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Filming of Benedict Cumberbatch BBC drama The Child In Time boosts Suffolk economy

The Child in Time stars Kelly Macdonald and Benedict Cumberbatch on the set of the Suffolk cottage where filming took place. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/CHARLIE BEST WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.

A new BBC drama airing this Sunday starring Benedict Cumberbatch has helped boost the Suffolk economy after filming in the county.

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Behind the scenes of filming in Suffolk for The Child in Time. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/LAURIE SPARHAM Behind the scenes of filming in Suffolk for The Child in Time. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH/LAURIE SPARHAM

The Child In Time, which stars Sherlock and Star Trek heartthrob Benedict Cumberbatch alongside Trainspotting’s Kelly Macdonald, spent four days filming in Suffolk’s picturesque Shingle Street in April for the 90 minute adaptation of the Ian McEwan novel.

Cast and crew came to the county, with Hollesley Village Hall serving as the unit base and catering during production.

Screen Suffolk director Karen Everett said the production would’ve provided a benefit to the local economy.

“It’s a shining example of why we must continue working hard to attract big productions into the county.”

The production created a small train station set for the arrival of Benedict Cumberbatch’s character, before he strolled along the beach and land belonging to local property owners.

An end of terrace house was transformed into a pub, before heading to Beacon Cottage where the two stars filmed further scenes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Child in Time, which was partly filmed in Suffolk. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH Benedict Cumberbatch in The Child in Time, which was partly filmed in Suffolk. Picture: PINEWOOD TELEVISION/SUNNY MARCH

The production has praised the Shingle Street residents for accommodating the shoot, which included a badger sett that had burrowed underneath the only road to the location, causing the crew to have to unload equipment by hand to a waiting lorry on the other side of the sinkhole.

Ms Everett added: “This was not insignificant, it was hours of extra work and it was done in the pouring rain.

“They took advice from Natural England very seriously and didn’t complain at all about the inconvenience.”

Shingle Street provided the setting. Picture:SARAH LUCY BROWN Shingle Street provided the setting. Picture:SARAH LUCY BROWN

The production follows filming by ITV drama Fearless starring Helen McCrory, which also used Shingle Street as a location.

The Child In Time will be shown from 9pm on Sunday.