Just over two months ago Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett went head to head for the Best Actress in a Leading role Oscar. No strangers to such feat, it was not long ago that the two actresses collected awards and nominations around the world for their roles in a drama shot mainly in North London and Islington in particular.
In Richard Eyre’s Notes on a Scandal (2006), adapted from Zoe Heller’s book of the same name, Judi Dench plays Barbara Covett, a history teacher nearing retirement who befriends Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett), a younger and new art teacher. Upon realising that Sheba is having an inappropriate relationship with one of her student, Barbara realises that Sheba’s mistake might be her opportunity.
Now that we have set the scene, we need, well, a school for our teachers. Where do Barbara and Sheba teach? At St George’s School. St George’s? No such school in Islington… unless of course, we are talking the old George Orwell School…the Islington Arts and Media School!
Before going any further, we would like to thank Islington Arts and Media School (IAMS) for opening their doors to us and making this post possible, in particular Martina and Ashley Grey, Community Arts Coordinator, for being our Tour Guide.
Considering the school is the workplace of our two main characters, it appears time and time again throughout Notes on a Scandal – as Leading Role do.
Although since filming took place IAMS underwent a major redevelopment, many key features seen in the movie are still visible today.
In the opening minutes we get to see the Victorian building facing Marriott Road.
And again later in the movie from a slightly different angle.
Also in the opening minutes, once Barbara has parked her car, we can see her walking towards the school. However, we are being slightly tricked since what looks like to be the school entrance is in fact the interior courtyard of Islington Arts & Media School. Thanks Ashley for spotting this one!
Again in this initial sequence, Barbara watches the students entering the school through the school gates on Marriott Road, and within seconds Sheba Hart arriving on her bicycle.
The Sports Hall has also a ‘Supporting Role’ in the film. Initially when Head Teacher Sandy Pabblem (Michael Maloney) meets all the teachers and Sheba Hart arrives late.
And again from a different angle for a School Event hosted by the Head Teacher.
Angle from first scene
A special thank you to the class who allowed us to enter the Sports Hall during their classroom for a quick snapshot!
Other ‘Guest Appearances’ in the movie include the black staircase which used to be in the main entrance is still there but the entrance has now been relocated, and the school canteen.
Quite a Star among the Stars our Islington Arts and Media School as you can see. Who knows, next time you visit it, you might bump into Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench or another film crew!
Once again a BIG THANK YOU to Islington Arts & Media School, Martina and Ashley.
Looking for a space to organise an event?
Be it for training events, conferences, sports facilities or arts studios, Islington Arts & Media School has plenty to offer: http://www.iamschool.co.uk/about/facilitieslettings
For any enquiries feel free to contact Ms Ashley Grey: Ashley.Grey@iams.islington.sch.uk
or Mr Tony Derrett, Lettings Manager lettings@iams.islington.sc.uk
With many scenes of Notes on a Scandal shot in Islington, we’ll soon get back to it for more. To be continued…
Fade Out
Enjoyed this post? Feel free to comment, share it with your friends and come to Islington to discover our locations! Don’t forget to send me your pictures.
And if you do know any Islington location used for Film, TV, photo shoot or have been involved in the process, drop me a line at TheUnbelievableMrX(at)gmail.com or via Twitter
How to get there?
Islington Film Locations Map
Islington Arts and Media School
Turle Road N4 3LS
Finsbury Park Station (Zone 2)
Crouch Hill Overground Station (Zone 2)
Buses to Hanley Road, Hornsey Road, Tollington Park and Crouch Hill and Finsbury Park stations
Tags: Cate Blanchett, film, Film Location, Film Tourism, Holloway, Islington, Islington Arts and Media School, Judi Dench, London, movie, Notes on a Scandal, Screen Tourism, Tourism
Lights, Camera…Islington! 