Set jetting Empire of Light
The arty seaside town of Margate takes centre stage as the setting for Sam Mendes’ moving drama Empire of Light.
Set in the 1980s, it stars Olivia Colman as Hilary Small, the duty manager of a beachfront cinema who is struggling with her mental health. She forms a relationship with a new employee, Stephen, played by Michael Ward.
Margate’s mothballed Art Deco Dreamland Cinema was brought back to life to become the Empire Cinema, where much of the action takes place.
Meanwhile, Margate’s 1920s Chair-OPlane – seen as Hilary and Stephen discuss the future – is instantly recognisable, along with its retro Roller Room.
Artists and creatives have been drawn to the Kent seaside town time and time again, from JMW Turner, who painted his most famous works here (The Turner Contemporary gallery opened in 2011), to TS Eliot who wrote The Waste Land while sitting in the Nayland Rock Shelter just outside the cinema.
Mendes used the now listed shelter in one of the film’s most reflective scenes as Stephen looks across the tidal pool, contemplating his relationship with Hilary.
Margate’s seascapes shine throughout, with atmospheric snowy views across the harbour and Margate Main Sands. The Harbour Arm stone pier can also be seen during the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
In the town centre, the old Mayor’s Parlour doubles as the interior of a doctor’s office, Arlington House tower block is Stephen’s home, and various shops and cafes feature, including Café Darcy as an old chemist and Sands Café, Marina Café and Wildes restaurant as themselves.
Along with Margate’s major role in the triple-Bafta nominated film, residents responded to the call for movie extras and 1,300 people of all ages were cast.
But while many scenes can be recreated on a visit to Margate, the art deco lobby was specially just down from Dreamland.
Empire of Light is currently showing in cinemas. visitthanet.co.uk/empireoflight
Loosen your belts this
March as Jersey will be hosting their annual food festivals, Eat Jersey Food Festival (March 23-26) and Taste Jersey (March 27- April 4). Meet top chefs from the British Isles and France, and sample their tasting menus featuring local flavours at Jersey’s top restaurants.
jersey.com