Robson Green and Kevin Whately back home to film drama

Mar 17 2010 by Katie Davies, The Journal

TWO of the region’s best-known actors were back in the region yesterday as they filmed a drama for ITV.

Robson Green and Kevin Whately were at the Links in Whitley Bay in Home Guard uniform as they filmed the wartime drama Joe Maddison’s War.

Starring in the production written by Tyneside-born Alan Plater, this is the first time the duo have starred on screen together.

Speaking to The Journal last week, Green said he had been drawn to the project because of the subject, the cast and the setting, but most of it all the script by Alan Plater.

“When they said the script was by Alan Plater I didn’t need to read it,” he said.

The story centres around shipyard worker Joe, played by Kevin Whately, who feels he is past his prime.

Too old to serve in the war, he is shocked when his wife leaves him for a young naval officer so, needing a challenge, he and his friend Harry, played by Robson Green, join the Home Guard, which sets Joe on a path to self discovery.

The pair were pictured yesterday marching on the Links and carrying the British flag towards a cenotaph, as part of a memorial service.

Green – who also showed off his musical talents when in one scene he played a cornet – worked for Swan Hunter before making it as an actor, performing at venues including Newcastle’s Live Theatre.