Last Christmas

Yugoslavia in 1999. Katarina Andrich (Madison Ingoldsby) performs a solo singing "Heal the Pain". St. Sophia's Cathedral on Moscow Road in London W2.

The rather splendid interior of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom: Hagia Sophia. SJ

Sitting either side of their eldest daughter Marta (Lucy Miller), Ivan Andrich (Boris Isakovic) and wife Petra (Emma Thompson) watch Katarina with pride. St. Sophia's Cathedral in Bayswater identified on IMDb.

London in 2017 sees Kate Andrich (Emilia Clarke) being thrown out of Ed's flat after his girlfriend Sarah finds her in the shower. Electric Avenue in Brixton SW9 with Atlantic Road in the extreme left background and Popes Road beyond the railway bridges.

Hmmm. On returning home and looking again, I think I was focussing on the wrong red awning: another go beckons. SJ

Pulling he small suitcase, Kate walks through Brixton Market while the titles appear. Electric Avenue with Brixton Road in the right distance.

Pretty tricky to replicate without a ladder or drone. SJ

To the sound of George Michael singing "Last Christmas", Kate tries to untangle her phone headphones. The junction of Electric Avenue and Electric Lane.

Looking south towards Coldharbour Lane. SJ

Kate reaches the station and catches the train to town. Facing Brixton station on Brixton Road SW9.

Taken from the island in the middle of Brixton Road, whereas the original was from further back on the pavement. SJ

Having put on her make-up during the journey, Kate arrives in Covent Garden, London WC2.

Crowds enjoy a street artist's performance. (PW)

Klaus the German Clown (John-Luke Roberts) attempts to make Kate laugh by copying her actions. Covent Garden with Henrietta Street in the left background. The area around the former fruit, and vegetable market appears in many productions including 'The Intruder', 'Where the Spies Are', ‘Frenzy’, 'Madame Louise', Mrs. Brown You Have a Lovely Daughter' and 'Don’t Open till Christmas'.

As expected, no real change over two years. (PW)

Kate reaches "Yuletide", the all year Christmas shop where she works as an elf. The shop front was constructed for the film and stands in the north-western corner of Covent Garden.

The reality. (PW)

Leaving work after a less than wonderful day, Klaus again approaches Kate as she heads off to her latest audition. The north-western corner of Covent Garden.

A more relaxed scene. (PW)

Klaus chases the elf as she runs from the market. Facing King Street WC2 from the north-west corner of Covent Garden.

The same corner of Covent Garden. (PW)

Late for the audition, Kate hurries to the theatre. Facing the Cambridge Theatre at the corner of Earlham Street and Mercer Street at Seven Dials in WC2.

Matilda is having a good run. (PW)

Seven Dials with Monmouth Street on the left, Short's Gardens left of centre and Earlham Street to the right. Seven Dials and the streets leading away can also be seen in 'Man On the Run', 'Nowhere to Go', 'On the Beat', 'Wonderland' and 'The Naked Truth'.

And in daylight. (PW)

A taxi's horn sounds as Kate crosses a road without stopping. St. Martin’s Lane WC2 with St. Martin’s Court to the left and the Noël Coward Theatre on the right.

Same corner with a new map to tell us where we are. (PW)

Kate apologises as she runs into the auditorium of the theatre where she's told that auditions have closed. The junction of St. Martin’s Lane and St. Martin’s Court with New Row heading away in the centre.

Mr. Fogg's displays a different floral arrangement. (PW)

After failing the impromptu audition conceded by the panel, Kate trudges from the theatre before bumping into Tom Webster (Henry Golding) who she earlier saw outside "Yuletide". Cecil Court in WC2 with St. Martin’s Lane crossing the background.

Looking the same way. (PW)

Workmen look on as Tom shields Kate while she changes out of her elf uniform. Facing east on Cecil Court WC2.

Struggling here to compete with the focal length of the film camera. (PW)

Tom takes Kate on a journey through London locations that she wasn't aware of. Looking east along Brydges Place in WC2.

Seen from a similar position, the location is little changed. (PW)

Explaining that he likes hidden places, Tom leads Kate down the narrowest alley in London. Facing west on Brydges Place, which is the alley that ‘The Tall Guy’ cycles out of onto St. Martin’s Lane.

Avoiding the alley's users, this is taken a little further west. (PW)

Leaving the alleyway, Tom tells Kate to "Look up" as he points to the carved mice adorning the side wall of 23 Eastcheap on Philpot Lane EC3.

No sign of the lamppost. Looking north. SJ

Following the strange individual, Kate trips and falls into a pile of rubbish bags whilst looking up instead of where she was going. The westernmost entrance to Change Alley on Lombard Street EC3.

The rubbish bags have been replaced by a trolley. SJ

As she recovers herself, Kate's eyes follow as Tom points up to an old sign. Lombard Street in EC3 with the family sign of Thomas Gresham, a grasshopper, hanging above numbers 68 and 70 to the top left and Abchurch Lane EC4 on the right.

The grasshopper is top left. SJ

Their evening stroll ends up in a garden that Kate has never seen before. Phoenix Garden surrounded by Stacey Street, Flitcroft Street, St. Giles Passage and New Compton Street in WC2.

Taken a little further back. (PW)

"Welcome to my secret little garden." In a previous incarnation, the area covered by Phoenix Garden appears in ‘Man on the Run’, 'Permissive' and ‘Midnight Episode’

The garden attracts a constant stream of visitors. (PW) ... Those stick-like figures are by Stik, an anonym, whose street art is prolific in Dulwich and Shoreditch. (SJ)

While waiting for Kate's bus, Tom asks when her next audition is. Ray Glenister positions this as Regent Street, London W1 looking north with Foubert Place off to the right behind Kate. (RL)

It being the morning, I was unwilling to wait until the Christmas lights were turned on. SJ

Kate is surprised that Tom doesn't know about 'Frozen' when she tells him that she has an audition for the ice production before the bus arrives to take her to Jenna's where she has a sofa for the night. Ray places this as looking south on Regent Street, London W1 with the bus behind Tom passing Tenison Court. (RL)

On the west side of the street. SJ

Jenna (Ritu Arya) comes out of her flat to meet Kate and the two hug before going inside where Rufus is staying cool whilst building a Scandinavian Christmas decoration. Skipwith Buildings on the Bourne Estate in EC1.

Looking west, in the direction of Grays Inn Road. SJ

The next morning "Wakey, wakey, London . . . " Looking down onto the River Thames with Whitehall on the extreme left, the Houses of Parliament at the bottom and the London Eye to the top, right of centre.

. . . "Here's something to start your day." Tower Bridge with Potters Fields Park and City Hall to the right.

A cloudier day means no sun flare. SJ

"Fast Love" plays on the radio as Kate wakes up with a Guy she met whilst out the previous evening. The Bourne Estate bounded by Clerkenwell Road, Gray's Inn Road, Leather Lane and Baldwins Gardens.

Looking south from the Clerkenwell Road end. SJ

After crushing Rufus's decoration by falling on it, Kate is asked to leave. The Bourne Estate in EC1.

Now looking towards the Clerkenwell Road end. SJ

Rufus (Ansu Kabia) and Jenna return to their flat. The Bourne Estate dating from the 1900s.

Denys Building behind, with Skipworth, as mentioned in capture 27, behind this one. SJ

Shuffling music on her phone, Kate approaches "Yuletide". Covent Garden with buildings on Henrietta Street to the left.

For a change, an almost deserted view in this ever busy location. (PW)

Noticing smashed baubles on the ground in front of her, Kate looks up to see that the premises have been broken into. The north-western corner of Covent Garden.

Once again, a Christmas tree provides a festive distraction. (PW)

Knowing that Kate had forgotten to lock up when she left, Huang Qing Shin (Michelle Yeoh), better known as Santa, leaves for home that evening after giving her another chance.

Off angle to avoid a view obstructed by stalls. (PW)

A Danish Man (Peter Mygind) who is keen on Santa spots her leaving the shop. Covent Garden in WC2.

The same background with a new lick of paint on the woodwork. (PW)

Sitting on her suitcase with nowhere to go, Kate spots Tom cycling nearby. Facing Henrietta Street from the west side of the market.

Just as busy in reality. (PW)

Explaining that she's homeless again, Kate is taken across town to St. Benedict's Shelter for the homeless. The crossroads formed by Wyndham Place and Crawford Street in W1.

Paul's would have needed more than one person to hide this bin. (RL)

Taken aback, Kate asks "What is this?" Outside St. Mary's church on Wyndham Place.

This daytime shot from Paul was not able to take the benefit of the stained glass windows. (RL)

After explaining that she chooses not to go back to her Parents' house, Tom turns to enter the shelter. Facing southward at the junction of Wyndham Place and Crawford Street.

The bin has grown Paul acknowledges. (RL)

Standing next to the river with nowhere to go, Kate eats a tasteless burger before making a phone call. The Albert Bridge crossing the Thames from Battersea SW11 to Chelsea SW3.

The seat in the film has been moved, so one has a choice, the correct angle but no seat, or a seat off angle. I opted for the latter to add interest. (RL)

Mr. Andrich picks his daughter up and drives her eastward. The Blue Bridge on Prestons Road E14 with buildings on Manchester Road in the left background.

And it is rather blue in hue. SJ

In the back of the car, Kate talks about her Mother preferring her when she was ill before the operation. Rotherhithe Tunnel linking Limehouse E14 and Rotherhithe SE16, which also features in 'Everything', 'Pool of London' and 'Party Party'.

