“A Thousand Blows” is a 12-part drama series created by Steven Knight, set in the violent underworld of 1880s Victorian London. The series stars Stephen Graham, Malachi Kirby, and Erin Doherty,
Filming took place primarily at the historic Mortlake Brewery, also known as the Stag Brewery, in Mortlake, London where 4D Studio Architects have been working with the Storey Collective (see my post of 30th April 2023). This 22-acre site, which had been inactive for over a decade, provided an authentic backdrop for the series. The production team transformed the brewery’s original Victorian-era buildings into sets depicting East End streets and docklands, constructing an expansive set within the brewery grounds. The rear of the historic Maltings building, dating back to around 1902 and facing the Thames, was repurposed as a workhouse—an integral location within the series.
Filming commenced in March 2023 and concluded in December 2023. The production utilized two soundstages built on-site and transformed the local area and Thames towpath into Victorian-era London. The set construction was extensive, with towering scaffolding supporting intricate designs and several camera towers dotting the landscape.
The Mortlake Brewery site has been developed into a film and TV studio complex known as The Story Works. The standing set replicating East London docklands and back streets remains intact, with hopes for a second series of “A Thousand Blows.”
The series delves into the clandestine world of illegal boxing rings and criminal gangs, including the notorious all-female Forty Elephants gang. It follows the journey of two Jamaican best friends, Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and Alec (Francis Lovehall), as they navigate the treacherous streets of post-industrial London. Erin Doherty portrays Mary Carr, the formidable leader of the Forty Elephants, while Stephen Graham plays the ruthless Sugar Goodson, sparking a rivalry that extends beyond the boxing ring.
The transformation of the Mortlake Brewery into a vivid portrayal of Victorian London showcases the dedication to authenticity and detail in bringing “A Thousand Blows” to life.
