- Past + Present
A Hidden Star of the Big Screen
Jean Valjean is forgiven in this chapel
In the 2012 ‘Les Misérables’ film starring Hugh Jackman, there is a pivotal early scene set in a small chapel where Jean Valjean, having been taken in by a compassionate priest, is forgiven for stealing, leading him to vow to change his life. This sequence was filmed here in St Sepulchre’s Chapel and captures Valjean’s moment of spiritual transformation.
Over the years the chapel has been a favourite of film-makers – from ‘Les Misérables’ to ‘St Trinian’s’ via John Betjeman and Miss Marple. St Mary Magdalene’s has also appeared in Wonder Woman, Lewis, Silent Witness, Little Dorrit and Humans, in music videos and student productions, and once on a Valentine’s cover for Kerrang magazine.
Alison Low Madigan went looking for the church’s screen appearances and found more than anyone expected.
St Mary Magdalene’s Church on Film – podcast by Alison Low Madigan, Heritage Pioneer Volunteer
Augmented reality
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Stand in the middle of the chapel and look for the Les Misérables image that appears on your screen. To compare it with the present view, swipe the image to the left. To return it to its original placement, swipe it from the left side of the screen. The overlay lines up against the real room, so it only works standing in the chapel.
The overlay lines up against the real room, so it only works standing in the chapel. The film clip above shows the same space.
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