The Halcyon is a British television period drama broadcast on ITV which began airing on 2 January 2017. It was created and written by Charlotte Jones. The series focused on examining World War II London from 'a new perspective', and was set in 1940 at a five-star hotel "at the centre of London Society and a world at war", aiming to show London life "through the prism of war and the impact it has on families, politics, relationships and work across every social strata." Steven Mackintosh and Olivia Williams play major roles. The first episode was broadcast on 2 January 2017, and the series concluded on 20 February 2017. The series was cancelled after one series.
Production
The Halcyon was first announced on 3 December 2015. It was commissioned by ITV's Director of Drama Steve November and Controller of Drama Victoria Fea. The show was produced by Chris Croucher, executive produced by Sharon Hughff, Jack Lothian and Andy Harries. Left Bank Pictures were the production company of the series. Croucher called The Halcyon "a similar beast" to Downton Abbey, although Left Bank Pictures founder and managing director Marigo Kehoe explained that the show had been in development "for a long time", and the development of the show came at a time when "new ideas were needed". Producer Chris Croucher added that "Downton has a serenity to it, but the modern world is arriving in The Halcyon", as well as revealing The Halcyons dialogue "is more punchy" and that the show "has more energy". Radio Times wrote that The Halcyon has a "little bit of Downton Abbey and a little bit of Mr Selfridge in the mix". The cast consists of about twenty main characters. The cast was officially announced on 4 April 2016, with the news that Olivia Williams and Steven Mackintosh would star in The Halcyon. Williams commented on her character, stating that Lady Hamilton is "a trope, but wonderful to play" before adding that her character is also "an inherited aristocrat with a sharp wit who is racist, classist, homophobic...Everything you'd want her to be, to be truly hateful!". Mackintosh revealed his character as "interesting", and that "on first impressions, you might think the surface is all there is". Tointon said of her casting that "it's a lovely compliment". She also stated The Halcyon cast will be a "sexier Downton". A cover of the song "Marvellous Party" performed by UK soul singer Beverley Knight was released as part of the series' soundtrack.
Location
The Halcyon had several potential filming locations including Liverpool, Manchester and Dublin, however the team reached a decision to shoot the series on a studio space in London with West London Film Studios. The exterior of the set was provided by 32 Lincoln's Inn Fields in Central London, the former Land Registry Building now owned by The London School of Economics, while further outdoor scenes were shot at Spa Fields. Further locations include Serle Street and Portugal Street, two areas around Lincoln's Inn Fields. The hotel's basement was filmed at the House of Detention in Clerkenwell's Sans Walk. The Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent was used in episodes 5 and 6 for scenes depicting bombed London streets.
