WALES ON THE SILVER SCREEN

I F YOU’RE wondering why some scenes look familiar on the big screen version of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You, that’s because parts of it were filmed in Wales.

The film version of the bestselling romantic novel stars Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke as Louisa who forms a bond with recently paralysed William, played by The Hunger Games’ Sam Claflin.

Pembroke’s pretty streets and majestic castle were the setting for around five days of filming last May.

Fans descended on Pembroke for a chance to see movie stars and the book’s author, who happily met her admirers.

The tranquil town saw road closures and an influx of visitors but disruption was kept to a minimum.

Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis was one of the stars to shoot scenes around the town. He plays the fitness-obsessed boyfriend Patrick and scenes filmed in Pembroke show him in tight gym gear as Louisa cycles along with him in a pretty yellow ensemble.

Main Street was even given the Pinewood Studios effect when it was transformed into a snowy scene.

Me Before You, which is out in cinemas this weekend, follows William Traynor who is left paralysed and misfit Louisa Clark who is employed as his companion.

In the trailer, Pembroke Castle is the opening shot as the pair enjoy the glorious view of the historic site.

Movie outings for Pembrokeshire date back as far as 1956, when Fishguard became the setting for Moby Dick, starring Gregory Peck. This was followed by Fury at Smugglers’ Bay filmed at Abereiddy. Fishguard was also the set for Under Milk Wood, starring Richard Burton.

Marloes beach hosted Peter O’Toole in Lion in Winter and in 2009, Freshwater West provided the backdrop to Sir Ridley Scott’s battle scenes for his version of Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe. The beach was also the setting for the Shell Cottage in Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows.

In 2011 Pembrokeshire’s breathtaking coastline was the backdrop for Snow White and the Huntsman featuring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth, while Barafundle Bay was one of several locations in Pembrokeshire used in the film Third Star starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Hugh Bonneville.

Dozens of Pembrokeshire residents were employed as extras in Kevin Allen’s film remake of Dylan Thomas’ best loved play Under Milk Wood in 2014.

Me Before You is out in cinemas now.