Miss Scarlet and The Duke, the beloved period drama that blends sharp wit with captivating mysteries, transports viewers to the gaslit streets and elegant homes of Victorian London. However, despite its London setting, the majority of the series is actually filmed in Dublin, Ireland, a city that convincingly doubles for 19th-century England due to its well-preserved Georgian architecture and historical charm. While some scenes are indeed shot on location in London, Dublin serves as the primary production hub, meticulously recreating the sights and sounds of the Victorian era.
Dublin: The Heart of Victorian London
Dublin’s architectural landscape provides the perfect canvas for recreating the world of Eliza Scarlet and Inspector William “The Duke” Wellington. The production team skillfully uses existing historical landmarks and streetscapes, transforming them into recognizable London locales. This approach allows for a more controlled and cost-effective filming environment while maintaining a high degree of authenticity.
Key Dublin Locations
- Dublin Castle: This iconic landmark serves as a backdrop for several exterior scenes, often representing government buildings or high-society residences. Its grand architecture and rich history make it a versatile filming location.
- Trinity College: With its cobbled squares and imposing buildings, Trinity College provides an authentic Victorian academic setting, frequently used for scenes involving libraries or learned societies.
- Kilmainham Gaol: While often associated with Irish history, Kilmainham Gaol has been used for scenes requiring a grittier, more industrial aesthetic, showcasing the less glamorous side of Victorian London.
- Marsh’s Library: This perfectly preserved 18th-century library provides a stunning backdrop for scenes requiring a sense of old-world knowledge and quiet contemplation. Its intricate shelves and antique books create an atmosphere of scholarly importance.
Adapting Dublin for London
The transformation of Dublin into Victorian London involves meticulous set design, prop selection, and visual effects. Road signs are replaced, shopfronts are redesigned, and details like gas lamps and horse-drawn carriages are added to create a convincing illusion. The production team also carefully avoids modern elements, ensuring that the viewer is fully immersed in the 19th-century setting. Careful camera angles and post-production editing further enhance the illusion, making it difficult for viewers to discern that they are actually looking at Dublin rather than London.
London Calling: On-Location Shoots
While Dublin forms the core of the filming locations, the series does occasionally venture to London for specific scenes requiring iconic landmarks or environments that cannot be realistically replicated elsewhere. These on-location shoots add another layer of authenticity to the production.
Iconic London Landmarks
- Exterior shots of Parliament: Establishing shots of the Houses of Parliament provide a recognizable and essential element of Victorian London, adding gravitas and political context to the narrative.
- The Thames River: Scenes along the Thames River, with its bustling docks and passing ships, capture the dynamism of Victorian London’s maritime industry and trade.
- Select streets in historic neighborhoods: Certain streets and squares in London’s historic neighborhoods, like Bloomsbury and Mayfair, retain enough of their Victorian character to be used as filming locations. These locations offer a sense of place and authenticity that cannot be fully replicated in Dublin.
Balancing Cost and Authenticity
The decision to film primarily in Dublin is driven by a combination of factors, including cost-effectiveness, availability of suitable locations, and the existence of a skilled and experienced film crew. Filming on location in London is significantly more expensive due to higher labor costs, permit fees, and logistical challenges. By utilizing Dublin as the primary filming hub, the production team can allocate resources more efficiently while still delivering a visually stunning and historically accurate depiction of Victorian London.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Filming Locations
Here are some frequently asked questions about the filming locations for Miss Scarlet and The Duke, offering further insights into the production process and the dedication to historical accuracy:
FAQ 1: Is the police station, Scotland Yard, a real location?
No, the police station, which is often meant to represent Scotland Yard, is typically a set constructed in a studio in Dublin or a dressed exterior building in Dublin. It is not a real Scotland Yard building.
FAQ 2: Are the houses featured in the series actual Victorian-era homes?
Many of the houses used for exterior shots are indeed historical buildings located in Dublin. Interiors are usually filmed on sets within studios for greater control over lighting and camera angles. The production crew painstakingly ensures that all the buildings used reflect the architectural style and detailing of the Victorian era.
FAQ 3: How does the production team disguise modern Dublin as Victorian London?
The production team utilizes a variety of techniques, including removing modern signage, adding period-appropriate props, dressing streets with horse-drawn carriages, and employing visual effects to create the illusion of Victorian London. Careful camera angles and post-production editing further enhance the illusion.
FAQ 4: Were there any specific challenges in recreating Victorian London in Dublin?
Yes, one of the main challenges was avoiding modern buildings and infrastructure that would be out of place in the Victorian era. This required careful planning, strategic camera angles, and the use of visual effects to remove or obscure anachronistic elements. Another challenge was finding locations that closely resembled the specific architectural styles and streetscapes of Victorian London.
FAQ 5: Are there any specific Dublin landmarks that are easily recognizable in the series?
While the production team works hard to disguise the Dublin locations, viewers familiar with the city might recognize landmarks such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and Kilmainham Gaol. These buildings have distinctive architectural features that make them difficult to completely conceal.
FAQ 6: How much of the filming takes place in a studio versus on location?
A significant portion of the filming, particularly interior scenes, takes place in studios in Dublin. This allows for greater control over the environment and facilitates the creation of elaborate sets. Exterior scenes are often filmed on location in Dublin or London.
FAQ 7: Did the filming locations influence the storyline or characters in any way?
While the locations might not directly influence the core storyline, they undoubtedly contribute to the atmosphere and overall aesthetic of the series. The grandeur of certain buildings, for example, might reinforce the wealth and power of certain characters.
FAQ 8: Where are the sets and studios located in Dublin that are used for filming?
The precise locations of the sets and studios are often kept confidential for security reasons. However, it is known that many of the studios used for filming are located in the Greater Dublin area.
FAQ 9: How long does it typically take to transform a Dublin street into a Victorian London street?
The transformation process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the scene and the extent of the required changes. This includes removing modern elements, adding period-appropriate props, and dressing the street with horse-drawn carriages and other Victorian-era details.
FAQ 10: Does the production team consult with historians or experts on Victorian London to ensure accuracy?
Yes, the production team often consults with historical advisors to ensure that the costumes, sets, and props accurately reflect the Victorian era. This helps to maintain the authenticity of the series and avoid historical inaccuracies.
FAQ 11: Are there any filming location tours available for fans of Miss Scarlet and The Duke?
While there are no official Miss Scarlet and The Duke filming location tours, general Dublin walking tours that cover historical landmarks may include some of the locations used in the series. Keen fans can also research online and explore the locations themselves, using screenshots from the show as a guide.
FAQ 12: Are there any plans to film in more diverse locations for future seasons?
Future filming locations depend on various factors, including budgetary constraints, storyline requirements, and the availability of suitable locations. While Dublin remains the primary filming hub, the production team may explore additional locations in Ireland or the UK to expand the scope of the series and introduce new visual elements.