Two instalments of Steve McQueen’s award-winning anthology Small Axe were filmed entirely in the West Midlands. Wolverhampton doubled for 1970s London, its un-gentrified streets offering authentic backdrops and scale that made the production both cost-effective and visually striking.
Acclaimed filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen created Small Axe, an anthology of five films for BBC One and Amazon Prime. Two instalments were shot entirely in the West Midlands, bringing global attention to the region’s locations and talent.
Why West Midlands
Wolverhampton was chosen to represent 1970s London thanks to its un-gentrified character and original exterior look. The city’s streets provided versatile backdrops, enabling a wide variety of shooting angles and a sense of scale that would have been difficult to achieve elsewhere.
Impact
The series shines a light on the pride, heroism, and lived experience of the UK’s Windrush generation. By filming in the region, the production highlighted not only powerful stories but also the West Midlands’ ability to double for major cities and deliver authentic, production-ready environments.
Where in the Region
Wolverhampton
Images © BBC/McQueen Limited/Will Robson-Scott.
