Wondering where the captivating psychological thriller Playing Nice was filmed? This article explores the stunning filming locations that brought the series to life. Playing Nice is a British four-part TV series that premiered on ITV1 on January 5, 2025. The show has James Norton, Niamh Algar, James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay in it. It was written by Chris Lunt and directed by Saul Metzstein.
As the story goes on, two couples deal with the shocking news that their children were switched at birth. Along with the exciting plot, the show is known for its beautiful scenes set in Cornwall, which give the stories more depth and drama. Let’s look at the locations that make this show so beautiful to look at.
What Happens in Playing Nice?
Playing Nice television series revolves around two couples who find themselves grappling with a shocking revelation—their toddlers were switched at birth in a hospital mix-up. The story goes into great detail about the moral and emotional problems these parents have to deal with as they try to decide whether to keep the kids they’ve raised or get their biological children back.
Pete Riley (played by James Norton), a successful architect and his wife Flora (Niamh Algar) are shocked by a big discovery. At the same time Miles (James McArdle) a confident and driven man and his wife Cara (Jessica Brown Findlay) are going through similar struggles. As the couples deal with their new reality, tensions grow, trust is tested, and secrets come out, leading to surprising and dark turns.
The drama gets even more intense in the close-knit Cornish town, where issues of money, class and personal connections make things more complicated. With a strong script and great acting, Playing Nice takes viewers on an emotional journey, keeping them interested until the very end.
Where Was Playing Nice Filmed?
The movie Playing Nice was filmed entirely in Cornwall, England. The filming locations for Playing Nice make the show even more interesting by showing the beautiful natural scenes of Cornwall. The series was filmed entirely in Cornwall, instead of London like in the original book. This was a choice to make the drama feel even stronger with Cornwall’s stunning views. Here’s a look at the main places shown in the show:
St Ives
One of the main places where Playing Nice was filmed was the beautiful seaside town of St. Ives. There was a special charm to St. Ives that came from its beautiful harbor, golden beaches, and lively art scene.
Executive producer Kitty Kaletsky remarked, “The filming was incredible. Moving it [the setting] gave us an epic scale and beauty that’s visually stunning on screen.”
Padstow
This quaint fishing village on Cornwall’s northern coast served as another prominent filming site. With its picturesque harbor and serene beaches, Padstow perfectly encapsulates the show’s blend of drama and natural beauty. The area’s tranquility adds depth to the emotionally charged scenes.
Mawgan Porth Beach
Mawgan Porth Beach’s wide, sandy area was the perfect setting for the surfing scenes on the show. The rough but peaceful atmosphere of the beach helped show how the characters were struggling inside. He said, “We spent weekends surfing here—it wasn’t too cold and the locals were welcoming.”
Park Head, Cornwall
The dramatic views from Park Head’s cliffs made it a great place for Playing Nice. These beautiful cliffs added tension and grandeur to a number of important scenes. It was hard to shoot here in late fall because of the strong winds, but the results were worth it.
Mevagissey
With its busy harbor and narrow streets, this cute fishing village made a great setting for the story’s private moments. The story felt more real because of Mevagissey’s genuine charm.
Jubilee Pool, Penzance
The iconic art deco lido in Penzance was another memorable filming location. Its unique design and coastal views lent a distinctive touch to the show’s visual storytelling.
Porthcothan Bay Beach
Porthcothan Bay Beach and its surroundings were featured prominently in the series, contributing to the visual richness of Playing Nice. The beach’s natural beauty enhanced the show’s emotional depth.
Tate St. Ives
The tense charity gala that Miles and Lucy put on took place at the Tate St. Ives, a modern art gallery. The gallery was a great choice for the dramatic scene because it had beautiful views of the sea and modern architecture.
Zacry’s at Watergate Bay
Zacry’s, a modern restaurant at Watergate Bay, was used to film Maddie’s restaurant, which is a central location in the show. The venue stood out because of its warm atmosphere and beautiful views.
It was praised that the producers moved the story to Cornwall because it made a stronger visual and thematic impact. Kaletsky said, “Putting these characters in a tight-knit community instead of an anonymous city like London brought an exciting new dynamic to the story.” Even though it was hard to film in the fall and winter, the cast and crew enjoyed Cornwall’s beauty when it wasn’t in season. This made the scenes seem more real.
When did the series Playing Nice get filmed?
The series Playing Nice was filmed in Cornwall from October to December 2023, when most tourists were not there. At this time, the crew was able to capture the area’s peaceful beauty without the usual crowds. Even though it was hard to work in colder weather and deal with unpredictable coastal winds, the cast and crew said it was an unforgettable experience.
Should You Watch Playing Nice?
If you like psychological thrillers movie with gripping storylines then “Playing Nice” is a must-watch tv show for you. The show deals with tough moral questions and with great acting and amazing visuals, it stands out on ITV. Its emotional moments and surprising twists make it hard to stop watching. It’s worth binge-watching because it’s emotional and full of unexpected turns.
Playing Nice Cast Details
- James Norton as Pete Riley
- Niamh Algar as Flora Riley
- James McArdle as Miles
- Jessica Brown Findlay as Cara
Playing Nice Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Playing Nice here to get a glimpse of the drama and stunning locations:
