Where Was Sky's Thriller Prisoner Filmed?
Sky's high-octane new drama Prisoner was filmed in several familiar locations across Wales and England. The series launches on Sky and NOW today (April 30) at 9pm, with all six episodes dropping simultaneously for viewers to binge.
The action-driven series centres on prison transport officer Amber Todd (Izuka Hoyle), whose first shift back after maternity leave takes an unexpected turn. Amber ends up handcuffed and fleeing with assassin and mafia informant Tibor Stone (Tahar Rahim) after their convoy is attacked by his former associates, who want to kill him before he testifies against them at the Old Bailey.
The cast also includes Eddie Marsan, Sam Troughton, Laurie Davidson, and Finn Bennett. The series is set across England and Wales, and was primarily shot in Wales. Here is a look at the key filming locations.
Bute Tunnel, Cardiff
The major prison convoy ambush sequence was filmed in Bute Tunnel in Cardiff, which connects Butetown to the city centre. This reinforced-concrete tunnel was built in the 1990s. Production designer Arwel Jones described the shoot as a military operation: load-ins, resets, destruction, and cleanups were all done by hand over three nights. Originally, the scene was meant to take place through a hedge into a field, but the team wanted to ramp up the tension. The tunnel provided a practical and visual solution with its sound, lighting, and geometry.
Severn Bridge
Footage of the Severn Bridge appears in the series to emphasise that the story unfolds between England and Wales. Jones noted that 95 per cent of the show was filmed on location, compared to the typical 70 per cent, leading to a demanding schedule.
Harrison's Mansion, Vale of Glamorgan
A Georgian mansion used in later episodes was filmed at a private property in the Vale of Glamorgan. Jones, who has shot there before, said the mansion reflects the character Harrison's self-image as a 'Lord of the Manor' while hiding his true villainous nature.
The Factory
A factory scene was filmed inside a disused warehouse that once served as a spandex factory. The space featured dark, long corridors with a wall of diffused glass, minimal dressing, and a long open centre to emphasise depth. The contrast between darkness and soft backlit glow created the desired mood.
Additional filming took place in and around Cardiff, including the Principality Stadium, Park Street, Stadium Plaza, and Adamsdown. Some scenes were also captured in Abergavenny. French actor Tahar Rahim praised Wales, saying he loved the friendly people and the landscape, and even enjoyed Welsh cakes.
Prisoner airs on Sky at 9pm tonight and will be available as a boxset on Sky and NOW.
