Gentleman Jack is the latest BBC period drama and set not far from me in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Last summer I was hired to go to Shibden Hall and train the extras for an outdoor scene.
It’s always fascinating to see behind the scenes of a big production and how many people are involved, all with their own specific role. Director Sally Wainwright was brilliant, very keen to ensure that the scything would look realistic, I suppose in order to avoid a similar response to the scything on Poldark from a few years ago. The guys scything on the day were terrific and even though we only had a short amount of time, they got to grips with the scything techniques I showed them. They’re way off in the background and couldn’t actually cut the grass because of doing multiple takes but I was pleased with the results.
There are still some spaces available on my Learn to Scythe courses in summer 2019, on 2nd June and 26th July at Slaidburn, Lancashire. Email stevetomlin8@gmail.com to book your place.
