Apparently, James Norton did not want to leave Cornwall when the filming of the ITV series Playing Nice came to an end. Hardly surprising, given the lovely filming locations the lucky so-and-so and his co-stars had the pleasure of filming in. A stark contrast to the harrowing subject matter of the series, which starts with two couples leaving hospital with each others’ babies after a mix-up and continues with the subsequent war between the two couples involved.. The book the series is based on was set in London, but Cornwall was chosen for the filming for its dramatic backdrops.
The most stunning scenery seen in the series is that of Cornwall’s majestic north coast, with its soaring cliffs and foaming seas. The house where Miles, the nemesis of Pete (James Norton), and his wife live is the sort of modern multi-million pound mansion which enrages the locals, who feel such properties do not fit in with their surroundings. The real house is Sand Dunes in Mawgan Porth, a honeypot for celebrities such as Cate Blanchett who have homes there. Reportedly worth £4 million, the new owners plan to rent it out for a cool £5,000-plus a week. Further along the north coast, Park Head near Porthcothan Beach is where the dramatic scenes of the last episode were filmed. The restaurant where Pete's wife Maddie works is Zacry's in real life and is on Watergate Bay near Newquay.
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| Porthcothan Beach - geograph.org.uk - 314452. Photo by Tony Atkin, via Wikimedia Commons. |
In the second episode the couples are seen using an outdoor swimming pool. The scenes were shot at the Jubilee Pool in Penzance, a fine example of a 1930s art deco lido. It is Grade II listed and widely recognised as one of the best surviving examples of such pools. I grew up in Penzance and during the summer holidays I practically lived in the Pool as I called it. The opening day of the season was the highlight of my year, and I would head down there eagerly to get my season ticket. I can’t remember how much it cost, but it must have been affordable because we were not a particularly well-off family. Nowadays it would be a very different proposition, as the pool is now geothermal and entry includes a sauna, with prices to match, although there is a discount for locals.
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| Jubilee Pool, Penzance - geograph.org.uk - 5790808. Photo by Chris Allen, via Wikimedia Commons. |
The second episode also offers a glimpse of another iconic building: the Tate St Ives. This is where Miles and his wife hold a charity event. The Tate commands a wonderful position overlooking Porthmeor Beach, and anyone visiting must be sure not to miss the cafe on the top floor, which boasts lovely sea views.
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| Tate St Ives - geograph.org.uk - 1208300. Photo by Sarah Charlesworth, via Wikimedia Commons. |
The series offers includes sweeping views of two of Cornwall’s most popular fishing villages, Mevagissey and of Padstow. Mevagissey, on the south coast, is popular not only for its own charms, but also for its proximity to the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan. Padstow, on the north coast, is above all famous for its seafood scene, dominated by Rick Stein’s outlets, earning it the nickname Padstein.
