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Behind the scenes at Leeds Castle - presenter in apron being filmed in front of a fireplace

Charlie Ross behind the scenes at Leeds Castle © Leeds Castle/BBC

 

Production Company: BBC

Kent Locations Used: Kent Showground in Detling, Leeds Castle

Popular BBC daytime show Bargain Hunt comes to Kent for a festive edition. Charlie Ross presents at the Kent Showground alongside experts Raj Bisram and Richard Madley who assist the two teams in their Christmas shopping. Charlie also pays a visit to Leeds Castle where he learns about the history of Christmas decorations.

The Kent Showground in Detling is near the county town of Maidstone. The event venue sits on over 200 acres and hosts the renowned Kent County Show every July as well as fares and conferences. Bargain Hunt (2012) has previously been filmed at the Kent Showground.

Set in 500 acres on the outskirts of Maidstone, is the beautiful Leeds Castle which boasts stunning period rooms, gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and an aviary. A popular film location, Leeds Castle has previously been used by projects such as The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), Gadget Man (2014) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

The Bargain Hunt Christmas Special filmed in Kent will air on Friday 9th December 2016 at 12:15 on BBC One. Leeds Castle will also feature in the second Christmas episode on Friday 16th December at 12:15 on BBC One.

 

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