BBC One spring drama made with Screen Yorkshire’s ‘Yorkshire Content Fund’

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, a new BBC series which premieres on Sunday 17th May at 9pm, spent four months filming in the region following investment from the Yorkshire Content Fund

The seven part series, which is also the largest scale production Screen Yorkshire has ever invested in, was shot at locations including; York - St Williams College, Lady Peckett’s Yard, College Street, The Shambles, York Minster, Newbrough Priory. Leeds - Temple Newsam, Kirkstall Abbey, Studio 81. Oakwell Hall - Birstall, Fountains Abbey, St Mary’s Church - Otley, Stainburn Church, Wentworth Woodhouse - Rotherham. Wakefield - St Johns North, St Johns Square, South Parade and Appletreewick.

Screen Yorkshire offers production financing for TV, film, video games and the digital sectors in Yorkshire and Humber, through the Yorkshire Content Fund, the biggest regional investment fund for production in the UK.

Based on the bestselling novel by Susanna Clarke, the series tells the story of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell in York at the beginning of the 19th-century, when the people of England no longer believe in magic. This all changes when the reclusive Mr Norrell causes the statues of York Minster to speak and move, starting a new enthusiasm for magic. With a little persuasion and help from his man of business Childermass (Cilenti), he goes to London to help the government in the war against Napoleon. It is there Norrell summons a fairy to bring Lady Pole (Englert) back from the dead, opening a whole can of worm.

Nick Hirschkorn, producer from Feel Films, said: ’‘The perfect combination of stunning locations, a healthy crew base, affordable rates and unwavering support from Screen Yorkshire, made basing Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in Leeds and York for 16 weeks of filming a very easy decision to make. I look forward to returning to capitalise on all the wonderful relationships that were built during this large and complex production.’’

Hugo Heppell, head of investments at Screen Yorkshire, added: “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is epic television in every sense. Rooted in Yorkshire, infused with a Yorkshire sensibility, and shot extensively in the region, we couldn’t be more proud of this spectacular series and everybody involved in its production.”

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