Wonderland

One Thursday evening, Nadia (Gina McKee) leaves a crowded Soho bar. Dean Street W1, outside number 37 facing south.

Now, on a drizzly afternoon. (PW)

The 27 year old walks away from a date that wasn't going well. Looking north on Dean Street with Meard Street on the left. The street can be seen in many other films including 'Strangler's Web', 'The Hippopotamus' and 'Where Has Poor Mickey Gone?'.

The rain persists. (PW)

A reverse point of view sees Nadia pass the Groucho Club on Dean Street.

Flowers help to brighten up the scene. (PW)

Nadia walks through Chinatown. Gerrard Street at the corner with Wardour Street in W1.

Too early for queues when I arrived. (PW)

The camera follows as a corner is turned. The junction of Gerrard Street and Wardour Street. The corner features in 'The Playbirds' and 'Mona Lisa' amongst other productions.

Tables waiting for diners clutter the view. (PW)

A few seconds of speeded up footage finds Nadia further along Wardour Street. Here we're looking along Lisle Street WC2 with Leicester Street behind the hoardings where the Swiss Centre’s rather bland replacement would later appear.

Taken from a similar position. (PW)

Another fast framed sequence ends when Nadia pauses to cross a road.

An Old Woman waits to cross a busy junction.

Another busy junction. The corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street in Soho W1 with Bar Italia’s sign glowing on the left. The junction appears in 'It Happened in Soho' while the streets around can be seen in 'The Small World of Sammy Lee' and 'Soho Incident'.

The same corner in daylight. (PW)

On Friday, Nadia listens to voice messages left by more prospective partners from the Lonely Hearts website. Looking at the view through a rain soaked window in Bannerman House with St. Anne's church, Vauxhall on the far left and Vox Studios on Durham Street in the centre.

Leaving her flat, Nadia makes her way from the building. Outside Bannerman House on Lawn Lane SW8 with the rear of properties on Bonnington Square crossing the background.

Facing the same wall from street level. (PW)

Finding her dad Bill (Jack Shepherd) outside, the two walk together as she heads to work. Looking west along Lawn Lane towards Vauxhall Manor School.

Basketball seems to have increased in popularity. (PW)

Kissing before they part, father and daughter go their separate ways. Lawn Lane with Vauxhall Manor School to the right and Vauxhall Park on the left.

Facing the same direction. (PW)

Bill watches Nadia before turning away and walking to his car. Facing Bannerman House on Lawn Lane.

The steps to this entrance have since been removed. (PW)

Looking towards homes on Ebbisham Drive from the north side of Bannerman House in SW8.

And now, twenty two years later. (PW)

Nadia descends to the platform of her local tube station. The escalator down from the booing hall to the northbound Victoria and Northern Line platforms at Stockwell station in SW9.

Looking up on the way down. (PW)

Two Boys ask for a "penny for the guy" which Nadia gladly gives. The bottom of the escalator at Stockwell station at the corner of Clapham Road and Binwell Road in Stockwell, Lambeth.

No guys waiting when I reached the bottom of the escalator. (PW)

Nadia's pregnant sister Molly (Molly Parker) watches her husband Eddie leave the house.

Eddie (John Simm) rides away to the kitchen showroom where he's employed as a salesman.

Taking a call from Tim, Nadia walks outside the café where she works. Identified in the London Film Location Guide by Simon James, this is looking north-east from outside 27 Old Compton Street W1 with the junction of Frith Street to the left.

Not so sunny a day. (PW)

An arrangement is made for the two to meet up. The pavement outside 27 Old Compton Street in Soho.

The same premises with new businesses. (PW)

Eddie leaves a call box after phoning Molly. Oxford Street with the corner of Dean Street in the left background.

There are major changes at the northern end of Dean Street. (PW)

Unable to tell his wife that he has left his job at Ultimate Kitchens, Eddie can't face going home. Looking east on Oxford Street, the far side of which has been drastically redeveloped.

Refurbishment and reconstruction continues. (PW)

Nadia finds Tim (Stuart Townsend) during a break from work. Looking north-east along Beak Street W1 with the junction formed by Lexington Street and Silver Place in the right background.

