Luke Evans Revels in Filming Close to Home in Wales

Luke Evans’ Homecoming: Filming in Wales

Luke Evans, a prominent figure in Hollywood, recently celebrated a homecoming of sorts as he filmed a new TV drama close to his roots in Wales. Evans, known for roles in blockbusters such as Beauty and the Beast and The Hobbit, took part in a project just 25 minutes from where he grew up.

Evans serves as both the lead actor and an executive producer of the ITV drama The Party, adapted from Elizabeth Day’s novel of the same name. Living and working close to his childhood home in Aberbargoed, Caerphilly, allowed him an experience he hadn’t had in 30 years – the joy of being near family while on set.

A Family Affair

Shooting took place in the bustling areas of Cardiff and Bridgend, presenting Evans a unique opportunity to embed his personal history into his professional life. Speaking on various platforms, Evans expressed his delight at being so near his parents and joked that they were frequent visitors on set. Interestingly, several family members managed to secure roles as extras in the show’s final episode, marking a memorable moment for the Evans clan.

Evans shared his appreciation for the familial environment during filming, often having dinner with his parents and taking long walks near their home. The wet climate didn’t dampen his spirits, as he fondly recalled spending three or four months in the picturesque Welsh landscape.

From Wales to Broadway

After completing filming, Evans returned to the United States to star as Dr Frank-N-Furter in the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show. This role was dear to him, particularly due to its connection to the original performer, Tim Curry, whose portrayal left a lasting impact on the cult classic.

Evans had a longstanding admiration for Curry and expressed his gratitude through a heartfelt letter. Though his message reached Curry shortly before his passing, Evans was thankful for the response from Curry’s team, acknowledging the appreciation for his effort.

Evans’ dual experiences of filming in Wales and performing on Broadway represent a dynamic chapter in his career, intertwining his roots with his professional endeavors.

Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash