The Rapture, a psychological thriller adapted from Liz Jensen's novel, landed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series follows a teenager accused of killing her mother who claims she can predict disasters, exploring themes of climate change, corruption, and spiritual yearning.
The drama was filmed entirely in Wales, with cast members Ruth Madeley, India Amarteifio, Sam Hazeldine, Jack Farthing and Iwan Rheon spending time in Porthcawl, Port Talbot, Swansea, Pontyclun, Penarth and Margam.
Cast Praise Welsh Scenery
Ruth Madeley, who plays Gabrielle Fox, said: "I want it on record that we were in Port Talbot in 33-degree heat. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t been there myself. When we knew that we were filming in Wales, and the script reflected that, weirdly, it seemed to all fit. It almost made the story make more sense. The nature of the locations are stunning, the scenery here is unbelievable. It looks so beautiful. You can only get that in Wales."
Sam Hazeldine, who plays Leonard Krall, described his favourite location: "I’d say filming at Margam Park Ruins, it’s a very popular location but it’s so beautiful. I didn’t actually get a chance to look around all the grounds and the main building, but we were filming in the ruins and it has a real energy about it."
Iwan Rheon, portraying Dick Carwin, added: "It’s always nice to come back and film in Wales. There have been quite a variety of locations. Margam Park, which is really nice. We filmed a lot in Port Talbot, and it was like 35 degrees, which is bizarre, because I don’t think it’s ever been that hot there! But yes, it’s quite nice to be in various locations all around South Wales. And Dragon Studios, of course. It’s been lovely. I love coming back here."
Diverse Locations Across South Wales
Rheon also commented on what Wales brought to the show: "Because Wales has such a diverse range of locations, it offers so much to the filmmaker. For this, they wanted a variety – from a slightly run-down town to open forests and ruins - so you’ve got that real dynamism, which is great to see on screen. So, from a seaside town that has seen better days to nature and history, it offers filmmakers the opportunity to make a lot of different places look pretty much like anywhere."
Specific locations used include Kardomah Cafe in Swansea as a meeting point, Swansea Guild Hall doubling as a town council event, and Maesteg town hall. The fictional Oxsmith psychiatric hospital was filmed in Penarth, while Porthcawl east promenade and Smilog Woods in Pontyclun also featured.
India Amarteifio on Wales' Beauty
India Amarteifio, who plays Bethany Krall, said: "It’s honestly been perfect. We’ve really been able to home in on the beauty of the landscape, which is what the show is about. It’s about celebrating and looking after the planet, and Wales is a great place to show that."
She added: "I’ve filmed briefly in Wales before, but this is the first time I’ve spent a longer period here, and it’s been unreal. I’m such a country girl, so it’s been perfect. I’ve been staying on a farm, so after a really intense day, going back to see the horses, the cows, and the beautiful green meadows has been amazing. I’ve also loved learning more about Wales by being here and speaking to the crew and cast."
The Rapture airs on BBC One and iPlayer from 9pm on Sunday, July 26.