There's a new building in the right distance. (PW)

Following lunch, Tim suggests that they meet up again the following night. Facing south-west on Beak Street.

The same corner now. (PW)

The pair kiss before parting company. The corner of Beak Street and Marshall Street with The Old Coffee House public house in the background.

The pub is still adorned with flowers. (PW)

Nadia crosses the road. Beak Street W1 with buildings on Regent Street in the right distance.

Alongside Bob Bob Ricard. (PW)

At a corner, Nadia passes a Big Issue Seller. The corner of Beak Street and Upper James Street in Soho.

Taken from a standing position. (PW)

Donna (Ellen Thomas) catches up with Eileen (Kika Markham) as she leaves her daughter Molly's house. Facing south-west on St. James’s Crescent in SW9.

Has the chimney(?) gone? SJ

A group of Youths set off a firework that makes the two women jump. St. James’s Crescent between Swinford Gardens and Howard House.

The fencing has changed. SJ

As she nears home, Eileen calls to her husband Bill as he tinkers with his car's engine. St. James’s Crescent at the corner of Swinford Gardens.

The brick wall, already deteriorating, has lost its will to survive. SJ

Telling Bill that that the front door needs fixing, Eileen carries on home. St. James’s Crescent in Brixton with with Harper House, Leicester House and Nevil House to the left.

It was tricky to take sharp images of the high-rises. SJ

Donna's son Franklyn leaves the electrical shop where he works and runs to the café where Nadia is serving. Looking southward on Tottenham Court Road in W1.

Buildings across the road have since been replaced. (PW)

Finding Eddie riding his scooter along darkened streets, the camera tilts up to the sign advertising 'Rent' playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Facing the Shaftesbury Theatre in WC2 at the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Holborn on the border of WC1.

24 years later, Mrs. Doubtfire has arrived. (SR)

Eddie rides on through the evening.

Parking up on Southwark Bridge, Eddie practices the conversation he needs to have with Molly. Looking southward on Southwark Bridge towards SE1.

The now unemployed man reasons with himself as he explains that he left a job he hated. Southwark Bridge crossing the Thames between EC4 and SE1 with the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral to the top left.

Eddie continues to talk to himself. On Southwark Bridge facing northward towards Queen Street Place and Upper Thames Street beyond.

A train rumbles across a bridge down river as Eddie outlines the bleak future that may have been if he had continued work as a kitchen salesman. Looking from Southwark Bridge, past Cannon Street Railway Bridge and London Bridge to Tower Bridge in the left distance.

As promised, Nadia baby-sits her sister Debbie's son Jack. That's St. Paul's Cathedral in the distance but whether it's visible from this building without digital intervention is unlikely.

Rain falls as the day comes to an end.

On Saturday morning, Darren (Enzo Cilenti) leaves his girlfriend Melanie asleep in their hotel room to phone his sister Nadia. Looking out from the Langham Hotel in W1 with Portland Place to the left and Broadcasting House on the right.

Outside his flat, Jack Phillips (Peter Marfleet) waits for his Dad to pick him up. The footbridge to the north side of Kingshill on the Heygate Estate in SE17 with Heygate Street visible to the bottom left. The estate has since been demolished and redeveloped as Elephant Park with Drake Apartments on South Gardens now standing on the site of the bridge which was slightly to the west of the present day O’Callaghan Way.

Looking northward at the site of the bridge. (PW)

Jack waves as his Dad speeds into view. The access road between Kingshill and Heygate Street. Various views of the Heygate Estate appear in several other films including 'World War Z', 'Hereafter', 'Harry Brown', 'The Veteran' and 'Treacle Jr.'.

A completely redeveloped location. (PW)

Dan Phillips (Ian Hart) asks his son to hold a bunch of flowers. The eastern end of the access road to the north side of Kingshill with Deacon Way crossing the background beyond Heygate Street. Bodley Way on South Gardens now occupies the location.

Construction continues across the road. (PW)

Father and son walk to the flat where Debbie is tidying up. This is the view from one of the upper floors of Kingshill towards Victory Primary School in the background and Driscoll House on Old Kent Road in the left distance.