Ivan drops Kate off before driving away to return when his wife is asleep. Malabar Street E14.

A daytime shot. SJ

Kate walks towards the front door of her Parents' home. Malabar Street in Millwall.

Looking north. SJ

Taken to the hospital by her Mother, Dr. Addis hears about Kate's drinking, poor diet and terrible sleeping arrangements before she is told to look after her heart. St. Mary's Hospital on Praed Street in Paddington W2.

Paul really was not expecting much to have changed in such a small period of time. (RL)

That evening after work, Kate tucks into another good nutritional choice as Tom questions whether she shouldn't be eating quinoa or kale. Victoria Embankment in WC2 with the London Eye across the Thames beyond Hungerford Bridge.

The steps and bench were props, unsurprisingly since the view would be over the busy traffic-filled Victoria Embankment. SJ

Telling Kate to get rid of the rank burger, Tom says he has a surprise. Victoria Embankment with Cleopatra’s Needle in the left background and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the centre distance.

A daytime view. SJ

The pair enter a subterranean passageway.

Tom teaches Kate the basics of skating to George Michael's "Praying for Time". The Ice Rink at the Grade II listed Alexandra Palace on Alexandra Palace Way N22.

When the ice rink's Security Guard appears, Tom and Kate to make a run for it. Savoy Buildings WC2 with the Stand Palace Hotel visible through the arch.

A difficult view to recreate due to light incursion and hoardings hiding construction work. (PW)

Resting on a bench, Kate tells Tom "I'd call that a successful date" Facing Simpsons at 100 Strand WC2.

Without the festive dressing. (PW)

Tom explains that the lesson was practical, to prepare her for her audition. Looking south-west on Strand with Savoy Court to the left and Exeter Street on the right.

The same location on a dry day. (PW)

After a row over dinner with her family on Sunday, Kate tells her Parents that she has to leave. Malabar Street E14 with Midship Point in the centre background. An earlier view of the street can be seen in ‘Sparrows Can’t Sing’.

This is looking west. SJ

The young woman heads to the pub. The Trader’s Inn on the corner of Salisbury Street and Church Street in NW8.

Denis Hoare found that notwithstanding pub closures, 'The Traders Inn' showed little change, even, he says, the existence of Christmas decorations if you look carefully through the windows. (RL)

"Waiting for That Day" plays as Kate walks alone after a few of drinks. Ray Glenister finds Kate in Bouverie Place, London W2 on the corner of Praed Street with the camera looking towards Star Street. (RL)

Still plenty of bins to the left of Lena's Café. SJ

With nothing else to do, Kate makes her way to St. Benedict's Shelter. A wider view of the corner seen in the previous Capture, here Ray points out, "looking west, with the Tower at the entrance to St. Mary's Hospital on the right." (RL)

The café had a brighter red paint job soon after filming. SJ

Finding the shelter door locked, Kate turns and walks away. St. Mary’s church on Wyndham Place. Dating from 1824, the Grade I listed church also appears in ‘Turn the Key Softly’, 'Late Extra', ‘The World Ten Times Over’ and ‘I Am a Camera’.

Not such an illuminated scene for Paul now that we are into the New Year. (RL)

Tom cycles up and asks "What's up?" In front of St. Mary’s church in Marylebone W1.

At least it was dry for Paul during his visit. (RL)

After Kate explains that she's been trying to find him, Tom takes her to his home. Looking east along Cheshire Street E2. Other sections of the street appear in ‘Children of Men’ and ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four'.

The road has been narrowed on the left. SJ

Walking in silence, the two arriving at the building where Tom has a room. Facing the junction of Brick Lane, Sclater Street and Cheshire Street.

No changes. SJ

The morning after Kate tells Tom about her heart transplant, she looks through the window of the bedsit. Outside number 2 Cheshire Street.

No-one at the window today. SJ

Looking out from number 2 Cheshire Street with Brick Lane to the left. The junction also features in ‘Bartleby’.

Standing on the street below the window. SJ

Having had a good night's sleep, Kate leaves Tom's bedsit. Facing south on Brick Lane E2 with Cheshire Street on the left, Sclater Street on the right and the bridge carrying the London Overground between Whitechapel and Shoreditch High Street stations to the top.

Not many changes here though further graffiti has been added to the far brick wall in the centre. SJ

Feeling brighter, Kate walks through a street market. Leather Lane in EC1 looking towards Langdon House to the top centre.

Easier to capture comparisons when the market crowds have gone. SJ

Reaching her Parent's home, Kate changes before setting out for work. Malabar Street on the Isle of Dogs with Alpha Grove Community Centre at the corner of Alpha Grove to the right.

Better shot in winter as I had to move slightly to the right in order to capture the white frontage of the corner. SJ

That evening, Kate makes her way to St. Benedict's. The corner of Crawford Street and Wyndham Place.

