Margate

True Love (2012)

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True Love cast L - R Adrian (DAVID MORRISEY), Nick (DAVID TENNANT), Holly (BILLIE PIPER), Paul (ASHLEY WALTERS), Sandra (JANE HORROCKS) standing in a row with the sky behind them

True Love cast L – R Adrian (DAVID MORRISEY), Nick (DAVID TENNANT), Holly (BILLIE PIPER), Paul (ASHLEY WALTERS), Sandra (JANE HORROCKS) © BBC and Working Title

Two lovers holding hands on the beach with the sea in the background

True Love L – R Stella (JAMIE WINSTONE) and Paul (ASHLEY WALTERS) © BBC and Working Title

Writer/director: Dominic Savage

Starring: David Tenant, Billie Piper, David Morrissey, Joanne Froggatt, Kaya Scodelario, Lacey Turner, Jane Horrocks, Ashley Walters, Jaime Winstone, Vicky McClure

Production company: Working Title Television, BBC

Kent Locations: Thanet – Margate – Beach, promenade, High Street, train station, various hotels and bars, Thanet District Council Offices, Turner Contemporary, Westgate-On-Sea, Cliftonville, Pegwell Bay, Botany Bay, and Broadstairs

True Love has many familiar faces including David Tenant (Doctor Who) Billie Piper (Secret Diary of a Call Girl), Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous), Vicky McClure (This is England), Lacey Turner (Eastenders), Ashley Walters (Inside Men), Jamie Winstone (Kidulthood), and David Morrissey (The Other Boleyn Girl).

The series explores love in the modern day and the many different dilemmas and situations along the way. Each story has links with the previous, either through connecting story lines or character connections and all have plenty of drama, heartbreak passion and some surprising outcomes.

The five stories that take place during the week-long serial include a married man whose life is turned upside down due to the reappearance of his first love, a school teacher who is drawn to a female pupil, a married woman who takes revenge on her cheating husband by starting an affair, a father unable to connect with his baby and a divorcee on a desperate search for new love.

David Morrissey as Adrian at Margate train station with the sign behind him

David Morrissey as Adrian at Margate train station © BBC and Working Title

In 2011, Kent welcomed the crew and stars of True Love. The production based it self in Margate, the director Savage’s home town, and used many Thanet locations including Margate Beach and promenade, Margate High Street, train station, various hotels and bars and even Thanet District Council Offices.  They also used the Turner Contemporary, as well as nearby Westgate-On-Sea, Cliftonville, Pegwell Bay, Botany Bay and Broadstairs.

Thanet has an astonishing 9 Blue Flag beaches and is a very popular filming location, due to its beautiful bustling seaside towns. It previously welcomed many TV and film productions, including Hancock and Joan (2008), Last Orders (2002) and a McDonald’s Happy Meal Commercial.

It is also home to the Turner Contemporary art gallery, adjacent to Margate harbour, which was built to contribute to the regeneration of the town and is fast becoming a highlight of the British visual arts scene. It also hosted the first public screening of the opening episode of True Love on 29th March 2012.

True Love will air every night on BBC One at 22.25pm from Sunday 17th – Thursday 21st June 2012.

 

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

Dickens Secret Lover (2008)

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David Haig and Amy Shiels in period costumes. David looking up to the ceiling and Amy is behind looking at him

David Haig as Dickens and Amy Shiels as Nelly © Channel 4

Director: Sarah Aspinall

Writer: Jim Barton

Production Company:  Flame Television Production Ltd.

Kent Filming Locations: Charles Dickens Chalet at Eastgate House Rochester and Theatre Royal Margate.

Dickens’ Secret Lover is screening on Channel 4 as part of their Victorian Passions season, examining Charles Dickens’ private life. The programme reveals the secret life of the literary giant,  in which he abandons his wife for a long lasting affair with a very young actress.

Charles Dance sat on a chair facing the camera. Colourful curtains are behind him.

Charles Dance presenting Dickens

The programme is presented by Charles Dance, an actor who was seen most recently in the BBC adaptation of Bleak House as the callous Tulkinghorn. Dance takes on the role of detective in this drama-documentary, questioning five Dickens’ experts on how the affair affected his writing and his public character of a virtuous Victorian. Key scenes are dramatised to give the viewer a more in depth understanding of Dickens (played by David Haig) and his secret life with actress Nelly, played by Amy Shiels.

