Shrewsbury landmark changes from prison to film set

The Shrewsbury landmark has landed a leading part in a new film starring Four Weddings and a Funeral star John Hannah.

The Marker is billed as a 'noir thriller' and the prison scenes shot at the Dana are described as being central to the plot.

Andrew Cook, line producer for the film, which is directed by Justin Edgar, said the prison was the perfect setting.

He said: "It is a magnificent film location. It has got space, scale, and texture. It is an extremely immersive environment because it is real."

Describing the film Mr Cook said: "The lead character commits a heinous crime for which he pays and pays and pays."

Joel Campbell, of Jailhouse Tours which has been operating the prison, said he has seen interest from a number of production companies wanting to film at the building.

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He said: "They came to us because we have the site up on Creative England's website so any film company looking for locations can come to us and see if it works.

"They completed two days of filming over the weekend and they used a few local extras and some students. For us it is a nice change and gives us a couple of days not running tours and doing something different."

Mr Cook said the film is intended for limited release in cinemas and he is excited about seeing the director's vision become a reality. He said:

"If we can get through the next three weeks and make a movie then it stands every chance of being a great success."