The Crown filming tale of Aberfan
NETFLIX’S major series The Crown will be filming in Wales over the coming days for an episode covering the Aberfan disaster.
Filming for the episode in the third series of the show, which chronicles the life of the Queen, will be carried out at various locations across south Wales.
In October 1966, 116 children and 28 adults died in the village when a colliery spoil tip collapsed and engulfed Pantglas Junior School and surrounding homes. October 2016 saw the 50th anniversary of the disaster.
Producers say they have met members of the community on a number of occasions before filming takes place. They say their aim is to “tell this story truthfully and responsibly so that the tragic events of 1966 are never forgotten”.
The Queen has visited Aberfan several times throughout her time as monarch, the first visit coming nine days after the Aberfan disaster.
The Crown is one of the biggest and most acclaimed shows on TV at the moment – Claire Foy this week won an Emmy for her portrayal of the young Queen in series one and two.
In the third series, which covers the period 1963-1977, Broadchurch actress Olivia Colman takes on the role of the Queen and Tobias Menzies plays Prince Philip.
The episode being filmed in Wales, due to air late next year, covers the period from the day of the disaster through to the Queen’s visit.
The production will be filming in Wales this month and in early October. Various locations across south Wales are being used for the episode, but filming will not take place in Aberfan itself.
Residents in Cwmaman, near Aberdare, have previously been written to and told to expect film crews in the area, and Rhondda Cynon Taf council has previously confirmed that the disused Glynhafod Junior School will be used for filming. It has been vacated due to the opening of the new £7.2m Cwmaman Primary School.
The empty school will be doubling up as Pantglas Junior School for the show, due to its similar style and period. The school is set to be used to film scenes directly before the disaster.
Big Pit National Coal Museum, in Blaenavon, is another location being used, as a colliery in the episode.
External street filming will also take place in Ferndale, and other scenes will be shot in Caerphilly county borough.
A spokesman for Left Bank Pictures – who are making the series – said: “We all strongly felt that the Aberfan disaster and the aftermath must be included, especially as it continues to hold a deep resonance for the nation and the Queen herself. As producers, we feel a responsibility to remain true to the memory and the experience of the survivors, so have met with community leaders, as well as the people of Aberfan on a number of occasions as part of our research and to discuss our approach.
“We have been made to feel welcome by the residents, who have been very helpful in providing insight into one of the most tragic events of the 20th century.
“Our aim is to tell this story truthfully and responsibly so that the tragic events of 1966 are never forgotten.”