The Royal College of Music (RCM) can be hired for filming and has been used as a location for film and television. From Celebrity MasterChef to Columbo, the College has had its many fantastic spaces showcased on the big and small screen.
The 1996 biographical film Shine follows the life of Australian pianist David Helfgott. The RCM’s characterful Parry Rooms provide the ideal backdrop as a young Helfgott practices the infamous Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no 3. The film was met with great critical acclaim, and Geoffrey Rush – starring as the aged David Helfgott – won an Oscar for this role.
Image credit - The 1996 biographical film Shine
The stunning Britten Theatre played was featured in episode of the Sundance TV series The Honourable Woman (2014), starring Maggie Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal’s character attends a concert in the Theatre, with the shots showcasing the elegant auditorium, foyer and backstage as well as the College’s spectacular main entrance.
The iconic entrance to the Blomfield Building also featured in an episode of American crime-drama Columbo (1972) – although not as its usually seen. The front of the building was transformed into the fictional ‘London Wax Museum’, where the titular character investigates a murder involving star Shakespearean actors and their wax-figure debut.
