World's oldest prison is setting for gritty drama

It has been more than a decade since what is thought to be the world's oldest prison has housed inmates.

But for Shepton Mallet Prison in Somerset, not only is it now a popular tourist attraction, it is also a film set for major productions.

The building's latest big screen outing is Wasteman - a gritty prison thriller which tests loyalties and centres on the struggles of the modern justice system.

David Jonsson, Wasteman's BAFTA-winning star, said filming the movie in the old prison was "true and real. The perfect thing".

The prison is no stranger to the big screen - with productions including Des, Grantchester, and even Paddington 2 filming scenes there.

However, Wasteman uses a whole wing - including the recreation area, exercise yard and the cells.

Jonsson added: "The film that we wanted to make was wasn't a Hollywood version. We felt like we wanted it to feel really true and real."

Tom Blyth, best known as the lead in the latest Hunger Games film, added: "Anytime you get to go to a really authentic set, it's like putting on a good costume.

"It just adds to that feeling of your imagination being immersed."

The pair stayed nearby while shooting, with Jonsson saying: "I like Somerset a lot.

"It was gorgeous and in the mornings I'd go for walks around there."

He said he got to see a lot of Shepton Mallet, adding that it was "actually quite gorgeous and everyone was quite nice".

Site manager at the prison, Charlie Lawson, said productions like Wasteman help the attraction keep the lights on.

"Everytime we have filming here, it gets very exciting," he said, adding: "It's amazing what they can do with a blank canvas that the prison is.

"Ultimately, we have our running costs we have to pay - it helps us a little bit more, and it helps with publicity as well."

Wasteman is in cinemas now.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.