The Alan Clark Diaries (2004)

Alan Clark walking under the gate at Saltwood Castle

Alan Clark (John Hurt) at Saltwood Castle © BBC

Directed by: Jon Jones

Written by: Alan Clark, Jon Jones

Starring: John Hurt, Jenny Agutter, Hugh Fraser, Nicholas Jones, Jeremy Clyde, Paul Brooke, Peter Blythe

Production Company: BBC

Kent Locations: Saltwood Castle, Hythe Beach

The Alan Clark Diaries is a 6 part BBC drama production, adapted from the bestselling diaries of late conservative MP Alan Clark. It gives a unique inside into the politicians mind, his controversial views and his dedication to the conservative party. It depicts the highs and lows of his career, as well as his unique relationship with his loyal wife Jane (Jenny Agutter), who tries her best to support him throughout his political life.

Starring John Hurt (Doctor Who, Hellboy Franchise) as Alan Clark alongside Jenny Agutter (Call the Midwife, The Avengers), Hugh Fraser (Agatha Christie: Poirot, 101 Dalmations), Nicholas Jones(Philomena , Hornblower: Mutiny), Jeremy Clyde (The Iron Lady), Paul Brooke(Bridget Jones’s Diary , The Phantom of the Opera)and Peter Blythe(Carrington).

Saltwood Castle featured as itself during the series after Clark’s widow, Jane, gave her support for the production and welcomed the team into her home. The castle remains owned by the Clark family, and is rarely opened to the public. However, it has previously hosted other productions such as My Week with Marilyn (2011), again due to a family connection.

Alan Clark often used to visit Hythe seafront and this is represented in the first episode of the series. Fisherman’s Beach in Hythe is a pebble beach with beautiful views, closely located to several cafés and tearooms, which are perfect for tourists.

The Alan Clark Diaries was first aired on the BBC in 2004 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister (1990)

faint image of poirot standing with his back to the camera, Agatha Christie's Poirot written in grey over the top

Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister © ITV

Writer: Agatha Christie (novel), Clive Exton (adaption)

Director: Andrew Grieve

Starring: David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson

Production Company: Carnival Film & Television, London Weekend Television, Picture Partnership Productions

Kent Locations: Ingress Abbey, Greenhithe, St Margaret’s Bay and Dover

This ITV adaption of Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister is based on Agatha Christie’s Poirot Investigates short story collection. After the Prime Minister (Henry Moxon) doesn’t arrive at an important summit in France, Poirot (David Suchet) is called in to investigate. Can he find out what happened to the Prime Minister and bring him home within the day and a half deadline?

Clive Exton (Rosemary & Thyme, The Boundary, Kipps) writes the adaption, with Andrew Grieve (Hornblower: The Even Chance, Lorna Doone, Kingdom) directing. The episode stars David Suchet (A Perfect Murder, Flushed Away, The Bank Job) as Poirot alongside Hugh Fraser (101 Dalmatians, Patriot Games, The Draughtsman’s Contract) and Philip Jackson (My Week with Marilyn, Brassed Off,  Little Voice).

Ingress Abbey features in the episode as the hideout where the kidnappers held the Prime Minister, prior to its restoration. St Margaret’s Bay and Dover Seafront also briefly feature.

Ingress Abbey- Stone grand house surrounded by trees

Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister Ingress Abbey © ITV

misty image of St Margarets Bay with a black car driving along the road. A man is walking along the seafront

Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister St Margarets Bay © ITV

In Greenhithe, North Kent, the private residence of Ingress Abbey is a Gothic style country house with a large dining hall, ballroom, orangery, panelled passages and rooms.

St Margaret’s Bay is a splendid beach in Dover, near the infamous White Cliffs. Productions which have previously filmed in the Dover area include Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Mr Selfridge Series 3 (2015) and Missing (2009).

Other Poirot episodes to be filmed in Kent include Poirot “The Clocks” (2009) which used Dover Castle, Dover and St Margaret’s Bay and Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (1995) which was filmed in Chilham.

Poirot – The Kidnapped Prime Minister aired in 1990 and is now available for DVD purchase.

 

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