House of the Dragon star on filming at Severn Valley Railway

The new movie, called All That Glitters, is inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and stars Elliot Grihault in the leading role, known for playing Lucerys Velaryon in HBO's House of the Dragon, and new star Flo Thompstone.

The film, which is set in a UK school, has been shot on location at Haybridge High School in Hagley, in the Clent area and in Bewdley including scenes at the Severn Valley Railway.

The film, the first feature offering from Joe Andrews and Peter Lavery of London-based Clover Fox Films, is described as a young adult comedy-drama inspired by Shakespeare and how he might have presented the play in modern times.

Elliot Grihault stars as Ryan, a lighting technician for his school’s Romeo and Juliet play, who falls hopelessly in love with the show’s lead actress Jasmine, played by Flo Thompstone.

Elliot Grihault and Flo Thompstone filming a scene at the Severn Valley Railway in Bewdley (Image: Newsquest)

Helpfully for Ryan, the ghost of Shakespeare himself shows up in his room one night offering to teach him the role of Romeo so he can star alongside Jasmine in the play.

It’s not plain sailing, however, with Jasmine’s older friend Billy hanging around and other potential Romeos getting in the way as he tries to win over his Juliet.

On set in Bewdley, Elliott said the Severn Valley Railway station was his favourite location during the filming so far.

Speaking about his experience he said: "It's going great. Everyone's so lovely and there were a lot of very exciting scenes.

"It's refreshing coming out here because I live in London so it's a bit hectic".

He explained why he decided to take on the role of Ryan. 

"It was just a very interesting and funny script and I think as much as there's a lot of humour in it there are a lot of moments a little more down to earth", he said.

"As soon as I read it I was quite hooked and keen to do it".

The station has been taken over by a film crew (Image: Newsquest)

When asked how it compares to the other roles he's played, he added: "It's a lot different because this time I'm playing the lead which is something I was quite nervous about.

"It's been fun to take on and I've had a lot of fun scenes to do and more to come".

Co-star Flo Thompstone said she's very excited to be making her feature film debut, which was "all very sudden."

She said: "I play Jasmine and she's a 16-year-old in high school. She is a drama fanatic. She loves acting. She's very headstrong and naïve at the same time".

On filming in Bewdley, she said: "It's beautiful around here, I love it".

She's also delighted with the "lovely" team and cast for the project.

She added: "We were very lucky to all be landed with each other.

"I have never laughed so much in my life".

Paul Ready, star of British sitcom Motherland, is among the cast, as well as English actor Tim Downie whose film and TV credits include, Outlander, The King’s Speech and Paddington among many more.

The main bulk of the filming has taken place in Hagley, including at Haybridge High School, where producer Joe Andrews studied.

Joe Andrews (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "The project is a take on Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet. The intention for the film is to bring Shakespeare to a younger audience.

"When Peter (Lavery) wrote it, the writer/director, he said he wanted this sleepy village and for it to be set up in that world. Growing up in Clent I was like perfect, I know of a sleepy village, I know this whole area.

"It just made sense to bring it here really. It's important as somebody who grew up around here to bring it back. A lot of filming happens in London and it's important to try and get it out of London and give opportunities around here".

The film is expected to be released next spring.