Filming for a new television period drama, The Cadburys, has taken place at Middleport Pottery, with production crews transforming the historic site into a backdrop for scenes set in 1860s Birmingham. The drama is believed to be from a production company set up by the creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight.
Filming Schedule and Impact
The pottery and The Packing House Café were closed to visitors on Tuesday and Wednesday while filming was underway. Crews remained on site on Thursday and Friday to remove props and equipment after production wrapped. The upcoming drama stars Pearce Quigley (Small Prophets), Joanna Scanlan (Riot Women), Felicity Montagu (Beyond Paradise) and Mathew Baynton (Ghosts). The series is due to air on free-streaming platform U in 2027.
Local Economic and Cultural Boost
Stoke-on-Trent City Council welcomed the latest production to choose the city as a filming location, saying it reflects the increasing demand for its distinctive heritage sites. Middleport Pottery joins a growing list of local locations featured on screen, alongside productions including The Great Pottery Throw Down, Peaky Blinders and This Town.
Storyline and Cast
Set in 1860s Birmingham, The Cadburys follows brothers Richard and George Cadbury as they attempt to rescue their struggling family cocoa business and transform it into a world-famous chocolate brand. Alongside their ambitions, sister Maria faces divided loyalties when she falls in love with rival chocolatier Francis Fry, creating drama within both the family and the business.
The choice of Middleport Pottery as a filming location underscores the region's appeal for period productions, offering authentic Victorian-era architecture and industrial heritage. According to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the production brought significant economic activity to the area, with local businesses benefiting from the crew's presence.
Future Prospects
With the series set to air in 2027, anticipation is building among fans of period dramas and local history enthusiasts. The involvement of Steven Knight, known for his gritty Birmingham-based narratives, adds further intrigue to the project. The Cadburys story, rooted in Birmingham's industrial and social history, promises to captivate audiences while showcasing the region's heritage on a global stage.
