By John Harrison
Published on Fri Jul 08 07:19:49 BST 2011
A 400-YEAR-OLD stately home in Northamptonshire is to feature in a highly-anticipated BBC dramatisation of Charles Dickens’ popular novel, Great Expectations.
A star-studded BBC cast and film crew descended upon Holdenby House, the historic country estate just north of Northampton, this week to film scenes outside the Grade II listed house on Monday, Tuesday and yesterday.
The adaptation, which will hit the nation’s screens this Christmas, is set to form the centrepiece of the BBC’s celebration of Dickens in 2012, the 200th anniversary of his birth.
The three-part drama, which has been described by BBC bosses as “part thriller, part mystery and a powerful love story”, is to feature Hollywood star Ray Winstone, as Magwitch, and former X-Files star Gillian Anderson as Miss Haversham.
BBC sources have confirmed the Northamptonshire stately home is to feature as the derelict Satis House, the home of the fictional Miss Haversham, a central character in the book, as part of the production.
Brief shots of the interior of the house will also be used, although the bulk of the interior filming was expected to be filmed at a separate location in Hertfordshire.
The privately-owned house, built in 1583, and estate also includes Grade I listed gardens and a falconry centre.
James Lowther, owner of the house, said he was shocked how run-down and derelict the BBC art department had been able to make his family home look.
He said: “The crew turned the house into Satis House and it did remind us all what can happen to these houses if you don’t maintain them. The number the art department did on the property did mean it looked in a certain state of disrepair. But we were delighted to have the BBC here and are looking forward to seeing how it looks in December.”
Ray Winstone said: “Great Expectations is my favourite novel, and I’m thrilled to be playing Magwitch. I’ve wanted to play him for ages, I’m really excited about Sarah Phelps’ take on the story, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
The BBC has yet to confirm dates for the screening.
Comments
There are 4 comments to this article
As lady m points out, there have been many productions of the classic story, but on this occasion, the BBC has bowed to local pressure and the storyline will include a lesser-known comic Dickensian character: MR BINLEY.
A printing error Bobs…..it was meant to read PIP
Re. The Headline…………………………………………………………………..
I have read the book and recall no mention of a top in it , why are they having an actor acting as a top ? .
How many versions of Great Expectations has BBC ever made ? How about something new ! …..off to bolt m’breakfast….