Charles Dickens’ is arguably Kent’s most famous author, having lived both at Gad’s Hill in Higham and at Broadstairs in Bleak House, Kent is understandably rich in historical links to the author. Many of his novels were penned here and many of the locations used in his novels echo real life locations in Kent. For example Westgate House in the Pickwick Papers is widely reported to be based on Eastgate House in Rochester.

The programme filmed on location both at Rochester in Charles Dickens’ Chalet at Eastgate House in Rochester and the  Theatre Royal in Margate.

The Swiss Chalet, a present from a French actor to Dickens, was originally constructed in the grounds of his home at Gad’s Hill before moving to Cobham Hall in Gravesham, where the recent BBC series Bleak House was filmed. Nowadays, the Chalet can be seen in the garden at Eastgate house in Rochester.

Exterior shot of Eastgate House - red brick building with black windows

Eastgate House © Medway Council

The Theatre Royal in Margate was chosen because  the crew wanted to visit locations that Dickens was passionate about. A performer himself, he frequently read his works to the public throughout the UK, and of course in Kent.

Eastgate House, situated in Rochester was formerly a large private town house. Built by Sir Peter Buck; it has now been restored and is owned by Medway Council. Productions such as Jekyll and Hyde (2015),  BBC’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012) and Great Expectations (1989) have previously filmed in the Rochester area.

The Theatre Royal is situated in the heart of Margate which is a vibrant seaside resort, with complementary historic and modern architecture. Margate has welcomed other productions including The Apprentice (2015), Last Orders (2002) and Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys’ Outing (1989).

In 2012 England will celebrating the bicentenary of his birth.

Dickens’ Secret Lover will be shown on Channel 4 at 9pm on the 16th June 2008.

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

Jetsam (2008)

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Alex Reid standing in wet clothes on a empty sandy beach

Alex Reid in Jetsam © Simon Welsford

Director/Writer: Simon Welsford

Production Company: Skyman Films

Kent Locations: Margate

Washed up on a deserted beach with no recollection of how she got there and who she is, Grace’s (Alex Reid – Life on Mars, The Descent) world changes dramatically as she collides with a man (Jamie Drevan, – Billy Elliot, Ultimate Force) who is intent on killing her.

In a desperate attempt to recall her memories and stay alive, Grace goes on the run. I her mind, the chaos of the city mixes with the bleak and savage coast and she begins to piece together her past, frantically working out how she became embroiled in a world of betrayal and espionage.

Filmed on a budget of less than £3000, Jetsam premiered at this year’s London Film festival to packed cinemas, forecasting a very promising future for the film.

Simon Welsford, a Kent resident, was inspired by his surroundings and the Margate coast provided the perfect backdrop for the moody, volatile atmosphere the thriller demanded. The weather was even on hand to help reflect the mood.

Margate is a coastal town that offers a sandy beach, arcades and period shopping areas in Old Town. Margate has welcomed filming from a variety of projects including The Apprentice (2015), Last Orders (2002) and Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys’ Outing (1989).

Jetsam was shown at various film festivals around the world including the Slamdance Festival and the London Film Festival.

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

Exodus (2007)

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cast and crew talking in front of a graffiti wall

Penny Directing on the set of Exodus © Phil Fisk/Channel 4 Television

Writer/Director: Penny Woolcock

Starring:  Bernard Hill,  Ger Ryan, Daniel Percival, Clare-Hope Ashitey

Production Company: Artangel Media, Arts Council of England, Channel 4 Television Corporation

Kent Filming Locations: Margate and surrounding areas.

Produced and commissioned by Artangel in collaboration with Channel 4 and the Arts Council UK, EXODUS is a retelling of the Old Testament story of Moses’ search of the Promised Land in a contemporary setting. Filmed entirely in Thanet, the feature length drama is directed by Penny Woolcock, featuring artwork by Anthony Gormley (Angel of the North).

The film stars Bernard Hill (Lord of the Rings, Titanic) as the Pharaoh and Ger Ryan (Queer as Folk, Fat Friends) as his wife. Moses is played by Daniel Percival (Vital Signs) and Zipporah by Clare-Hope Ashitey (Children of Men). All other characters, as well as the supporting cast, were played by people from Margate and the Isle of  Thanet who also assisted behind the scenes.

