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Historic Prison Becomes Star of New Thriller
20 Feb
Summary
- Shepton Mallet Prison, the world's oldest, is now a tourist site.
- The prison served as a filming location for the new film Wasteman.
- Filming at the historic prison helps cover its operational costs.
Shepton Mallet Prison, once the world's oldest correctional facility, has found a new purpose as a popular tourist destination and a backdrop for major film productions. The recently released prison thriller 'Wasteman' prominently features the historic building, with lead actor David Jonsson praising the authentic setting as "true and real."
Productions like 'Wasteman,' which used an entire wing of the prison, including cells and the exercise yard, contribute significantly to the site's viability. According to site manager Charlie Lawson, the revenue generated from filming helps cover the prison's running costs and boosts its public profile. The unique atmosphere of the old prison has also attracted other productions such as 'Des,' 'Grantchester,' and 'Paddington 2.'
