A new major drama series from the creator of 'Peaky Blinders' is set to launch on Netflix, with several of Liverpool's most iconic landmarks serving as key filming locations. The eight-part series, titled 'House of Guinness', explores the story of the famous brewing dynasty and used locations including St George’s Hall and the Georgian Quarter to recreate 19th-century Dublin.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix's 'House of Guinness' is a new drama from 'Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight.
- The series was filmed extensively across Liverpool, with the city doubling for 19th-century Dublin.
- Key filming locations include St George’s Hall, Croxteth Hall, Stanley Dock, and the Georgian Quarter.
- The cast features Liverpool-born actress Emily Fairn, known for her role in 'The Responder'.
- All eight episodes of the series will be released on Netflix on Thursday, September 25.
The Story of the Guinness Dynasty
'House of Guinness' delves into the lives of the family behind one of the world's most famous brands. The narrative begins in the 19th century, set in Dublin and New York, immediately following the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness. His passing sets in motion a complex family drama centered on his four adult children: Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben.
The series chronicles their struggle to manage the immense legacy and business empire they inherit. It explores themes of power, family loyalty, and ambition as the siblings navigate the pressures of their inheritance. The plot focuses on the intense personal and professional challenges they face in the wake of their father's death.
From the Creator of 'Peaky Blinders'
The series is created by Oscar-nominated writer Steven Knight, who is widely known for his work on the hit BBC series 'Peaky Blinders'. Knight's involvement signals a drama with complex characters and a rich historical setting, similar in tone to his previous work which also featured Liverpool as a filming location.
According to creator Steven Knight, the series aims to capture the dynamic and ambitious nature of the family. He describes the Guinness clan as having a remarkable energy and ambition.
"It’s the extraordinary story of a family who happens to be the inheritors of the biggest brewery in the world. They’re young and are given the task of taking on this incredibly successful brand. The first priority is: Don’t screw it up. And the second priority is to make Guinness even bigger."
Knight has also commented on the family's character, stating, "I’m just in awe of their zest for life — their lust for life, often literally," suggesting the series will not shy away from the personal scandals and dramas of the dynasty.
Liverpool's Starring Role in the Production
Liverpool's well-preserved architecture made it an ideal stand-in for 19th-century Dublin and New York, where the story is set. The production, which filmed in the city late last year, received support from the Liverpool Film Office, a testament to the city's growing reputation as a premier filming destination in the UK.
The use of Liverpool for period dramas is common due to its diverse architectural heritage, including its many Georgian and Victorian buildings. This allows production companies to recreate historical settings with authenticity, avoiding the need for extensive set construction.
Filming in Liverpool
The Liverpool City Region is one of the most filmed locations in the UK outside of London. The Liverpool Film Office plays a crucial role in attracting major productions by providing logistical support, location scouting, and facilitating necessary permits for filming on city streets and at public landmarks.
During the filming period for 'House of Guinness', local residents saw parts of the city transformed. Horses and carriages were a common sight, and large numbers of extras in period costumes populated the streets, offering a glimpse into the scale of the production.
Recognisable Liverpool Filming Locations
Viewers familiar with Liverpool will be able to spot several landmarks throughout the eight-episode series. The production team utilised a variety of locations to build the world of the Guinness family.
Key locations included:
- St George’s Hall: The area around the iconic Grade I listed building was heavily used. The plateau was filled with horses and carriages, while large banners with the slogan 'vote for Sir Arthur Guinness' were draped from its grand columns, suggesting a political storyline.
- The Georgian Quarter: Streets such as Mount Street and Pilgrim Street were transformed to resemble 19th-century Dublin. The area's classic architecture provided an authentic backdrop for many scenes.
- Croxteth Hall: The historic country estate was another significant location, likely used for scenes depicting the stately homes of the wealthy Guinness family.
- Stanley Dock: The dock complex, known for its distinctive industrial architecture, was also used, possibly to represent the commercial and industrial heart of the Guinness empire or scenes set in New York.
The extensive filming across these sites demonstrates how Liverpool's versatile locations can be adapted to represent different historical periods and cities, making it a valuable asset for the film and television industry.
Cast Highlights and Local Talent
The series features a notable cast, including well-known actors and rising stars. James Norton, recognized for his roles in 'Happy Valley' and 'McMafia', plays Sean Rafferty, the foreman of the Guinness brewery.
A significant local connection comes from Liverpool-born actress Emily Fairn, who portrays Anne Plunket (née Guinness), the only daughter among the four siblings. Fairn, who is 27 and grew up in Stockbridge Village, is a graduate of the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
She first gained widespread attention for her breakout role as Casey in the BBC drama 'The Responder', which was also filmed and set in Liverpool. Since then, her career has been on a rapid ascent, with roles in several high-profile period productions.
Emily Fairn's Recent Roles
- 'The Responder' (BBC): Starred alongside Martin Freeman as Casey.
- 'Black Mirror' (Netflix): Featured in a 1970s-set episode of the anthology series.
- 'Mary & George' (Sky): A role in the 17th-century historical drama.
- 'Joy' (Netflix): Appeared in the 1960s-set biopic about the pioneers of IVF.
Her casting in 'House of Guinness' continues her work in period dramas and further establishes her as one of Liverpool's most promising acting talents.
Release Date and Viewing Information
The complete first season of 'House of Guinness' will be available for streaming globally on Netflix. All eight episodes are scheduled to be released on a single day, allowing viewers to watch the entire series at their own pace.
The official premiere date is Thursday, September 25. Viewers in the UK and around the world will be able to access the series through their Netflix subscription on this date. The show is expected to be one of the platform's major releases for the autumn season.