Antony Gormley's Waste Man sculpture on Margate Beach

Antony Gormley Waste Man © ThierryBal (kingsgate)

A highlight of the film is ‘Exodus Day’ which culminated in the burning of ‘Waste Man’ a 25 metre structure made of unwanted rubbish by artist Anthony Gormley. It also featured a performance at Margate’s Winter Gardens by local musicians, performing songs written exclusively for Exodus by artists like Rufus Wainwright, Laurie Anderson, The Tiger Lillies and Imogen Heap. The theme for he music were the ten Biblical plagues: Blood, Frogs, Lice, Death of ivestock, Boils, Hailstones, Locusts, Darkness and death of the first born

The entire project revolved around the involvement of the local community including students and staff from Margate Adult Education Centre. The students took on speaking roles and helped to make the props and sets for the film in their classes. Programme manager, Viv Smith, even abseiled Anthony Gormley’s Waste Man to help in its creation.

The crew of Exodus were delighted at the help they received and gave their thanks in the credits of the film for KAES, the students in the film and the tutors who help build the sets and worked on textiles.

Margate is a delightful seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour, arcades, and period housing. The area has been used for filming by projects including True Love (2012).

Exodus premiered at the 64th Venice Film Festival and will be screened in Cinemas and on Channel 4  on Monday 19th November 2007 at 10pm. 

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

Gypo (2006)

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an actor leaping off a concrete structure into the air

The Leap © Medb Films

Writer/Director: Jan Dunn

Producer: Elaine Wickham

Production Company: Medb Films, British Broadcasting Corporation, Distant Eye Films, Molinare Studio, Spotty Dog Films, VMI

Starring: Pauline McLynn, Chloe Sirene, Paul McGann, Rula Lenska

Kent Filming Locations: East Kent College, Kingsgate Bay, Margate, Pegwell Bay, Port of Ramsgate, Ramsgate, Royal Harbour Hotel and the Wig & Pen pub

Gypo is a 2005 feature length film follows the breakup of a working class family when their teenage daughter befriends a Romany Czech refugee.  Gypo told in three revelatory narratives, each from a particular character’s point of view, reveals how the disintegration of an ordinary working class family finally comes to a head when unexpected emotions are unleashed.  An innovative, gripping and engaging journey into the heart of a dysfunctional British family on the Kent coast, Gypo reveals how suburban fears and tabloid sensationalism have come to perpetuate the myths surrounding refugees.

Jan Dunn (The Calling, Ruby Blue) directs and writes the screenplay to her debut feature length film.  Pauline Mclynn (Father Ted, Eastenders, Angela’s Ashes) stars as Helen with a supporting cast including, Chloe Sirene (United 93, The Calling, Ruby Blue), Paul McGann (Alien 3, Withnail & I, Queen and the Damned).

The production filmed at a variety of locations in Thanet including East Kent College, Kingsgate Bay, Margate, Pegwell Bay, Port of Ramsgate, Ramsgate, Royal Harbour Hotel and the Wig & Pen pub.

 

 

Chloe Sirene and Freddie Connor running along Ramsgate Harbour with two security guards running after them

Chloe Sirene and Freddie Connor running along Ramsgate Harbour In Gypo 2005 © Medb Films

  

Director Jan Dunn and Gypo Crew at Ramsgate Harbour in front of the check in departures entrance.

Director Jan Dunn and Gypo Crew at Ramsgate Harbour © Medb Films

The Thanet area is made up of the towns Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, and boasts beautiful sandy beaches and busy vibrant towns. The area has been featured on screen in productions including  The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), The Lady in the Van (2015) and Top Dog Model (2012) .

Since their success with GYPO, Elaine Wickham and Jan Dunn, the team behind Medb Films have made a second feature set in East Kent, RUBY BLUE starring Bob Hoskins, as well as a short, MY MOTHER, both currently in post-production.

The film was released in November 2005 and is now available for DVD release.

With thanks to Jan Dunn and Elaine Wickham from Medb Films for the photos

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

Last Orders (2002)

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Last Orders Movie Poster - 6 cast members stood in a circle laughing at each other in a pub. Last Orders written in white

Last Orders Movie Poster © Metrodome Distribution Ltd.

