Stockport has returned to the 1830s when filming began earlier this week on a new show depicting early Victorian London.
BBC’s The Dodger is described as a “fast-paced comedy drama” and is set before the events of Charles Dickens’ iconic novel, Oliver Twist.
The series will play Doctor Who’s Christopher Eccleston in the role of Fagin, while Shameless actor David Threlfall will play Sir Charles Rowan, the police chief.
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The family drama will also star in Billy Jenkins, Saira Choudhry, Ellie-May Sheridan, Connor Curren, Mila Lieu and Sam C Wilson.
Filming for the series, which is being produced by NBCUniversal, began in May in locations in Manchester and the North West.
On Monday (August 3), filming took place next to the Stockport market hall, where, in addition to the crew and actors, a set with a market from the 1830s could be seen.
(Image: Stop in Stockport)
The set also included gallows, which were historically used for hanging, and mock signs advertising steamers to New York and Boston.
The Stop in Stockport blog shared pictures of the filming on Twitter while writing, “Stockport will be selected for further filming.”
It is not yet clear whether any of the main characters could be seen in the filming.
The series was written by executive producers Lucy Montgomery and Rhys Thomas, who will also appear in roles.
Stockport is being used as a filming location for the upcoming BBC show The Dodger. used
(Image: Stop in Stockport)
Rhys Thomas says, “I’ve always loved Oliver Twist, but I wasn’t that keen on Oliver himself – I preferred the company of Dodger, Fagin, and the gang.
“I thought it would be fun to do a family show with Dodger at the center and see him become a master criminal in Victorian London.
“Using the very best of material as a stepping stone is a real pleasure expanding the rich world of Dickens’ characters and creating some of my own.
“To make matters worse, we have an incredible cast that is on the show. Cant wait for families all over the world to see it!
Each episode of the ten-part series will feature a separate adventure and is slated to air on CBBC and iPlayer next year.
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