The Ballad of Mary Whyddon

We enjoyed a sensational week filming a Dartmoor tale set in 17th century Chagford. The real life tragedy on which we based the film is so poignant that over the centuries it has passed from history into legend.

A team of volunteers - including talented industry professionals - generously donated their time. Lively evenings were spent sharing food, wine and laughter in the historic Church Rooms in which we filmed our interior scenes. One of our set designers even encountered a ghost on the ancient, granite spiral staircase - not once, but twice. Thus real life and cinematic life blended into one magical adventure.

Fabulous homemade cakes at tea time were sponsored by Kirsty Tizard. Thanks Kirsty - your scrumptious cakes kept us sparkling, even in the rain!

This film was a real labour of love. There were many challenges, delays, and data losses. It finally premiered on the anniversary of Mary's death in Chagford church where she died and lies buried. Three screenings were all total sell-outs.

What audiences said:

“A beautiful film with gorgeous music and rich scenery bringing this story back to a vivid life.”

“beautiful shots of a pastoral idyll”

“extraordinarily relevant for today and its politics.”

“completely stunning evening”

“The cinematography was so rich that it seemed like a John Everett Millais painting come to life.”

“so atmospheric and goosebumpy! Loved it.”

“even though I knew the ending, I burst into tears, such was the power of the storytelling.”

Here's the trailer and an adorable clip showing the happiness of childhood playmates Tom and Mary reunited in young adulthood.