Friday–a long day in court!
I parked my behind on the “bench” at 8.30am and we wrapped at 5pm.
It was the full Monty—red robe and full judicial wig–recognisable by nose alone!
I wore my ministers’ costume beneath–all black–which kept me warm when all about were freezing.(Poor Meredith caught a chill and is in bed with a heavy cold!)
We were filming at Horton Court, outside Bristol, in an ancient hall dating back to Norman times–made up to look like a courtroom.
Beautiful, but dank and chilly even in mid-May.
These days the shooting process is different.
Forty years ago we rehearsed for six days–then spent two days in the studio preparing to record it at the end of the second day.
It was like a play–you had to know it all by heart!
“Curtain up” at 7.30pm and “down” at 10pm. Best not to be in the last scene, which was always a race against the clock.
Now you film a certain number of pages each day (in our case on Friday about four or five).
There is no rehearsal.
Learn the lines and find out how best to play them on the job.
A little scary! For a while, I was thinking, “I’d rather be back in my kitchen….”
Then I started to get the hang of it.
When we wrapped at 5pm, the director, Ed Bazalgette, made a sweet remark to the assembly (many extras on hand) about the unusual circumstance of having two “Ross Poldarks” in the same room!
Everyone clapped–which was touching!
Aidan Turner (aka Ross Poldark) and I–all smiles–relieved we’d done it and happy we were smiling about it, shook hands warmly and vigorously.
I look forward to our next encounter in Episode 6.
Now for the cooking workshop!
It’s like riding a bike, once you learn, you never forget…if you are as good as YOU are that is! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to see the finished product. Get well soon Meredith! Behind every successful man is a woman with a head cold!
What a great post! You look very official, indeed! Glad that the new series includes you. Can’t wait to see it!
I wonder how many actors have been able to act with the actor who is playing the character that they made there own nearly 40 years ago, it must bring so many emotions…good luck to everyone in the new series 🙂
How true Maureen’s words are!!!
Wonderful report. Thanks for sharing!
A busy day and how convincing you look as a Judge.
Back in the mix! So looking forward to hearing much more .
The hall looks very effective. People have said the series is not being filmed in Cornwall but somewhere made up to look like Cornwall. Can you say where? Or maybe it’s several places.
I am also interested by your comments on how acting has changed. Thank you. I rarely come across descriptions by working actors. I watched an interview of Susan Hampshire in 2000 where she talked of how different acting had become from in the 1970s (the Pallisers were filmed in the same decade as Poldark). She emphasized how much shorter contemporary scenes are and that nowadays there is much more ensemble-kind of acting — though her remarks there may not be applicable to those scenes where you are in a scene focusing on a particular or couple of actors. And she remained general not specific as you have been.
They have new kinds of cameras now and computers — these must make a big difference too.
Even though there were two “Ross Poldarks” in the room on the set, in my mind (and the minds of all your fans), there will always be just one Captain Ross Poldark – and that, of course, is you, Robin Ellis. (However, I would love to see this latest version – if just to see you as Reverend Dr. Halse – so hope it comes to the USA.)
Enjoy the warmth of your kitchen again – and your cooking workshop!
A delightful recounting of the day of filming. Now we can hardly wait to see the new series here on the other side of the Pond (although I still have my doubts about *someone else* playing Captain Ross . . . !).
Hey, there, handsome! I can hardly wait! ❤
I’m so very excited about all of this!! Will love the updates! So glad you are participating because what would it be without out you?? I daren’t say!
Oh I remember this scene!! My husband at that couldn’t wait for to watch each week when Poldark first came out. I enjoyed Poldark so very much, I have watched the series on DVD many times. So sad that your leading lady passed way too soon. I wish you a good day!! Karen Stines
Great to see the photographs, I am really looking forward to seeing Poldark once again brought to life. It’s a little strange seeing you as Reverend Halse! But Aidan does remind me of a younger you. And I think I’m going to have to read all those wonderful books again! Janex
I agree with Suzanne, “There is only one Captain Ross Poldark”
I’ve been so looking forward to a word or two from you about your scene (s). I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to keep your legion fans in the loop – and that photo of you both is just wonderful 🙂 I wish you joy in your next appearance and a swift recovery to your good lady xx
I am glad you are enjoying the event.
Here come da judge innit
Laughed out loud at “I’d rather be back in my kitchen!” !!! Glad to hear the nerves settled and everyone applauded! We were there in spirit, applauding the loudest. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the pictures–looks like this’ll be fun!! (Hope they plan a run on BBC America!)
