The 25th birthday of a Somerset-shot film will be celebrated with a unique screening at a landmark venue next month.
Pandaemonium, a film about the time poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth spent in the county, will be screened twice at Hestercombe House, near Taunton, on Saturday 26 September.
It will be showing at 2pm and 7pm in an event organised by Screen Somerset and the Hestercombe Gardens Trust. The evening screening will be introduced – subject to availability – by the film’s acclaimed director and Somerset resident, Julien Temple.
Starring John Hannah as William Wordsworth and Linus Roache as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Pandaemonium is a passionate story of poetry, love, and rivalry. Shot largely in Somerset, it is a magnificent showcase for the landscape of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor which inspired the poets to some of their greatest works, including Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan.
A key scene was filmed at the Pear Pond at Hestercombe and the screenings will take place in the property’s wood-panelled dining room, the first time the space has been used in this way.
As well as Hestercombe, the film shot at locations including Wills Neck, Kilve Beach, Nether Stowey and West Bagborough, and Exmoor’s Holnicote Estate and Hodder’s Combe on Exmoor. Wookey Hole caves were also used.
Tickets cost £10 (plus booking fee) and include entry to Hestercombe House and gardens. To book visit www.somersetfilm.com/whats-on
The special screening has been organised to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary and help promote the magnificent Somerset landscape to potential visitors.
Organisations including the Quantock Hills National Landscape will be at the event to promote its role in conserving and enhancing the area’s natural beauty and heritage and promoting The Coleridge Way a walking route that runs for 51 miles between Nether Stowey and Lynmouth, across the Quantock Hills and Exmoor.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets, said:
This a wonderful setting to see a film that does a fantastic job of showing off the county’s stunning countryside and literary heritage.
It’s an opportunity to help bring some new visitors to the area, from within and beyond Somerset, and celebrate Somerset being on screen.
In the run up to the screenings, Hestercombe will also be hosting the ‘Julien Temple – A Life in Film’ exhibition. Previously appearing Somerset Film’s Engine Room in Bridgwater it is a unique collection of paraphernalia celebrating the work of the pioneering director of documentaries, rockumentaries, music videos and feature films.
Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office, supports, encourages and celebrates filming in the county in recognition of the economic and wider benefits it can bring. Last year, film and TV production brought an estimated £6.6m of spend to the county.
Released in September 2001, Pandaemonium also stars Samantha Morton as Coleridge’s wife Sara, Emily Woof as Wordsworth sister Dorothy, with a supporting cast including Andy Serkis, Dexter Fletcher and Sam West.
For more information about The Coleridge Way visit www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/coleridge-way
For more information about Hestercombe House and the Hestercombe House and Gardens Trust, an independent charity, visit www.hestercombe.com
