Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, The

London, England. The bells of St. Paul's chime as four horses come into view drawing a lumbering wagon past sleeping homeless People. St. Paul's Churchyard in London EC4.

An unusual view from Paternoster Square looking south. SJ

Opposite the Medusa Bar, lights flicker into life and playful music begins as the wagon opens up to become a theatre before which Anton (Andrew Garfield), dressed as Mercury, presents Dr. Parnassus. Green Dragon Court SE1 with Southwark Cathedral in the background.

Attracted by the spectacle, a drunken Martin (Richard Riddell), his Girlfriend (Katie Lyons) and Mates (inc. Richard Shanks) stagger over to the stage. Looking towards properties on Green Dragon Court that were demolished to make way for an additional railway bridge, including number 7 Bedale Street to the left of centre.

The Police are called and an Officer (Johnny Harris) looks for Martin when he disappears after passing through a trick mirror on the stage.

When Doctor Parnassus is told to move on by the Policeman, the travelling theatre is set up at a fair near Tower Bridge. Potters Fields Park SE1 with the illuminated walls of the Tower of London in the left distance.

Linda (Sian Scott) looks on as Aunty Flo (Moya Brady) argues with Diego's Dad (Mark Benton) while Uncle Bob (Simon Day) calls out his nephew's name after he loses himself thorough the mirror. Potters Fields Park with City Hall beyond the big wheel.

Leaving the Fairground without earning anything, Percy drives the hungry troupe through the streets of London.

Valentina (Lily Cole) fights with Anton after he takes her Home magazine.

Anton suggests that they run away from the show together but Valentina tells him that they can't as she's not 16 years old until Wednesday.

Telling Valentina the story of his first wager with Mr. Nick, in flashback, the immortal Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) winds a small barrel organ while Percy (Verne Troyer) holds out a begging bowl. The corner of the alley opposite Homer Street on West Cordova Street in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

As the travelling theatre passes over Blackfriars Bridge, Anton spots the shadow of a hanged man cast on the river. Looking onto the Thames as it flows beneath Blackfriars Railway Bridge.

Realising that the Man was beneath the bridge, Valentina sends Anton down to rescue him. Blackfriars Bridge crossing the King's Reach of the River Thames south from EC4 to SE1.

Valentina grabs a hook to assist in the rescue of Tony Shepard. Blackfriars Bridge with the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral in the right distance.

After discovering that the Man had survived hanging by secreting a golden pipe in his throat, the troupe take him to the ruins of a power station. Battersea Power Station in Nine Elms SW11, since recovered from this condition.

Percy introduces himself to Tony Shepard (Heath Ledger) as Percival St Antoine della Touraine et Sansepolcro da Piemonte III. The floor of Battersea Power Station, now a shopping and leisure destination with an address of Circus Road West.

Dressed as a monster, Anton approaches Tony before Doctor Parnassus appears and convinces himself that the stranger has been sent by Mr. Nick. Other views of Battersea Power Station, both inside and out, can be seen in many productions including 'Hue and Cry', ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’, ‘Richard III', 'Monty Python's The Meaning of Life' and 'Children of Men’. Facing the north facade of the Power Station. (RL)

Leaving the power station, the troupe take Tony along with them. The since closed branch of Homebase on Station Road in New Southgate N11.

The shot pans across the car park to where the theatre is set up before Tony is put to work selling tickets. The car park at Homebase in New Southgate.

Following a less than successful but profitable show, Mr. Nick (Tom Waits) runs from the shadows and jumps onto the contraption as it leaves the car park. Homebase on Station Road, New Southgate in N11.

Returning to the power station after Mr. Nick proposes a new wager to Doctor Parnassus, Tony shivers after waking up late as Anton and Percy cycle up with the first food they have seen for two days. The decommissioned, Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames in SW11.

After discovering more about Tony's background, the troupe perform at a new venue. Clerkenwell Close on the Clerkenwell Estate in EC1.

A brighter view. (PW)

The Doctor is introduced and the show gets under way. Looking towards the Horseshoe public house on Clerkenwell Close.

The pub doesn't open at weekends. (PW)

Tony drums up trade amongst a pub's Customers. The Horseshoe at 24 Clerkenwell Close.

The pub can claim heritage dating from the 18th century. (PW)

Sparks fly when Sally passes through the mirror without her Friend. Facing south-west on Clerkenwell Close EC1.

Unchanged apart from the shrouded background. (PW)

Frightened horses pull the theatre away as Drinkers follow. Clerkenwell Close with the corner of Newcastle Row in the centre background.

A little quieter when I visited. (PW)

Smoke fills the air as the immense contrivance is drawn onward. Clerkenwell Close, looking towards the junction with Sans Walk and Scottswood Street. The location appears in ‘About a Boy’ and other views of Clerkenwell Close can be seen in ‘A Fish Called Wanda’, ‘Dance with a Stranger’ and ‘Love, Honour and Obey’.

