Mini Biography

Born: 1 April 1997, Islington, London, England. 

Despite growing up in the limelight with parents working in the industry, Asa Butterfield had a relatively normal childhood. He attended Stoke Newington School & Sixth Form College where he balanced his academic studies with pursuing his acting aspirations.

At just ten years old, Butterfield made his debut appearance on television with a minor role in the drama series “After Thomas” (2006). However, it was his captivating performance as Bruno in Mark Herman’s film adaptation of John Boyne’s novel “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” (2008) that brought him international recognition. … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 6 March 1966, Loughton, Essex, England. 

Alan Davies grew up with a natural flair for comedy. His passion for entertainment emerged during his formative years as he honed his comedic skills through school plays and local performances. Despite facing personal challenges growing up, including the loss of his mother at an early age, Davies persevered and found solace in making others laugh.

After completing his education at Loughton College of Further Education, Alan embarked on a career path that would showcase his versatility. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he gained recognition by performing stand-up comedy … Read more

Scottish detective series are a gripping and immersive genre of crime fiction that typically features compelling characters, intricate plots and atmospheric settings in a picturesque landscape.

Crime (2021)

Detective Inspector Ray Lennox delves into the perplexing disappearance of a schoolgirl in Edinburgh. As he navigates his own inner turmoil and copes with internal police conflicts, Lennox relentlessly strives to uncover the truth behind this unsettling case.

Top cast: Dougray Scott, Joanna Vanderham, Jamie Sives, Michael Abubakar, Angela Griffin, Laura Fraser, Sarah McCardie, Ken Stott and John Simm.

Rebus (2000)

“Rebus” is a Scottish … Read more

Hammer classic horror films, produced by Hammer Film Productions from the 1950s to the 1970s, are known for their gothic atmosphere, iconic monsters such as Dracula and Frankenstein’s creature, and a distinct blend of horror, suspense and vivid cinematography that left an indelible mark on the genre.

The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

In The Curse of Frankenstein, Hammer classic horror film, the brilliant but twisted scientist Baron Victor Frankenstein creates a monstrous creature using body parts from various corpses, leading to a series of horrifying events as his creation seeks revenge and his own humanity is called into … Read more

Kitchen sink dramas (aka British New Wave) are a genre of films and plays from the 1950s and 1960s that depict realistic stories of working-class life, focusing on domestic settings and exploring themes of social inequality, family dynamics and personal struggles.

Look Back in Anger (1959)

The first of our kitchen sink dramas is “Look Back in Anger”. It follows Jimmy Porter, an intelligent but disillusioned young man living in post-war England. Through his tumultuous relationships with his wife Alison and friend Cliff, the film explores themes of class conflict, social alienation and the frustration of the working-class … Read more

The Channel Islands have stunning natural beauty, rich history, diverse culture, and the opportunity to experience a unique blend of British and French influences.

Another Mother’s Son (2017)

Based on the remarkable true story, this film portrays Louisa Gould, a brave widow who shelters an escaped Russian prisoner of war during the Nazi occupation of Jersey in World War II. As she risks everything to protect young Russian POW Bill, Louisa must face challenges of feeding her family and facing suspicion from neighbours while defying the authorities to preserve their lives and freedom.

Top cast: Jenny Seagrove, John … Read more

Series set in Cornwall offer a captivating blend of stunning coastal landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and compelling storytelling.

Wycliffe (1994)

The first of our tv series set in Cornwall is Wycliffe. In rugged landscapes, Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe tackles complex crimes with his astute mind and unorthodox methods. As he delves into the dark underbelly of this picturesque region, Wycliffe uncovers secrets that challenge his own beliefs while confronting personal demons that threaten to consume him.

Top cast: Jack Shepherd, Jimmy Yuill, Helen Masters, Aaron Harris, Tim Wylton, Lynn Farleigh and Michael Attwell.

Poldark (2015)

 … Read more

British dystopian films offer thought-provoking narratives, exceptional storytelling and provide insightful social commentary on the human condition.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

The first of our British dystopian films is “A Clockwork Orange”. A dark and unsettling dystopian tale set in a near-future society, following the charismatic but violent youth Alex as he undergoes an experimental behavior modification treatment that challenges notions of free will, morality and the consequences of societal control.