Director: Fred Schepisi

Writer: Graham Swift (Novel) and Fred Schepisi

Starring: Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Ray Winston, David Hemmings, Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay

Production Company: Future Films, MBP, Scala Productions, Winchester Films 

Kent Locations: Rochester, the Historic War Memorial in Chatham, The Mount – Old Wives Lees near Chilham, Canterbury Cathedral, Margate

Last Orders is based on the novel of the same name by Graham Swift, and tells the story of how one man’s death affects the lives of those close to him as his best friends make a journey to pursue his final wish to have his ashes scattered at sea.

Throughout the journey, Jack’s companions share their own individual memories of him and how he made an impact on their lives. Flashbacks are used throughout the film stretching through six decades telling the story of the group of London pals as they make their heart felt journey to say goodbye to their friend.

Directed by Fred Schepisi (Six Degrees of Separation, A Cry in the Dark) and starring a host of acting talent including Michael Caine (The Italian Job, Batman Begins), Ray Winston (The Departed, The Sweeney), Bob Hoskins (Made in Dagenham, Ruby Blue), David Hemmings (The Rainbow Jacket, Gangs of New York), Tom Courtenay (Doctor Zhivago, The Golden Compass) and Helen Mirren (Calendar Girls, The Queen).

Rochester was used as a stop off during the friend’s journey and you can see them drive over Rochester Bridge and also walk down the high street. Rochester is a historic City that boasts an impressive cathedral and castle and has many links with Charles Dickens. Previous productions to have filmed in the area include The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012)and Veer (2009).

The Historic War Memorial in Chatham features in film for the scenes where the men stop off and reminisce about their time at war. Nearby, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a popular location having been used for productions such as Dom Hemingway (2013) Call The Midwife (2012-2013) and Children of Men (2006).

The Mount in Old Wives Lees was also one of the stop offs on the groups journey and is used for the flashback scenes of how Jack met his wife Amy. Neighboring village to Chilham, has a remarkable fifteenth century square of black and white timbered buildings and has been used for a variety of filming projects including Channel 4 comedy Chickens (2011)and Miss Marple – The Moving Finger (2005).

Canterbury Cathedral was used within the film as the characters make a stop to the grounds and look around the Cathedral. Canterbury is a vibrant City with parks and open spaces, shopping areas and neighbouring quaint, traditional towns. Previous productions that have shot in Canterbury include Canterbury Tales (2003).

Margate features in the final scenes of the film where the men scatter Jack’s ashes from the harbor arm. Margate is a delightful seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour, arcades, and period housing. The Old Town has lots to offer including galleries, quirky shops and trendy cafes. Margate is a popular location having previously welcomed productions such as BBC One’s improvised drama True Love (2012).

Last Orders was released in UK cinemas in January 2002 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

Last Resort (2000)

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Last Resort dvd cover- a family standing against a blue cladded wall- the women is stood to the left with her arm around the boy in the middle, the man is to the right with his hands in his pockets. Last Resort is written in white

Last Resort © BBC

Starring: Dina Korzun, Paddy Considine, Artyom Strelnikov, Adrian Scarborough

Production Company: BBC

Kent locations used: Margate

In director Pawel Pawlikowski’s debut feature film, a young Russian woman named Tanya (Dina Korzun) travels to the UK with her son, hoping to begin a new life with her fiancé. On arrival, airport security immediately question her intentions and feeling trapped, Tanya makes a rash decision to apply for political asylum. While their claim is considered, the pair are taken to the fictional seaside town of Stonehaven. Unable to get hold of her fiancé, Tanya has to face the reality that returning home isn’t going to be a quick or easy process and turns to arcade worker Alfie (Paddy Considine) for help.

The film stars Dina Korzun, (Cold Souls, Forty shades of Blue), Paddy Considine (Hot Fuzz, Submarine), Artyom Strelnikov (Russian Ark), Adrian Scarborough (Les Misérables, The Kings Speech) and Bruce Byron (The Bill, The Mummy Returns).

