David Jason

David Jason’s Secret Service (2017)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
David Jason appears in a vintage car in front of a historic espionage building. David Jason's Secret Service, epiisode one- 5th December, Episode two- 12th December, Episode three- 19th December, 9pm on More 4 is written in white on top.

David Jason’s Secret Service – © More 4

Director: James Tovell

Starring: David Jason

Production Company: October Films

Kent locations Used: Folkestone

Sir David Jason presents this three-part documentary series which reveals the secret places, people and stories from Britain’s 20th Century spy history. Episode One explores the inception of the British Secret Service in 1909 by Sir Mansfield Cumming. In 1914, when the First World War broke out in Europe, this group of spies were crucial in securing Allied victories and Folkestone became the frontline for British spy organisations.

In June 2017, the production team filmed at various locations in Folkestone, including the clifftop promenade, The Leas.

The Leas boasts sea views to France and Folkestone itself is renowned for its Creative Quarter with many galleries, shops, relaxing bars and restaurants. Tourists can visit the Kent Battle of Britain Museum which pays homage to the aircrews that defended Britain during the Second World War or visit Folkestone Harbour to explore Kent’s maritime history.

The town has been used previously for filming by productions such as Who Should We Let In? Ian Hislop on the First Great Immigration Row (2017), not to mention the seaside episode for Darling Buds of May, starring Mr Jason himself (1991-1993).

 

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

 

David Jason: My Life on Screen (2017)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
David Jason sitting in arm chair looking at camera with old tv memorabilia in the background

David Jason (C) UKTV

Starring: David Jason, Michael Palin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Pam Ferris, Stephanie Cole, Johnny Vegas, Tim Healy

Production Company: Shiver Productions

Kent Locations Used:  Margate, Bethersden, Darling Buds of May Farm,

This informative three part documentary series follows national treasure Sir David Jason  on a journey charting his life on screen. He travels across Britain to explore how his career in TV developed, talking to people who inspired and helped him along the way,visiting film locations from some of his most memorable shows.

David Jason and Ronnie Barker standing in street looking at camera in front of fruit and veg stand

David Jason & Ronnie Barker (C) BBC

Presented by David Jason himself, he talks to Michael Palin (Monty Python, A Fish Called Wanda), Catherine Zeta-Jones (The Darling Buds of May, Chicago), Nicholas Lyndhurst (Only Fools and Horses, Goodnight Sweetheart), Pam Ferris (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men), Stephanie Cole, Johnny Vegas (Ideal, Grimsby) and Tim Healy (Auf Wiedersehen, Pet).

In Episode 2, David heads to Margate, the setting for the classic Only Fools And Horses episode The Jolly Boys Outing.

In the 3rd episode of the series, Sir David travels to Bethersden in Kent to visit the  legendary Darling Buds of May Farm.

The seaside town of Margate is home to the popular Dreamland amusement park, the Turner Contemporary modern art gallery alongside its harbour and sandy beach areas. Previous filming here includes The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), The Carer (2016), Coast (2014) and Last Orders (2002)

Bethersden is a small friendly village located just outside of Ashford, Kent, surrounded by beautiful countryside.

David Jason: My Life on Screen starts on Saturday 26th August on Gold at 6pm with episodes 2 and 3 airing on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August.

 

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

Albert’s Memorial (2010)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
David Jason and David Werner stood on a road leant against a black cab, white cliffs and lorries behind them

David Jason and David Werner in Albert’s Memorial © ITV

Director: David Richards

Starring: David Jason, David Warner, Judith Hoersch, Micheal Jayston

Production Company:  ITV
Kent Filming Locations: Port of Dover

Three old comrades reunite as Albert (Michael Jayston) is taken into hospital and calls on his two old friends to visit him before it’s too late. After his passing, Harry (David Jason) and Frank (David Warner) set out to fulfill their old friend Albert’s (Michael Jayston)  dying wish; to be buried in Heidelberg where he fought as a solider and last felt alive. 

Harry and Frank kidnap Albert’s body from the undertakers  and set off on their journey across Europe. After picking up a German hitchhiker, Vicki (Judith Hoersch), the two men begin to come to terms with an old trauma that has driven a wedge between them since the war. 

The series is directed by David Richards (Messiah 2: Vengeance Is Mine, Reckless; The Movie) and stars David Jason (Only Fools and Horses, A Touch of Frost), David Warner (Planet of the Apes, Titanic), Judith Hoersch (Mein Leben & Ich) and Micheal Jayston (Nicholas and Alexandra, Emmerdale).

Filming in Kent took place at the Port of Dover. It was the location where the two men smuggled Albert’s body into a van and then boarded a ferry on their way to Germany.

Dover is home to the infamous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle and the Port of Dover, Europe’s busiest passenger port. Productions which have previously filmed in the Dover  area include Marcella (2016), Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 (2016) and On A Clear Day (2005).

Albert’s Memorial was first aired on  ITV  in September 2010 and is now available to buy on DVD. 

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

Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys’ Outing (1989)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Only Fools and Horses cast walking in a row towards the camera- metal globe behind them

Only Fools and Horses The Jolly Boys’ Outing © BBC

Director: Tony Dow

Writer: John Sullivan

Starring: David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Buster Merryfield, Paul Barber, John Challis, Sue Holderness, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Kenneth MacDonald, Gwyneth Strong, Tessa Peake-Jones.

Production Company: BBC

Kent Locations: Margate, Dreamland, Broadstairs, Herne Bay

The Jolly Boys’ Outing is the 1989 Christmas Special of the popular BBC series Only Fools and Horses and sees the Trotter brothers go on their annual coach trip to Margate with the Nag’s Head regulars. However, the trip doesn’t go to plan and forces the gang to stay overnight where Del bumps into his old flame Raquel.

Renowned British comedy Only Fools and Horses is about the Trotter brothers who live in Peckham, South London and the highs and lows they face trying to get rich. The sitcom was created and written by John Sullivan (The Two Ronnies, Roger Roger) and ran from 1981 – 2003, becoming one of the most loved sitcoms.

The Jolly Boys’ Outing episode was directed by Tony Dow (Babylon 5, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show) and stars David Jason (Open All Hours, The Darling Buds of May) as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Goodnight Sweetheart, Rock & Chips) as Rodney Trotter and Buster Merryfield (Shroud for a Nightingale, Strangers and Brothers) as Uncle Albert.

The supporting cast also boasts many familiar face including Roger Lloyd-Pack (The Vicar of Dibley, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Tessa Peake-Jones (Marchlands, Holby City) and Paul Barber (The Full Monty, Coronation Street).

Margate was the main destination in the episode where the boys visit theme park Dreamland. The former Broadstairs Police Station also features in the episode as well as the now closed Roman Galley Pub in Herne Bay which was used for the pitstop location where the gang stop off on their journey to Margate.

Margate is a delightful seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour, arcades, and period housing. The area has been seen on screen before featuring in productions such as BBC One’s improvised drama True Love (2012) and feature film Last Orders (2002). 

Herne Bay boasts beaches and seafront gardens as well as many shops and eateries, amusement arcades and a windmill. Productions that have chosen to film in the area include Got To Dance (2012) and Things I Haven’t Told You (2008). 

The Jolly Boys’ Outing episode of Only Fools and Horses was first shown on Christmas Day 1989 and is now available on DVD.

 

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