Top cast: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke, John Clive, Adrienne Corri, Carl Duering and Paul Farrell.

Fahrenheit 451 (1966)

Our second … Read more

British First World War films provide a compelling and authentic portrayal of the era, exploring themes of sacrifice, resilience and the human impact of war.

Journey’s End (2017)

In this gripping British First World War film “Journey’s End,” a group of British soldiers led by Captain Stanhope face the harsh realities of trench warfare as they await a German offensive. Amidst fear and camaraderie, tensions rise and loyalties are tested in this powerful exploration of humanity under extreme circumstances.

Top cast: Sam Claflin, Asa Butterfield, Paul Bettany, Toby Jones, Tom Sturridge, Stephen Graham, Robert … Read more

Ripper Street (2012)

Our first of the Victorian detective series is set in Whitechapel, London during the late 19th century and early 20th century. The show follows Inspector Edmund Reid (played by Matthew Macfadyen), Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn) and surgeon Captain Homer Jackson (Adam Rothenberg) as they investigate crimes in the aftermath of Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror.

The series begins with Inspector Reid returning to work after three years away from his post following the failure to capture Jack the Ripper. Alongside Drake and Jackson, he tries to solve crimes that plague East London’s community … Read more

Historical dramas set in Russia

Mr Jones (2019)

The first of our historical dramas set in Russia is Mr. Jones, a biographical drama directed by Agnieszka Holland, which tells the story of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones who travels to Soviet Russia in 1933. There he uncovers the horrific truth behind the forced famine that killed millions of Ukrainians under Stalin’s regime, despite attempts to suppress his findings by both Western governments and Moscow officials.

Top cast: James Norton, Vanessa Kirby, Peter Sarsgaard, Joseph Mawle, Kenneth Cranham, Celyn Jones, Krzysztof Pieczynski and Fenella Woolgar.

Doctor Zhivago

Bill Nighy films showcase his ability to bring depth and nuance to every character he portrays, along with his unique blend of charm and wit.

The Limehouse Golem (2016)

Victorian London is gripped by terror as a mysterious killer, dubbed the Limehouse Golem, stalks the city’s underbelly. A detective is drawn into a complex web of deceit and murder when a music hall star is accused of poisoning her husband, a man connected to the Golem’s gruesome crimes. As the investigation deepens, the line between victim and perpetrator blurs, revealing a haunting portrait of desperation and madness in the … Read more

Watch heist films for a thrilling and suspenseful experience. See the characters plan and execute elaborate robberies with precision and style. All but The Italian Job, these heist films are based on real events.

The Bank Job (2008)

Based on the true story of a 1971 robbery in London, where a group of amateur criminals are recruited to steal safety deposit boxes from a bank vault that contain compromising photos and documents belonging to prominent individuals, leading them into danger as they become embroiled in political and criminal intrigue.

Top cast: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Stephen Campbell … Read more

The British home front

Their Finest (2015)

This British home front films follows the story of Catrin Cole, a young Welsh woman who moves to London with her artist husband and lands a job as a scriptwriter for propaganda films being produced by the Ministry of Information.

Although initially assigned only to write “slop” (women’s dialogue), Catrin proves herself to be an astute writer and soon begins working on more important projects with … Read more

British period dramas from ITV are enjoyable for their rich historical context, stunning set designs and costumes, and nuanced portrayals of complex characters.

Sanditon (2019)

Our first of the British period dramas is Sanditon. Based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel of the same name, which follows the story of Charlotte Heywood, a young and idealistic woman who visits Sanditon, a fishing village that is being transformed into a seaside resort by entrepreneur Tom Parker. As Charlotte becomes acquainted with the town’s eccentric inhabitants, she finds herself drawn to Sidney Parker, Tom’s charismatic but brooding brother.

Top cast: Rose … Read more

Community Driven British Films

Those quintessentially British films that we love to watch cosied up on the settee.

The Bookshop (2017)

In a traditional coastal town, a free-spirited widow decides to open a bookshop, bringing a breath of fresh air with progressive literature. However, her endeavour faces opposition from a wealthy local resident who desires the same location for their own project. As the widow fights to keep her dream alive, the townspeople rally behind her, forming a unique community centered around her love of books.

