The Halcyon

The Halcyon was first announced on 3 December 2015.[7] It was commissioned by ITV's Director of Drama Steve November and Controller of Drama Victoria Fea.[7] The show was produced by Chris Croucher, executive produced by Sharon Hughff, Jack Lothian (also lead series writer) and Andy Harries.[8][9] Left Bank Pictures were the production company of the series.[10]

Croucher called The Halcyon "a similar beast" to Downton Abbey, although Left Bank Pictures founder and managing director Marigo Kehoe explained that the show had been in development "for a long time", and the development of the show came at a time when "new ideas were needed".[10] Producer Chris Croucher added that "Downton has a serenity to it, but the modern world is arriving in The Halcyon", as well as revealing The Halcyon's dialogue "is more punchy" and that the show "has more energy".[11] Radio Times wrote that The Halcyon has a "little bit of Downton Abbey and a little bit of Mr Selfridge in the mix".[4]

The cast consists of about twenty main characters.[9][10] The cast was officially announced on 4 April 2016, with the news that Olivia Williams and Steven Mackintosh would star in The Halcyon.[12][13] Williams commented on her character, stating that Lady Hamilton is "a trope, but wonderful to play" before adding that her character is also "an inherited aristocrat with a sharp wit who is racist, classist, homophobic...Everything you'd want her to be, to be truly hateful!".[11] Mackintosh revealed his character as "interesting",[11] and that "on first impressions, you might think the surface is all there is". Tointon said of her casting that "it's a lovely compliment".[11] She also stated The Halcyon cast will be a "sexier Downton".[14]

A cover of the song "Marvellous Party" performed by UK soul singer Beverley Knight was released as part of the series' soundtrack.[15]

The Halcyon had several potential filming locations including Liverpool, Manchester and Dublin,[10] however the team reached a decision to shoot the series on a studio space in London with West London Film Studios.[10][16] The exterior of the set was provided by 32 Lincoln's Inn Fields in Central London, the former Land Registry Building now owned by The London School of Economics,[16] while further outdoor scenes were shot at Spa Fields.[16] Further locations include Serle Street and Portugal Street, two areas around Lincoln's Inn Fields.[16] The hotel's basement was filmed at the House of Detention in Clerkenwell's Sans Walk.[16] The Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent was used in episodes 5 and 6 for scenes depicting bombed London streets.[17]

• The Halcyon on IMDb