“Dope Girls” is a six-part historical drama television series that premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on February 22, 2025. Set in the early 20th century, specifically in 1918 Soho, London, the series dives into a fascinating and often overlooked period following the end of World War I. It’s inspired by Marek Kohn’s nonfiction book Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground (1992), which explores the rise of the drug scene in Britain, but the show itself is a fictional take on this era.
Created and written by Polly Stenham and Alex Warren, with additional writing from Xiao Tang and Matthew Jacobs Morgan, “Dope Girls” is produced by Bad Wolf (known for Doctor Who and His Dark Materials) in association with Sony Pictures Television. The show follows the rise of nightclubs and the criminal underworld in 1900s London. With a compelling cast led by Julianne Nicholson, Eliza Scanlen, and Umi Myers, Dope Girls is being hailed as a “spiritual successor” to Peaky Blinders. But where was this gripping drama filmed? Let’s take a look at the real-life locations of the series.
Where Was Dope Girls Filmed?
The series was shot across the United Kingdom, primarily in London, England, and Swansea, Wales. Each location was carefully chosen to recreate the authentic feel of 1900s Soho and the gritty world of London’s criminal underbelly.
London, England
London serves as the primary filming location for Dope Girls, especially for scenes set in the bustling streets of Soho. The production team utilized historic buildings, old warehouses, and period-accurate streets to maintain authenticity.
“London’s architecture and hidden corners perfectly capture the chaotic energy of early 20th-century Soho,” said executive producer Jane Tranter.
The city has also been home to many other iconic productions, including Peaky Blinders, The Crown, and Sherlock, making it a prime location for historical dramas.
Swansea, Wales
A major portion of the series was filmed in Brangwyn Hall, located within Swansea Guildhall. This grand location provided an elegant yet ominous backdrop for several key scenes. Additional sequences were also shot in other parts of the Guildhall, which serves as an administrative center for the city.
“The detailing inside Brangwyn Hall gave us the perfect setting for our high-society club scenes,” said series director Alex Warren.
Swansea has been a favorite filming destination for various period dramas and historical series, including Doctor Who and His Dark Materials.
Also Read: Where Was “The Leopard” Filmed? Explore the Netflix Series’ Stunning Locations (2025)
When Did the Filming of Dope Girls Take Place?
Filming for Dope Girls began in October 2023 in London, England. The British production was able to proceed smoothly despite the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that affected many Hollywood projects. The cast and crew worked across London and Wales for several months, bringing this gripping story to life.
Dope Girls Plot Summary
Set in the early 1900s, Dope Girls takes viewers into the heart of London’s Soho, a city buzzing with crime, corruption and illicit activities. The plot is about Kate Galloway, played by Julianne Nicholson, who runs one of the city’s most popular nightclubs. Kate finds herself at the center of a dangerous world where power, addiction and survival go hand in hand as the underground drug trade starts to grow.
Violet Davies (Eliza Scanlen), a young woman who has to find her way through the dark alleys of Soho and Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers), a performer who is torn between desire and vice, are also introduced in the show. On the other hand, crime bosses like Sebastian Croft’s Silvio Salucci and his powerful family run the city, turning it into a battlefield for people who want to rise or fall.
The show tells the exciting and often sad stories of women who were involved in London’s first big drug scene. The stories are based on real events and people. Due to its realistic historical settings and high stakes drama, Dope Girls is sure to be one of the most exciting period stories of the year.
Dope Girls Cast Details
- Julianne Nicholson as Kate Galloway
- Eliza Scanlen as Violet Davies
- Umi Myers as Billie Cassidy
- Eilidh Fisher as Evie Galloway
- Sebastian Croft as Silvio Salucci
- Geraldine James as Isabella Salucci
- Rory Fleck Byrne as Luca Salucci
- Dustin Demri-Burns as Damaso Salucci
- Eben Figueiredo as Matteo Rossi Salucci
- Michael Duke as Eddie Cobb
- Ian Bonar as Sgt Frank Turner
- Nabhaan Rizwan as Silas Huxley
- Priya Kansara as Lily Lee
- Jordan Kouamé as Reggie Regbo
- Will Keen as Frederick Asquith-Gore
- Fiona Button as Sophie Asquith-Gore
- Harry Cadby as Jimmy Conville
Dope Girls Official Trailer
Get a first look at the gripping world of Dope Girls! Watch the official trailer here:
The Dope Girls filming locations, from London’s historic streets to Swansea’s grand halls, add an extra layer of authenticity to the show. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or historical series, this is one you won’t want to miss!
See Also: Dope Thief Filming Locations – Where Was the Apple TV+ Crime Drama Shot?