Top cast: Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy, Patricia Clarkson, Hunter Tremayne, … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 12 July 1976, Rochdale, England. 

Anna Friel’s mother, Julie Bamford Friel, is a special needs teacher, while her father, Desmond “Des” Friel, is a former French teacher and folk guitarist who now owns a web design company. Anna has a brother named Michael, who is a doctor. Growing up in a supportive family, Anna’s interest in acting was nurtured from a young age.

Anna Friel attended Crompton House Church of England School, an Anglican secondary school and later Holy Cross College, a Roman Catholic sixth form. Her passion for acting led her to train at the Oldham … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 16 December 1988 London, England.

Born into an accomplished family, Anna Popplewell is the eldest of three children. Her father, Lord Justice Sir Andrew Popplewell, is a Court of Appeal judge, while her mother, Debra Lomas, is a dermatologist with a degree from Newnham College, Cambridge. Hailing from London,

Upon completing her education at North London Collegiate School, where she served as a senior student in 2006-2007, Popplewell embarked on her academic journey at Oxford University, choosing to delve into English Language and Literature at Magdalen College.

Anna Popplewell’s breakout role came in 2005 when she … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 16 April 1996, Miami, Florida, U.S.A. 

Anya Taylor-Joy was born in Miami, Florida, to a Scottish-Argentinian-English father and a Spanish-English mother. She spent her early years moving between Argentina and the United Kingdom before finally settling in London.

Taylor-Joy’s passion for performing arts blossomed at a young age. She was a natural performer and trained as a ballet dancer from the age of 6. However, her dreams of becoming a professional dancer were cut short due to a series of injuries. Undeterred, she turned her focus to acting and attended the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 30 July 1970, London, England. 

Christopher Nolan is a British filmmaker who is known for his complex and innovative storytelling. He has directed some of the most acclaimed and successful films of the 21st century, such as The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Tenet.

Nolan was born in Westminster, London, to a British father and an American mother. He developed an interest in filmmaking from a young age, making short films with his father’s Super 8 camera. He attended Haileybury and Imperial Service College, a boarding school in Hertfordshire, where he was exposed to … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 31 May 1972 Edgware, London, England. 

Archie Panjabi is a British actress who has won various awards and accolades for her roles in both UK and US television and film. She was born as Archana Panjabi, to Sindhi Hindu immigrants from India. She spent part of her childhood in Mumbai, India and considers herself “part British, part Indian”. She graduated from Brunel University with a degree in management studies in 1994.

Archie Panjabi began her acting career in 1999 with the comedy film East Is East, which depicted the life of a British Pakistani family. She … Read more

Mini Biography

Joanna Hogg is a director and screenwriter, known for her distinctive style of realism and minimalism. She has directed six feature films, including The Souvenir, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

Joanna Hogg was born to John Goldsborough Hogg and Sarah Edith Noel-Buxton. She developed an interest in photography and filmmaking at a young age and borrowed a camera from Derek Jarman, who became her mentor. Joanna Hogg studied direction at the National Film and Television School, where she made her graduation film Caprice, starring Tilda Swinton in 1986.

After graduating, Hogg … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 18 September 1980, London, England. 

Adeel Akhtar, a name synonymous with versatility and talent in the British acting scene, was born in London to a Pakistani father and an Indo-Kenyan mother. His early life was marked by a blend of cultures, which would later enrich his portrayals of complex characters.

Educated at Cheltenham College, Akhtar initially pursued a degree in law from Oxford Brookes University, a path laid out by parental expectations. However, a burgeoning passion for acting ignited within him, leading to a pivotal decision to abandon the legal world in favour of dramatic arts.… Read more

Mini Biography

Born 14 August 1968, Birmingham, England

Growing up in a creative household, Adrian Lester was exposed to the arts from an early age. His father was an artist and his mother worked in education, fostering an environment that nurtured his innate talent. Lester attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Lester’s career began to flourish in the 1990s when he gained recognition for his performances in various theater productions. One of his most notable early stage roles was as Rosalind in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at the Royal National Theatre in 1991. This … Read more