Cheers & hugs,
Dianne & Gene
What a wonderful experience you two must have had (except for Meredith’s head cold). How did the rest of the cast interact with you? Time is such an amazing aspect of all our lives..to redo Poldark must be sort of mind boggling and so much fun. Are any other actors or production people from the original involved? Love your photographs. Happy cooking. I’m enjoying your two books very much and the recipes are true to form. My best to you both!
You’ve really brought us into the process–so interesting to hear how things were done and how things are done. With all my reservations, now I will be dedicated to watching the new series and giving it a chance since they’ve cleverly included you–so best wishes to them and to you–and they’d better not muck up the rest of it!
Wow! You look like you are going to be fantastic with your red robe and full judicial wig. I can hardly wait to hear you speak! I also love the black minister attire. That is a really good picture of you! Heartwarming to see you and Poldark #2 sitting and having a chat. It is all so very lovely. Thank you so much for sharing your day. I was hoping you would!
It is such a pleasure to read your post and truly, it is so kind of you to share your experience with your fans! Wow, it truly must have felt daunting to film in one day without a formal rehearsal! (Without rehearsing!!! YIKES!) But, we, your loyal fans, have every faith in you and know that you will serve a splendid performance!
It hadn’t dawned on me that the new production may not be shown in the US — we folks in the Colonies had best make a few sounds to our PBS stations. Although, I do have a very strong sense that the new POLDARK will be broadcast here!
You look marvelous, Mr. Ellis and I do hope that Mrs. Ellis bounces back from her cold to enjoy every moment!
Enjoy the moments Robin, I think it’s nice to be back on the set, I wished I was overthere and fell the admosphere (I feel it a bit with the nice vue on the photos ,thank you).Yes those old days. If I’ve I remember well the judge came a few times in the series.Wish Meredith well from me, I hope she gets better soon.Big hughs and enjoy the takes on the set xxx.
Thanks for the pictures and commentary, Robin. Can’t wait to see the show.
I’m so pleased you are involved in this production. Best wishes Robin.
Good Morning from Munich, Germany. Discovered your blog a few days ago, subscribed and enjoyed my first update. Thank you, Anne-Kathrin
Welcome Anne-Kathrin!
It is useless to say again: Poldark in only you but i am happy to see you in remake. Robin, one question ( i lost more informations about it): who will be Poldark and Demelza? And when we could watch on tv? Next year?? I hope I ‘ll be watch on Italian TV.. English is leaving me, sorry..Ah..forgot, i am waiting for you in Rome!!!
Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson, Anna Maria. To be screened in UK in 2015.
Oh what great pictures. So happy you are in the new Poldark. Looking forward so much to seeing the new production, but there is really only one Ross Poldark!!
I enjoyed reading the Poldark news! Well done, and do enjoy it, don’t forget that. Hope Merdith feels better!
Love Caroline,
Lovely photos Robin, thank you. I was in Corsham last week watching the remake and saw Aidan Turner. Although he looked quite dashing as Ross, he didn’t look as dashing as you.
Thanks for reporting about shooting the “new” Poldark in Cary Grant’s home town, Bristol Great pictures and fascinating account of today’s filming methods. You look great in red! They were smart to include the first (and only) Ross Poldark in this re-make. I’ll be watching in Santa Fe, NM, (where it’s a frigid 32 degrees F this a.m.) when the series is shown on PBS. Hope Meredith recovers soon – and you get back to your kitchen!
Nancy
How exciting! Robin, I barely recognized you in the photo with Aidan! How different you look in those clothes. (Quite different from Ross’s)
I hope Meredith took lots of pics!
Cheers and stay warm.
I am so excited that you will appear in this new series Robin, can’t wait to watch it!
How wonderful for you AND for you many fans to be a part of the filming of the new POLDARK series. I agree with several of your fans, in our mind there is only one real Ross POLDARK. Looking forward to seeing the new series either on PBS or on DVD. What a joy it is to read your blog every day. You never know what kind of new surprise will appear. Thank you for being so generous by allowing your many fans to share in your many new adventures. Hugs to Meredith and I know you will sooth her back to good health with big steaming bowls of you great chicken soup ;0).
Norma
Thanks Norma and a bientot, alors!
robin you will be forever our Hero, Sei un Principe..we adore You and in some way I feel you are a bit (just a bit) Italian..Taste? Not only..Bacio grande
Grazie Tanti, Anna Maria!
