Over the past decade, UCS Venues have been a popular choice for various filming projects, including commercials and TV shows across our sites. Locations available for filming hire include, but are not limited to: The Great Hall, The Refectory, The Lund Theatre and the Playing Fields at UCS New Pavilion.
The Great Hall is our most popular location for film hire. With its period-style stained-oak panelling throughout the ground floor, it exudes an authentic ambiance that transports productions to different eras. The upper level features a timeless classic feel, characterised by the balcony and unique balusters, complemented by consistent stained-oak panelling. Adding to the hall's appeal is our majestic organ, elegantly positioned on the north side, harmonizing perfectly with the artistic ceiling design.
We are delighted to present some of our previous standout film hire projects below, showcasing the diverse range of productions that have taken place at our venues.
The production took place in our grand Great Hall in 2018 and the film was released in November 2020.
The Great Hall was utilised as a 1940’s court room in this action packed feature length film.
Last Vermeer is based on the 2008 book The Man Who Made Vermeers by Jonathan Lopez, and tells the story of Han van Meegeren, an art maker who swindles millions of dollars from the Nazis, alongside Dutch Resistance fighter Joseph Piller.
This is an Indian Hindi language biographical drama film tracing the life of mathematician and mental calculator Shakuntala Devi who was also known as the “human computer”.
The Great Hall and Refectory was used for this production. Both of which hosted either a competition hall or a classroom set in the 1940s and beyond.
The movie was released in 2020.
An alternate historical and satirical comedy-drama series, based on the rise to power of Empress Catherine the Great of Russia. The series stars Elle Fanning as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as Emperor Peter III and Peter's body double Yemelyan Pugachev.
The production took place in the Great Hall in 2022 and the set was built as an 1800’s town hall. This was the oldest set to have been built in the Great Hall, showcasing the versatility of the space.
Stonehouse is an ITV comedy-drama series dramatising the life and times of disgraced British government minister John Stonehouse, released in January 2023. The series starred Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes and was directed by Jon S. Baird from a script by John Preston.
The Great Hall was used for a 1970s style House of Commons set.
To support the second season of the acclaimed series Bridgerton, not only was the Great Hall utilized, but our Lund Theatre and several classrooms underwent stunning transformations, reminiscent of the 1800s era, for this beloved TV show.
Additionally, the Great Hall served as the backdrop for a remastered video of Alicia Keys' 'If I Ain't Got You,' two decades after its original release in 2004. The video was a spectacle, featuring a 70-piece all-female orchestra.
A Cruel Love
A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is an ITV drama that explores the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the UK. The intense courtroom scenes were filmed at various locations, including UCS, where the interior of the Old Bailey was recreated in the Great Hall. London's Old Bailey, the iconic site where Ruth Ellis was tried and sentenced to death, served as the inspiration for these scenes.
Filming took place at UCS in October 2023, and the first episode premiered on ITV on March 5, 2025.
Our commercial office has acquired substantial expertise in managing filming hires across our sites. We grasp the intricacies and demands involved in facilitating expansive sets with substantial crew and cast numbers.
Throughout the years, we've not only accommodated film hires but also provided space for technical vehicles, dressing and makeup areas, as well as holding areas.
Feel free to enquire for further information if you're interested in utilising any of our sites for filming hire in the future, across any of the areas listed:
UCS Hampstead
Frognal
Hampstead
London
NW3 6XH