Deserted! (PW)

The occupants scream as the theatre almost overturns as it throws Sally out at a corner. Looking north along Clerkenwell Close in EC1.

Facing the same way. (PW)

As Mr. Nick picks Sally up from a pile of bin bags, the damaged theatre reaches waste ground alongside a railway viaduct. This appears to be land next to the viaduct south of Grosvenor Bridge, since redevelopment hidden by Faraday House and named Arches Lane.

Tony tells Anton that Valentina is worried about him and asks what happened with Sally behind the mirror. The riverfront near Battersea Power Station in Nine Elms SW11.

Anton explains that the mirror is a mystery, it's everything and Doctor Parnassus holds the universe behind it. The riverfront near the Coaling Jetty at Battersea with the lights of Chelsea Bridge in the left distance.

Continuing his reminisces, Doctor Parnassus describes the moment he was captivated by a Woman (Lily Cole). Facing the passage running to Cambie Street from West Cordova Street in Vancouver, British Columbia.

After putting coins in Percy's cup. the Woman crosses the street. The Marine Building on Burrard Street, Vancouver.

As the Woman kisses her Boyfriend on the other side of the road, the thousand year old man stands up and wonders how he could ever woo her. The corner of the alley on West Cordova Street opposite Homer Street in Vancouver.

In miserable surroundings, the troupe sit around as Tony suggests changes to the show. Awaiting redevelopment, the dilapidated shell of Battersea Power Station fills the background.

With all the 'miserable surroundings' cleared away I had no option but to remain at ground level. (RL)

The Doctor and Valentina listen as Tony explains that people want modern and contemporary and they should attract the right kind of audience. Looking west with Battersea Power Station on the left and the Howard Building at Chelsea Bridge Wharf beyond the railway viaduct to the right.

At least one or two features of the Power Station remain. (RL)

Valentina follows Anton, pleading with him not to run away and spoil her birthday. Urban decay at the site of Battersea Power Station with the tower blocks of Churchill Gardens across the Thames in Pimlico SW1.

With a fresh look, and new costumes, the theatre is taken to upmarket surroundings. Leadenhall Market, London EC3.

Looking north to the construction on Whittington Avenue. SJ

A fashionable group of Shoppers pause in front of the stage and are drawn in by Tony's patter. Leadenhall Market also appears in 'Pool of London', 'Hidden City', 'Half Light', 'Brannigan', 'Hereafter', 'Johnny English' and 'Silver Bears'.

Pizza Express has been here for quite a while! SJ

Tony leads a Lady (Maggie Steed) towards the mirror on the stage. Leadenhall Market in EC3.

Looking west towards Gracechurch Street. SJ

Elegant Shoppers clamour to give their money to experience the effects of the mirror while Mr. Nick watches from across the arcade. Leadenhall Market at the convergence of Whittington Avenue, Leadenhall Place and Lime Street Passage.

The long established and grade II* listed Lamb Tavern's finest, or at least longest, screen moment was in the aforementioned "Brannigan."

Doctor Parnassus continues to collect souls as Serge (Emil Hostina), Piotr (Vitaly Kravchenko), Vladimir (Ray Cooper) and Gregor (Igor Ingelsman) spot Tony Shepard when they arrive on the scene. Leadenhall Market in London EC3.

Looking south down Lime Street Passage. SJ

Learning the truth about Tony when the Gangsters follow him into the mirror, Anton runs from the theatre after telling the others. Battersea Power Station SW11.

With his belongings behind him, Doctor Parnassus lies prostrate, begging for alms. The corner of Homer Street and Robson Street in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Having lost everything after the truth is revealed about his deals with Mr. Nick. the ancient man looks up when a Woman throws a coin into his bowl. Facing Vancouver Public Library from the corner of Homer Street and Robson Street.

The Woman walk on as the Doctor gets up. Inside the Vancouver Public Library complex.

Doctor Parnassus follows the Woman though a mall. Within Vancouver Public Library at 360 West Georgia Street.

Losing the Woman momentarily, the old man makes his way towards a restaurant. The Vancouver Public Library complex, facing units at the base of Library Square Tower.

Looking through the window of the restaurant, Doctor Parnassus sees Valentina join her Partner and Daughter. Looking out of, what is now, the Library Square pub.

As the Doctor smiles, a well dressed Percy appears behind him. Vancouver Public Library at 360 West Georgia Street.

Doctor Parnassus operates the paper players in a model theatre as Percy acts as barker. Facing buildings at the intersection of West Pender Street and Burrard Street in Vancouver with Scotia Tower to the left.

The pair sell boxes of the cardboard theatres from their small barrow. The intersection of West Pender Street and Burrard Street.

Nearby, Mr. Nick hands a rosy apple to a Nun. The sidewalk outside the Douglas Jung Building with Commerce Place across Burrard Street in Vancouver, British Columbia.