Clearly Paul missed out again on capturing a festive location. (RL)

Setting up a board reading "All Proceeds to St. Benedict's Shelter" and placing a cardboard cup on the pavement, Kate sings "Jingle Bells". Wyndham Place W1 with properties on Crawford Street in the right background. The corner features in 'Death in High Heels'.

Paul popped out to capture the shot he overlooked on his last visit. (RL)

When Kate repeats her performance, Arthur (David Hargreaves) waves as Police Woman Churchill (Laura Evelyn) and Police Woman Crowley (Ingrid Oliver) drop coins into her cup. Wyndham Place with the entrance to Tarrant Place in the right background.

'ello, 'ello, 'ello, where has everyone gone? Something you said Paul? (RL)

After watching auditions for the shelter's Christmas show, Kate tells Nathan (Calvin Demba) that she's annoyed because Tom hasn't been around.

Kate walks to the secret garden where she finds Tom who has to tell her something. The gateway to Phoenix Garden with properties on St. Giles Passage in the background.

With one gate closed. (PW)

Travelling on a bus to see her sister, Kate speaks with two Passengers who are racially abused by a Thug as he alights. Steve Randall locates this as the Eastman Dental Hospital, formerly the Royal Free Hospital, on Gray's Hill Road WC1.

Currently a massive building project, fortunately preserving the façade, but, behind this, there's rubble. SJ

Kate approaches Marta's home where Alba tells her that she doesn't want to talk to her... now found, click the date.

I am indebted to one of my pupils Benjamin Botton who recognised this house in his street. The high rise behind is nicely obscured with this angle showing 50 Stockwell Park Crescent, SW9. SJ

Marta comes to the door and Kate apologises for her behaviour before turning to depart.

More of a Christmassy look taken looking away from outside 50 Stockwell Park Crescent. SJ

Kate and her Mum spend time with each other. Looking south along Leather Lane in EC1 from the junction with Hatton Wall and Portpool Lane.

About here. SJ

Tasting what's on offer from the stalls, mother and daughter walk through a food market. Facing north on Leather Lane with the junction of Clerkenwell Road and Eyre Street Hill in the left background.

I possibly should be closer as there's no sign of the no entry sign in the original. SJ

Gins are tasted with different effects. Leather Lane EC1 with the corner of Hatton Wall to the top left.

Kate returns to Tom's bedsit where she finds an Estate Agent expecting a client who explains to her that the flat has been empty for months since the previous owner died. Seen from the corner of Brick Lane, this is Cheshire Street in Shoreditch.

Missed this one on a previous visit, but making amends two years later. Looking east. SJ

Andy the Estate Agent tells of how, last Christmas, Tom Webster was cycling through Piccadilly Circus . . . .

Looking west towards Piccadilly. SJ

. . . . when something caught his eye.

So much to look at ... SJ

Tom was distracted by a crown of People in front of a bus at the corner of Piccadilly and rode into the path of an oncoming car.

Nearly matched the bus, out by one digit! SJ

An ambulance rushed Tom to hospital where his donor card was found after he had passed away. Remaining on Regent Street, Ray finds us looking south with the ambulance heading north with New Burlington Place out of shot to the right. (RL)

The angel decoration is there but all but cancelled out under the colourless sky. SJ

Realisation hits Kate as she recalls the night that she changed clothes in a shop doorway. Cecil Court WC2.

Some of the same items can be seen in the window display. (PW)

Memories of moments spent with Tom go through Kate's mind, this time without him present. Phoenix Garden with a warehouse on Flitcroft Street as the backdrop.

Phoenix Garden now. (PW)

Leaving Andy in the bedsit, Kate walks away as George Michael sings "Praying for Time". The corner of Cheshire Street and Brick Lane in E2.

A clearer view of the shop behind (SR)

After finding Tom in the secret garden one last time, Kate recalls all of the places that he showed her. Facing Burlington Arcade from the junction of Burlington Gardens and Cork Street in W1.

Paul Lincoln took his camera with him whilst shopping in Burlington Arcade. (RL)

Jermyn Street SW1 with Bury Street behind the Beau Brummell Statue outside Piccadilly Arcade.

Looking west. SJ

In front of her family and friends, Kate introduces the St. Benedict's Christmas show. Inside St. Mary's church on Wyndham Place in Marylebone W1 identified by Peter Stanford, an extra who appeared the production.

At her Parent's house, Kate sits down for Christmas lunch with her family. The view north from Malabar Street in Millwall E14 towards Landmark Pinnacle and the twin towers of Wardian London under construction on Marsh Wall.

Taken from the side rather than the back of the house, but this nicely shows how quickly development continues. SJ

Writing in her diary, Kate sits on the seat dedicated to Tom Webster. Phoenix Garden in London WC2.

The murals still look down on visitors to the garden. (PW)