Casting
Kerry organised a read-through and auditions for the main characters. She was very aware of actors' abilities through her job as a director and an adjudicator so had a good idea of who would be suitable for each role.
Posters and newspaper articles called for extras and the response added to the excitement as over 130 people replied. The logistics and paper work involved in ensuring that all measurements were taken, waiver forms signed, and availability for filming was taken on by Kerry
A new-born baby was also required and this request was put out on the BBC Essex help-line. A young couple whose baby was due, kindly offered to help and shortly after the birth both mother and baby were filmed as young Hopkins and his mother.
Two musicians who play authentic period instruments also offered their services and were used in the fair scene.
Kerry also managed to get the horses that were needed for Hopkins and Stearne. Neither Will Parrick (Hopkins) nor Joe Sales (Stearne) had ridden a horse so they had to have a few intense lessons in order to feel confident.
Rehearsals were held for the principals but the supporting cast only knew what they had to do on the actual day of filming. John was extremely good in explaining what was required in terms of how scenes were to be shot. Andy Jeffers and Kerry coached various extras in what they were to say and how they were to behave.
Children of various ages were also involved and all of them without fail were a delight to direct. All actors had been informed that they would have to wait around and that two minutes filming might take a few hours.
No matter how long the wait everyone did so with good humour and patience.