From ground level, unfortunately with none of the distant buildings visible. (PW)

Molly crosses the road towards the hairdressers where Debbie works.

After Molly discovers that Eddie has left his job when she calls the showroom, a cut returns the story to the estate where Bill and Eileen live. Harper House on Angell Road in SW9.

Harper House looks a little plumper in my shot. SJ

Bill arrives home with the shopping. St. James’s Crescent with Angell Road in the background.

Some bikes now chained to the railing. SJ

Realising that he hasn't got his keys, Bill heads over to Donna's house. St. James’s Crescent in Brixton.

Looking north. SJ

Bill approaches the home of his wife's friend where he's invited in. Looking west on St. James’s Crescent with Howard House to the left.

The same direction, but further back, as seen in capture 39. SJ

At the football match, Dan leaves Jack in the stand while he goes for a drink.

Dan walks back from the bar carrying a drink for Jack.

According to Wikipedia, these scenes were filmed at Selhurst Park, the ground of Crystal Palace, during a match against Birmingham City on 6th February 1999.

Dan turns to watch the game as he nears his son.

As the match draws to an end, Dan and Jack make their way to the car park.

An argument starts as vehicles vie for position on the way out of the car park.

Dan shouts at the Driver in front as they inch their way to the main road. Simon James suggests that the houses stand on Whitehouse Lane, opposite the club shop at Selhurst Park.

Jack asks for a McDonald's as his Dad drives him home.

Dan pulls over when he spots a fish & chip shop.

Nadia laughs that she's not spending the evening with Dan when he turns out to be her date from Lonely Hearts.

After being confronted by Molly, Eddie rides home with shopping that he's shoplifted from a supermarket.

Eddie walks the streets rather than go home. Shaftesbury Avenue W1 with the Gielgud Theatre at the corner of Rupert Street to the right.

A few cosmetic changes to the footpath. (PW)

Revellers surround Eddie as he looks into pubs and bars where people are enjoying themselves. Shaftesbury Avenue with the Gielgud Theatre to the left.

Shaftesbury Avenue in 2021. (PW)

Facing north at the junction of Old Compton Street and Dean Street.

Rain pours down on this daytime view. (PW)

Eddie walks past a Homeless Person sitting in the street. Tottenham Court Road W1, facing south towards Charing Cross Road with Centre Point to the left beyond the junction with New Oxford Street and Oxford Street.

From somewhere about here. (PW)

Leaving Tim's flat, Nadia makes her way to catch the night bus home. Looking from Duncannon Street across Charing Cross Road towards the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square WC2.

Steve Randall returned in daylight.

A bus draws to a halt for passengers waiting at a stop. Facing the Strand Theatre at the corner of Catherine Street and Aldwych in WC2.

Roadworks . . . makes a change from scaffolding! (PW)

Nadia's bus overtakes and a Man approaches her as she sits alone on the top deck. Aldwych with the Waldorf Hotel to the right.

Traffic on Aldwych is temporarily two way. (PW)

While rain pours as the journey continues, a tear runs down Nadia's cheek.

On Sunday, Debbie Phillips (Shirley Henderson) and Molly leave the café after having lunch with Nadia. Looking north on Dean Street W1 with the corner of Romilly Street in the background.

Preparations for opening time are taking place. (PW)

The sisters turn a corner. Facing south on Dean Street at the junction of Shaftesbury Avenue and Macclesfield Street.

The junction remains busy. (PW)

Molly slows to a stand as she goes into labour. Looking north-east along Shaftesbury Avenue in W1.

A litter bin has joined the telephone kiosks. (PW)

Looking up and down the road, Debbie attempts to find a taxi. The Bank of Asia Ltd. at the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Dean Street.

The bank doesn't appear very open. (PW)

Nadia looks out of her window after calling Tim. The view is from Bannerman House with The Oval cricket ground to the left beyond the Ashmole Estate in SW8.

With Debbie for support, Molly's contractions begin in hospital.