Can’t wait for this to hit our screens, watched it so many times on DVD I’m word perfect
For me, although I will watch the “new” Poldark when it comes on American TV, there will never be another Ross Poldark!
What an interesting blog, Robin. When is this to be shown on our television screens? Is it a one-off drama or a series to get our teeth into? Can’t wait. There’s life in the ‘old boy’ yet but as you found out, things are done differently now – which seems to be the way of life in general these days.
Lots of luck and very best wishes.
Pauline (aka @Lazypaws on Twitter! What is chevre – remember?)
Hi Robin!
My name is Isa and I am 31 from Devon originally. My mum just introduced me to Poldark, and I have just recently finished the DVDs! I am so thankful to her because I have loved the series so much and I also think cried when it finished. I can’t wait to see the new series next year, but for me you are Ross Poldark and I am struggling to see how anyone else could better you 🙂 I hope after this series it will encourage people to watch the original series! I am going to read the books now. I just wanted to say me and my mum, Rosemary think you are wonderful and look forward to seeing you in the new Poldark
Thanks Isa–I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed the series. The new one will be different–made at a different time, but the team making it, from my recent experience, is as determined as we were to do the books justice and bring on a great show.
Robin you look great, enjoy the experience but you know that there will be only ever one Ross you.Hope Merideth is feeling better.
Thank you Robin for keeping us posted. Here in the USA we hope we get to see it at the same time as the Brits. Addicted to POLDARK and never missed an episode. Taped it years ago but someone told me that it probably is not usable so I am hoping Acorn TV has it. You look ‘marvelous’
Very nice! Looking forward to the new series. All the best to you and Meredith and the lucky cooking class participants!
Looking forward to it, Betsy–thanks for the good wishes.
I hope your wife gets better soon. Good luck with the filming Robin. Can’t wait to see the finished product. I am one of your greatest fans. Have a good time filming Take care. All the best
Lisa
Thanks Lisa.
Hi Robin,
I really enjoy reading all of your posts but I have to say that this one was particularly moving. Thank you so much for this wonderful insight into the world of the new Poldark and the original Poldark series.
Like many people here, for me Ross Poldark will always, always be you, Robin. I have mixed feelings about a new Poldark but I have to admit that the more I see about the new series, the more exciting it becomes. By now I am really looking forward to it.
In the meantime I am watching the DVDs of Poldark yet again and enjoying every minute. The timeless story brings me back to when I was 16 and watching it for the first time.
Sometimes when I comment on a post here, I feel my 16 year-old self is there cringing and whispering to me that surely there is something better to discuss with Robin Ellis than cauliflower!
I hope Meredith is feeling better soon.
All the best
Tina
You just made Meredith roar with laughter with that comment–good medicine, Tina–thanks!
Totally agree with Tina. I can remember nights in our family room, sitting in the leather rocking chair alone transfixed by each episode. The family was long gone, leaving me, my adolescent hormones and the soft glow of the television alone with Poldark, Demelza, Warleggin, and all the other full blooded characters of this amazing show. Oh yeah… Now with adolescence a happy but very distant memory and hair gracefully termed “silver”, I can play those dvd’s and be right back in that family room with fire burning and the screen steaming with 70’s sex! Dang that was hot! But also compelling, the stories grabbed you, even before the emphasis on “character driven” shows, Poldark did that.
And we need to take more than a moment to comment on the quality of directing, writing and acting. Top hole, really! What you guys did with a little cash was really amazing. You created a world of passion, honor, guts, conflict-galore and villains you could hiss at! Excellent work!!
Looking forward to the new but with more than some trepidation. Contemporary perspectives of old shows tend to “revise”. I’m hoping we don’t get deluged with political correctness, or interpreting sexuality. Please keep Poldark the way he was,, just give us more!!!
(And I love the comment about cauliflower!!!)
Judy Cochran
Thank you that, Judy–my word!
Excited! Did you send anyone ” Down” Robin? Or was it a one way trip to Australia in them days? Lol…You look the part too! regards Maurice in Glasgow
Hello Mr. Ellis…
Glad to see you in a new Poldark role. I know you’ll enjoy playing it. And I think you are happy to see that the original series is still being watched and talked about by everybody including my wife and I after all the years. Really it’s a ‘keeper’.
