Step into the riveting world of Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, ITV‘s latest drama that not only unfolds a gripping tale of scandal but also paints a vivid portrait of the UK through its diverse filming locations. In this exploration, we embark on a journey through the intriguing locales that set the stage for this compelling narrative, unravelling the significance of each backdrop and answering the burning question: where was Mr. Bates vs The Post Office filmed?
What is the Story of Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office?
Based on a true story, Mr. Bates vs The Post Office unfolds the heart-wrenching saga of the British Post Office scandal between. This happened between 2000 and 2015. During this period, the Post Office wrongfully accused thousands of sub postmasters and postmistresses. They were related to financial discrepancies arising from its unreliable computerized accounting system, Horizon. The flawed system led to 736 prosecutions, with many losing their livelihoods, homes, and life savings. You can watch Mr. Bates vs The Post Office in the US on ITV and enlighten yourself on the injustice that happened.
In 2009, a group led by Alan Bates formed the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance, sparking a relentless fight for justice. The drama portrays their struggles, the landmark Court of Appeal decision that overturned criminal convictions. Moreover, the ongoing battle for exoneration and closure, highlights the enduring quest for justice that persists to this day.
Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office release date
Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office airs on ITV1 nightly from Monday, 1 January to Thursday, 4 January at 9 PM. For those who missed the live broadcast, the full series is available online via ITVX. This offers an immediate access to all episodes. Additionally, take advantage of the ITVX free trial offer and have the flexibility to cancel your ITVX subscription at your convenience. Explore the competitive pricing options available for ITVX now and immerse yourself in the excitement of this captivating film.
Where was Mr. Bates vs The Post Office filmed?
The series, with its wide-ranging scope, focuses on the stories of different individuals affected by the scandal, featuring scenes set in various parts of the UK. This geographical diversity not only adds authenticity to the narrative but also showcases the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the country.
London: The Metropolitan Backdrop
London, with its iconic cityscape, serves as one of the key locations in the series. The bustling metropolis provides a stark contrast to the more rural settings in the show. This highlights the widespread impact of the scandal across different social and economic backgrounds.
Llandudno, North Wales: A Key Filming Site
Llandudno in North Wales, where Alan Bates, played by Toby Jones was a subpostmaster, plays a significant role in the series. The town’s picturesque setting on the coast adds a unique charm to the series. Moreover, its historical significance in the real-life scandal adds depth to the narrative.
Fenny Compton: Where It All Began
Fenny Compton, a village in Warwickshire, is another crucial location. It was here that the first meeting of postmasters took place in 2009, organized by Bates, to fight for justice. The village’s quaint and traditional English setting provides the perfect backdrop for this pivotal moment in the story.
Moreover, South Warnborough in Hampshire and Bridlington in Yorkshire are also featured. These locations, with their distinct regional characteristics, help in portraying the widespread nature of the scandal and its impact on various communities.
Filming in Kent and Llandudno, Wales
The series was filmed in multiple locations around the UK, including Kent and Llandudno, Wales. Kent, known for its beautiful villages and countryside, was chosen for its ability to represent quintessential English towns. Llandudno’s inclusion, particularly Queen’s Road in Craig-y-Don and the St David’s Hospice charity outlet, adds a layer of authenticity, as the latter was the actual location of Alan Bates’s post office.
The Director’s Vision: Capturing the Essence of the UK
Director James Strong’s vision was to find a base that could represent the whole country. Kent, with its picturesque villages and parts, was chosen for its perfect representation of small English country towns. According to Radio Times, while talking to BBC Radio Kent, Strong said:
We needed to find a base or a kind of location that would serve for kind of the whole country, if you like.
“And we shot a lot of the series in Kent because we found that there were lots of these beautiful little villages and beautiful little parts of the country, and parts of Kent, that really were perfect for our kind of small, quintessentially English country towns, where a lot of these subpostmasters were based. So Kent did us proud, it was a fabulous location for our shoot.”
The Impact of Location on Storytelling
The diverse filming locations of Mr. Bates vs The Post Office play a crucial role in the storytelling. Each location brings its unique flavour to the series, helping to convey the widespread impact of the scandal. From the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Llandudno and the historical significance of Fenny Compton, the series uses its settings to enhance the narrative and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Summing it up!
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office is more than just a drama; it’s a journey across the UK, showcasing the country’s diversity through its choice of filming locations. As you now know where was Mr. Bates vs The Post Office filmed, tune in to this gripping series and witness a powerful story with a visual tour of some of the UK’s most picturesque and significant locations.