Margate, in Thanet doubled as the fictional seaside town of Stonehaven, and was the setting for the majority of the film. Margate has always been a popular destination for tourists who are attracted to its beautiful beaches, harbour, arcades, and historic architecture. The town has previously welcomed programmes such as Edge of Heaven (2014) and Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys Outing (1989).

Last Resort was first released in cinemas on 22nd August 2000 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)

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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. 

Fox (1980)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Fox DVD cover. Backdrop of a London skyline during sunset. In the foreground is a close-up of Peter Vaughan as Billy Fox, wearing a grey suit and looking stern. Behind him are close-up images of two men who have been badly beaten up.

Fox (1980) DVD Cover © Thames Television

Director: Jim Goddard
Writer: Trevor Preston
Starring: Peter Vaughan, Bernard Hill, Derrick O’Connor, Larry Lamb, Ray Winstone
Production Company: Euston Films, Thames Television
Kent Locations Used: Margate, Herne Bay, Kingsgate Bay, Botany Bay

Fox (1980) was an ITV crime-drama series following the titular Fox family and their gangland feuds. In episodes 5 and 6, Kenny Fox (Ray Winstone) finds himself in Kent and becomes the victim of a slapdash kidnapping plot.

The series was directed by Jim Goddard (Shanghai Surprise, Kennedy) and written by Trevor Preston (Night Hair Child, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead). It stars Peter Vaughan (Straw Dogs, Brazil) as old Billy Fox, Bernard Hill (Exodus (2007), The Mill on the Floss (1997)) as Vin Fox, Derrick O’Connor (Daredevil, Lethal Weapon 2) as Ray Fox, Larry Lamb (Essex Boys (2000), Eastenders (2007-2023)) as Joey Fox and Ray Winstone (The Sweeney (2012), Great Expectations (2011)) as Kenny Fox.

Margate, Herne Bay, Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay in Broadstairs feature in Episodes 5 and 6 of the series, as the seaside location where Kenny Fox finds himself victim of a kidnapping. Locations featured include Margate Main Sands, Margate Harbour Arm, The Parade  and Marine Drive in Margate. A private house on East Cliff Parade, which doubles for the squat where Kenny is held captive as well as Central Parade feature in Herne Bay.

Margate is a seaside town complete with sandy beach, harbour, Dreamland amusement park, period housing and ultra-modern art gallery Turner Contemporary. It is one of Kent’s most popular filming locations, having played host to Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys’ Outing (1989), Last Resort (2000) and Last Orders (2002).

Herne Bay is a coastal resort which is home to the world’s first free-standing purpose built clock tower. Other productions to have filmed here include Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em (1973), Blue Jeans (1977) and Cockles! (1984).

Botany Bay is a sandy bay against a white cliff backdrop with steep, sandy track for vehicle access and small portable café. It is one of Kent’s most popular beaches for photoshoots but has also featured in many TV programmes and films, including Á nous les petites Anglaises (1976), The Fixer (2008) and True Love (2012). It connects to a similar cove, Kingsgate Bay at low tide.

Fox (1980) aired on ITV between Monday 10th March 1980 and Monday 2nd June 1980 and is currently available to purchase on DVD.

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

O Dreamland (1953)

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Dreamland entrance, with amusements at the front and Dreamland written down the side of the building

Dreamland © Markus Kellmann

Director: Lindsay Anderson
Kent Locations Used: Dreamland

O Dreamland (1953) is a short documentary film made in 1953 by just the director Lindsay Anderson (If…, Britannia Hospital) and a cameraman and is about amusement park Dreamland in Margate.

The film takes the audience on a tour of Dreamland in Margate and its various attractions such as bingo, arcades, rides, café and mechanical puppets set to background noise and music.

The 12 minute film was made with basic equipment – a single camera and an audiotape recorder and after completion it was shelved and likely never to be shown however Anderson decided to screen the film as part of the Free Cinema programme.

Dreamland had been closed since 2006 but there was a redevelopment of the site. It re-opened to the public in June 2015.

Margate is a delightful seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour, arcades, galleries and period housing. Margate has become a popular location having previously welcomed productions such as Sky Atlantic drama The Tunnel (2012), BBC One’s improvised drama True Love (2012) and feature film Last Orders (2002).

O Dreamland (1953) was released in 1953 and is currently available to stream for free on BFI Player.

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