We have to say the Poldark series has a unique place in our relationship since we were just married when the series first came out. So now to this day whenever we need a Poldark ‘fix’ we just pop in the dvds and dive into 18th century Cornwall. And nothing like a series to have us go and take in the geography and people of Cornwall .We will go back again shortly. We’ve found it to be an extraordinary place and we loved it there.
Thanks again to you and Mr. Graham who penned the novels for making Poldark such a part of our life and introduced us to a part of England and specifically Cornwall and its tradition.
Rich
Thanks for that, Rich.
Hooray! Cornwall is my favorite place, even tho I’ve only been there once physically, I drop in often through the books and the DVDs! On another thread–did you see this article in the NY Times about controlling blood sugar with exercise?
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/14/exercise-snacks-to-control-blood-sugar/?src=me&module=Ribbon&version=origin®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Most%20Emailed&pgtype=article
Thought you would want to see it.
All the best & hope Meredith is over her sniffles,
Nancy N in NYC
In the middle of the workshop but thanks I look forward to reading it Monday–thanks, Nancy.
Nancy N in NYC, from Judy on the windy tip of Long Island in Greenport! It’s nice to know there’s a Poldark fan in the Big City. Don’t forget to take you Vitamin D-3 to build up your immune system and if the cold is in it’s infancy definitely use zinc lozenges (Coldeeze or any other preparation). Also, for messy wet colds use Puff’s Plus tissues. My dad worked on the development of those back in the 60’s. He was a chemical engineer and removed acid from the paper process and replaced it with lanolin. (It was a hoot when he’d bring home samples of the early versions, it was like wiping your nose with vaseline! A bit too heavy on the lanolin dad! But now it’s just right and will remove the dreaded nose chapping other tissues leave.)
And Robin, yes exercise definitely helps enormously. I used to run 5-7 miles a day and was the picture of health. Unfortunately I developed arthritis in my joints and was further incapacitated by being attacked by a patient. She was brain damaged and back-kicked me like a horse in the bad knee. Seven months later still waiting for Workman’s Comp to allow surgery, but I think we now have it because the damage is so severe it can only be related to the injury so gimme that freakin’ surgery and back to exercising!!! I LOVE working out!
Another interesting bit of science (I’m a Psych nurse). For all of us, especially the ladies, as we age we get what’s termed MCI “mild cognitive impairment”. Y’know that one ladies, when you can’t remember where the heck your keys are,,, and they’re in your hand? Oh yeah. For those fearing Altzheimers, they’ve discovered sleep actually has a physiologic effect previously unknown. Sleep acts as a faucet to drain the brain of proteins including amyloids that are so related to Altzheimers. So be SURE to get you 8 hours. We really need that to get rid of that build up of proteins. (It’s interesting because I’ve noticed on the unit many Altzheimers patients don’t sleep. Now, I make sure they do and the they are better the next day.)
Sorry for the ramble, have a blessed day!
Judy
I returned from southern England yesterday. At one point I was not far away from you in Bath. You’re right, it was chilly and I got an impression how windy it can be in Cornwall especially at a coastal walk from Sennen Cove to Lands End. My windbreaker jacket was my most important utensil on this holiday. Pure nature! Visited Lanhydrock House well-known from Poldark it’s a great place. Thank you that you have brought Cornwall on my map.
The wig looks good on you. Looking forward to the remake.
Best wishes, Martina
Poldark #2 has a nice smile. Im looking forward to it, it will be so refreshing to see a character who oozes charm, like you did so naturally in the original.
Went to the National Gallery of Art in DC to see their current Degas/Cassatt exhibit. Also saw Gilbert Stuart’s The Skater (Portrait of William Grant), which put me in mind of your post (looking forward to seeing you onscreen again, by the way)….
https://images.nga.gov/?service=asset&action=show_preview&asset=81823
While there, we were served a lovely French luncheon which included a delicious carrot ribbon salad ‘with mint, orange, and aromatic dressing’–would you happen to have such a recipe?
Thank you kindly, and I am glad Normandy moved you. Ne oublie.
Working on a “ribbon” salad, Lieutenant.
Huzzah!
Knowing you are in it has made this little Cornish family very happy indeed
Thank you, Brian–I’m happy to be part of it.
What Robin describes about the change in process, is what British actors used to describe as the difference between American TV and British. It sounds as though British TV is starting to do the work like America, although I understand that in America they still do a table reading. I guess its all part of the economics of it now.