International film star and model Caprice Bourret has expressed her profound admiration for Birmingham's Sparkhill and Castle Bromwich districts while filming her latest festive cinematic creation. The acclaimed actor, whose career skyrocketed after a landmark Vogue cover in the 1990s, has graced over 350 magazine covers and appeared in more than 300 films and television productions.
A Festive Production in the Heart of Birmingham
Bourret has dedicated the past week to shooting her new romantic Christmas film, An English Christmas Wish, within the vibrant city of Birmingham. Not only does she star alongside Braveheart actor James Robinson, but she also serves as producer through her company JJLove Productions. The production has transformed two distinctive Birmingham locations into magical settings for her heartwarming story.
Enchanting Locations Chosen for Filming
The film crew selected The Perfume Closet on Sparkhill's Stratford Road and the historic Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel as primary filming locations. These sites provide the perfect backdrop for a tale about fashion photographer Elise St Lawrence, who returns to her childhood estate to settle her estranged father's will. The narrative unfolds as she collaborates with her former best friend and first love to fulfill a Christmas wish that transforms their lives.
This marks another festive production from Bourret's company, which has previously filmed in picturesque Scottish Highland locations and snowy Serbian mountain towns. While Sparkhill and Castle Bromwich might not yet appear on lists of iconic global film locations, Bourret's enthusiastic endorsement suggests this could soon change.
Behind the Scenes at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel
During an exclusive interview conducted within a lavishly decorated room at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel, Bourret shared her genuine affection for Birmingham. The Jacobean mansion, built on land where Queen Elizabeth I once stayed, has been transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling festive lights, sparkling trees, and elaborate garlands.
"I think Birmingham is one of the best-kept secrets," Bourret revealed with evident enthusiasm. "I've been in England for what feels like 5,000 years and I've never really spent much time in Birmingham, but I genuinely love it here. It's amazing!"
A Warm Welcome from Birmingham's Community
The California-born star, who now lives permanently in London with her husband and two children, expressed surprise at not having discovered Birmingham's charms earlier. "I cannot believe for as many years as I've been based in London that I haven't spent more time in Birmingham," she confessed. "It's wonderful!"
Bourret particularly praised the warm reception received while filming at The Perfume Closet, the Stratford Road boutique created by fragrance expert Sajida Parveen. "The whole of Birmingham, every location, everyone's been so welcoming," she explained. "At first they were a bit hesitant; when I first called Saj, I don't think she believed me! We filmed a cute little scene at The Perfume Closet and it was really busy down there but everyone was so accommodating."
Even the practical aspects of filming received unexpected cooperation, with Bourret noting that "even the cars coming down the road would stop for us. Just so nice! What do you guys do, what's in your water?"
Why Birmingham Captured the Production's Imagination
When asked what drew her production to Birmingham, Bourret explained the decision-making process. "Six months ago in pre-production we filmed in London and in the Cotswolds," she began. "But then I found Castle Bromwich Hall and of course, I can't just go somewhere for one location so I called up other small businesses around here and they were so accommodating."
The visual appeal of the locations proved equally compelling. "But not only that, it's just beautiful," she continued. "You have to look at these grounds, it's stunning, I'm telling you. I love it here, and I genuinely mean it. I want to bring my family here, especially this beautiful hotel."
Bourret even joked about her interview location choice, saying "I shouldn't have done this interview here because I don't want it to get bombarded, I should have kept Castle Bromwich Hall my own little secret!"
Future Plans and Film Release Details
The star's affection for Birmingham has grown so strong that she already plans to return later this year to film another movie in the city. "It's always romance and magic at Christmas," she reflected, "and this year we have romance and magic in Birmingham and I found that to be absolutely appropriate."
An English Christmas Wish is scheduled for release this winter, with Birmingham residents likely to watch it on television during the festive season. The film features a talented cast including Scottish actor James Robinson, Coronation Street star Victoria Ekanoye, and Wicked stage performer Abbie Quinnen.
"We're talking to two different networks but it'll be on a major network," Bourret confirmed about distribution plans. "The first showing will be televised probably at the end of October, beginning of November and then again in December! Everyone in the whole of England will be able to see it and hopefully we make you guys in Birmingham proud."
A Genuine Connection with the City
As the interview concluded, Bourret demonstrated her comfort within the historic mansion, walking her guests to the door with genuine warmth. "I'm going to go away from Birmingham looking forward to coming back and I never have that kind of experience," she admitted earnestly. "Normally when I finish, I just want to get out and go back home to my kids. But now I want my kids to come here and see what a wonderful place this is."
With a final wave from the ornate doors of Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel, Bourret returned to the winter wonderland she created just moments from Spaghetti Junction. Her enthusiastic endorsement raises an intriguing question for film enthusiasts and Birmingham residents alike: who needs Hollywood when you have the magical charm of Castle Bromwich?
