Luke Evans Calls Filming Welsh Drama ‘Joyous’ After Returning to His Roots

Hollywood actor Luke Evans has described the experience of filming a new television drama in Wales as “joyous,” marking the first time in three decades he has worked close to his childhood home.

The Pontypool-born star, 47, filmed the five-part series The Party in Cardiff and Bridgend, locations merely 25 minutes from Aberbargoed in Caerphilly county where he grew up. Evans, who also serves as an executive producer on the project, adapted the series from Elizabeth Day’s acclaimed novel.

Unlike previous filming locations such as Pembrokeshire, which Evans noted was “miles away” from his relatives, this production allowed him to maintain a regular presence with his family. He revealed that he shared weekend dinners with his parents, Yvonne and David Evans, who still reside in the same terrace house in the Rhymney Valley, and even walked their dog during the rainy winter shoot.

“It was joyous. I loved it,” Evans told BBC’s The One Show. The closeness to home extended to the screen, as several family members, including his cousins and their children, secured cameo roles in the final episode after requesting to appear in the production.

In the drama, Evans portrays Martin Gilmour, a journalist whose life is intertwined with Ben Fitzmaurice, a wealthy and charismatic politician played by Tom Cullen. The series is scheduled to premiere on ITV on October 11.

Following the completion of the Welsh shoot, Evans returned to New York to conclude his seven-month run as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show. He shared that he had corresponded with the role’s original performer, Tim Curry, sending a letter of gratitude three weeks before the end of his tenure. Curry, who passed away in August at the age of 80, responded through his team expressing appreciation for the message. Evans noted that Curry passed away the day after Evans’ final performance.

Evans, who came out as gay early in his career, also reflected on his broader journey in the industry. He previously switched on the Empire State Building lights for NYC Pride earlier this year and has spoken about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ actors in Hollywood. When asked about the possibility of a gay actor playing James Bond, Evans joked that he had been “on the list for Bond for a good decade” but acknowledged he is now “too old” for the part.