The Disney Channel is to make its first UK live action production in the rolling Cheshire countryside.
Arley Hall and Gardens in Northwich this week officially confirmed that Disney’s new film Evermoor , the story of an American teenager uprooted from her city home in the US for a new start in England, will be filmed at the venue from the end of April.
The production, which is due to air later this year, will be the first UK Disney production ever to be shown on the Disney Channel US.
Arley’s general manager, Steve Hamilton said he hoped the production would be a boost to local tourism and trade.
“This is great news not just for Arley but the whole of the North West,” he said. “Evermoor is due to be shown in more than 160 countries so this has the potential to draw in visitors from across the world.”
Billed as a ‘mystery adventure’ that also contains ‘quite a lot of comedy’, Evermoor tells the story of 14-year-old Tara Bailey who moves into the beautiful but spooky Evermoor Manor, where she discovers a magical tapestry which predicts the future.
The project is being produced by Liverpool-based Lime Pictures, the team behind shows including Hollyoaks and The Only Way is Essex and will begin as a four-part series to be shown in certain markets as a single feature film.
It is believed the Victorian country pile, which occasionally features in Coronation Street, was chosen after an extensive scour of venues in North West England.
A representative from Lime Productions told the BBC: “We were looking for a really interesting old house which had to be inviting enough that you would want to go in, but might have a little bit of a sinister side to it as well.”
Casting for the production is said to be already under way, although it’s not yet known if the actors playing the lead roles will be American or British.
Mr Hamilton described working with Disney and Lime Productions as ‘a pleasure’ in the run-up to the filming, which will take place at the hall and around the country estate.
“They have been very accommodating and understanding of the fact we have to consider the requirements of the public who visit us as well as the couples who get married here,” he said.
“Hopefully it will draw attention to the hall and bring more visitors in. Everyone here is very excited and proud that Arley has been chosen by Disney for such a landmark production.”
And Katrina Michel, chief executive of Marketing Cheshire, said she was ‘thrilled’ at the news.
“It’s great news that Arley Hall has been chosen for the film location; the stately home is wonderful,” she said.
“The new production will certainly help to raise Cheshire’s profile across the world.
“It will generate a significant boost for the visitor economy as viewers really enjoy visiting places where their favourite films and TV series are made.
“Cheshire has absolutely stunning scenery and heritage that make it the ideal choice for film and TV locations,” she added.