While Jack wanders around a fun fair on his own, Eddie follows a Cyclist as he rides around Seven Dials in WC2. The Seven Dials Monument stands to the left while the Crown public house at the corner of Monmouth Street and Shorts Gardens can be made out to the top, right of centre.

They weren't going anywhere soon. (PW)

The Cyclist turns into Monmouth Street WC2. The Seven Dials Monument is just visible in the left background and the location also appears in 'Last Christmas', 'Man On the Run', 'Nowhere to Go' and 'The Naked Truth'.

See what I mean. (PW)

Eddie continues his journey. Looking east on Elephant and Castle SE1 with the Electrical Sub-station in the centre of the northernmost roundabout as the background. Other views of the junction appear in 'The Strange Affair', 'Play Up the Band', 'The Hideout' and 'Nil by Mouth'.

Taken without risk to life and limb while traffic waits at a pedestrian crossing. (PW)

Another roundabout is negotiated before a car pulls out in Eddie. Facing south-east on Old Kent Road SE1 with Bricklayers Arms roundabout forming the junction with New Kent Road in the background.

With fingers crossed that the shutter was quicker than that approaching van. (PW)

Molly's parents drive to the hospital as Dan calls on Nadia when he can't locate his son or his ex-wife. Looking towards the junction of Swinford Gardens with St. James’s Crescent in SW9.

A daylight shot. SJ

At Euston station, Darren and Melanie (Sarah-Jane Potts) kiss as the announcement for their departure to Manchester is made. The concourse at Euston station on Euston Road NW1.

The concourse on a busy morning. (PW)

As the couple walk onto the platform, Darren tells Melanie that he's just going to make a phone call. Facing the entrance gates to platforms 4, 5, 6 and 7 at Euston station.

Paintwork colours remain the same but train liveries have changed over time. (PW)

While he leaves a message on his parent's answering machine, Melanie walks towards the train to find their reserved seats. Platform 4 at Euston station in NW1.

An empty platform 4. (PW)

Dan and Nadia arrive at the police station where Jack has been taken. Outside Brixton Police Station at the junction of Brixton Road and Gresham Road in SW9.

It appears that the steps have been redesigned. SJ

After Debbie arrives, Dan is left alone when she, Jack and Nadia leave the police station. Brixton Police Station at the corner of Brixton Road and Gresham Road.

Slightly drawn further back with the column on the right a match. SJ

Debbie shouts back at Dan as she gets into her car. In front of Brixton police station in SW9.

A wider view. SJ

Dan watches as Debbie drives away in the rain. The junction of Gresham Road, Brixton Road and Stockwell Road seen from the corner of Canterbury Crescent.

Same traffic light arrangement but the railings to the right have gone. SJ

Leaving his wife at the hospital with Molly and their new granddaughter Alice, Bill arrives home to hear the message from his son Darren. St. James’s Crescent, Brixton.

I think it's here but I'm concerned about the window match, unless it was re-done. SJ

Debbie and Jack walk back to their flat. The bridge over Heygate Street from Deacon Way to Centre Building and Kingshill in SE17.

In daylight with Rodney Place to the right. (PW)

The camera moves with the pair as they talk about cheese on toast. To the right stands Kingshill with Swanbourne in the centre distance.

All new buildings now. (PW)

Views of London tower blocks at night fill the screen before Monday dawns.

Nadia makes her way to her parent's house. St. James’s Crescent with buildings on Featley Road in the right distance.

New building has obscured those on Featley Road now. SJ

Bill is spotted tinkering beneath the bonnet of his car as usual. Facing Swinford Gardens from the corner of St. James’s Crescent in Brixton SW9.

No wall. SJ

While Nadia and her Dad talk about the previous night's events, Franklyn (David Fahm) approaches carrying a car servicing manual. Looking along Swinford Gardens from St. James’s Crescent with Barrington Road in the right distance.

Looking south. SJ

Franklyn and Nadia laugh when Bill asks if the two know each other. Swinford Gardens in Brixton SW9.

A few cosmetic changes, a new tree, paint and a satellite dish. SJ

Nadia and Franklyn talk as they walk away together. Swinford Gardens with Barrington Road as the background.

Now. SJ