Since opening in 1873, Alexandra Palace has played a starring role in London’s entertainment story. Best known as the birthplace of the world’s first regular public television service in 1936, Ally Pally has long been at the forefront of broadcasting, from the early days of BBC television to hosting major productions today.
Now, producers benefit from a unique blend of heritage and flexibility. Our Grade II listed site offers nine versatile filming spaces, including the Great Hall, West Hall, Victorian Theatre and Ice Rink, alongside 196 acres of parkland and some of the best views of London’s skyline. With large pillar-free spaces, blackout capabilities and excellent production access, Alexandra Palace is the ideal setting for film, TV, commercials, music videos and more.
Read on to discover some of the films that have been shot at Alexandra Palace over the years and why this iconic venue continues to attract productions from across the industry.
Last Christmas
Nothing seems to go right for young Kate, a frustrated Londoner who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. However her life takes a new turn for the better when she meets Tom – a handsome charmer who seems too good to be true. As the city transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, Tom and Kate’s growing attraction turns into the best gift of all.
The ice skating scene, in which the couple take an illicit late-night skate, was filmed at our Ice Rink.
Did you know?
Our Ice Rink is also the location of Robbie Williams’ She’s The One music video, released in 1999.
Rare Beasts
Rare Beasts is a 2019 British psychological romantic drama written and directed by Billie Piper. The story follows Mandy, a 30-something single mother, who works in TV production and has a dysfunctional relationship with her family. Mandy falls in love with Pete, a religious marriage-obsessed coworker who sets his sights on pushing her to accept him despite their differences.
Scenes were filmed on The South Terrace and The Great Hall. The juxtaposition of the large window next to the small café scene is the perfect location for this brilliant romcom.
The Current War
Three brilliant visionaries set off in a charged battle for the future in The Current War, the epic story of the cutthroat competition that literally lit up the modern world, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as inventor Thomas Edison, Michael Shannon as businessman George Westinghouse and Nicholas Hoult as engineer Nikola Tesla.
Scenes were filmed in the South Terrace, which was transformed to stand in for the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition.
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
Louis Wain was many things during his incredible life: artist, inventor, entrepreneur and caretaker. After adopting a stray kitten, he went on to paint the extraordinary images of cats that made him world famous.
Our North Yard was utilised in the movie to stand in for New York’s meatpacking district in the early 19th century.
Tom and Jerry: The Movie
A legendary rivalry re-emerges when Jerry moves into New York City’s finest hotel on the eve of the wedding of the century, forcing the desperate event planner to hire Tom to get rid of him. As mayhem ensues, the escalating cat-and-mouse battle soon threatens to destroy her career, the wedding, and possibly the hotel itself.
Did you know that Tom and Jerry exploring New York was actually filmed in London? The museum is our Palm Court while the Fish market scene was filmed in the West Hall.
Bob Marley: One Love
One Love is the biographical musical of how reggae icon Bob Marley overcame adversity, and the journey behind his revolutionary music.
The movie is shot across many locations at Ally Pally, in particular the Theatre. Watch out for the scene where Bob Marley plays with a football before going on stage and you will see the back corridor of our Victorian Theatre.
Thinking about Alexandra Palace for your next shoot? Get in touch with our sales team to discuss your project and find out how Ally Pally could bring your vision to life.
