Rye, East Sussex - new adaptation of E.F. Benson's Mapp & Lucia for BBC One now filming

If you've been to Rye, East Sussex recently, you may be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped back into the 1920s and 30s. The BBC is in town filming for a new BBC One drama, based on the adaptation of EF Benson's humorous novels, Mapp & Lucia.

 The fictional town of Tilling is closely based on Rye, where Benson lived at Lamb House, and served as mayor. "Mallards", the home of Miss Mapp—and subsequently Lucia—was based on Lamb House, former home of Henry James.

Those of us old enough may recall the first series based on three 1930s books produced by London Weekend Television in the 1980s. That series starred Prunella Scales as Mapp and Geraldine McEwan as Lucia. This time around, the main protagonists are Miranda Richardson, Anna Chancellor, Steve Pemberton and Mark Gatiss.

http://www.visit1066country.com/filming/mapp-and-lucia

Though broadcasting dates are yet to be announced, probably late in 2014, Mapp and Lucia fans can join a 90 minute tour of Benson's Rye on alternate Saturdays from 7 June 2014 onwards. Combine this with a visit to Lamb House where the walk ends up and it's the perfect package for a true aficionado. http://www.visit1066country.com/events/mapp-and-lucia-tours-p1072661

Rye is the most perfectly preserved medieval town in the UK and has been named as a 'must see' town by several publications. Throughout the centuries Rye has inspired some of literature's greatest names, such as Henry James, Rumer Godden, John Fletcher, the noted Jacobean playwright and contemporary of Shakespeare, Ford Madox Ford and Conrad Aiken.

It is the perfect place for a luxury short break, being packed to the brim with independent shops, top quality accommodation and restaurants. The lively annual events programme includes the Rye International Jazz Festival 21 – 25  August and the Rye Arts Festival 13 – 28 September 2014.

For further information on Rye see: www.visit1066country.com/rye  and contact:

Jane Ellis, Tourism Marketing, jmellis@hastings.gov.uk