Jane Horrocks has returned to The Headland Hotel in Newquay – the location for the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book The Witches, in which she played the role of Miss Irvine.
The actor, whose other roles include starring in ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ and playing Bubble in ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, said she loved having the opportunity to reminisce about the two weeks she spent there in 1988.
“There was no spa or outdoor pool then and the rooms have changed a lot,” she said. “I recognised the main dining room, though, the corridors and the conservatory (now The Terrace restaurant) where we filmed the drinks scene.
“Externally, the building itself is just as imposing and amazing as ever.”
Jane, who comes from Lancashire, was only a few years out of drama school when she won her part in The Witches. Directed by Nick Roeg, the film had a stellar cast that included Anjelica Houston, Mai Zetterling, Rowan Atkinson, Brenda Blethyn and Bill Paterson.
“We were a weird and wonderful collection of people,” said Jane. “I remember that a lot of the witches in the crowd scene were actually bald men, because it saved money on prosthetics, and I also remember Bill Patterson sitting in the bar singing folk songs.
“The film was brilliant, but it was scary – even now, people in their thirties come up to me and say how it terrified them as children. It took two years to release and I think that was probably because of the debate over its ending. In the book, Luke stays as a mouse, which is a bit freaky, but in the film, as Miss Irvine, I change him back to human form.
“It was a lovely experience for me as a young actor – especially working with Nick Roeg and seeing how all the animatronics worked. There was a lot to do so I don’t think I went into Newquay. I don’t remember surfers on the beach below either – there are lots of them now but I don’t think there were then.”
Jane’s latest stay at The Headland came after a week spent in St Agnes.
“I’d never been to Cornwall before the filming and have really enjoyed having the chance to explore more of it on this trip,” said Jane. “The Headland couldn’t have looked after us better – it’s been such a treat. We had a lovely treatment in the spa too. My cousin comes here every year with her dog and I completely understand why. It’s a beautiful, luxurious place to have a break and relax.”
Darryl Reburn, Managing Director of The Headland, was delighted that Jane and her partner chose to visit.
“Our guests are still fascinated by the hotel’s link with The Witches, so it was a real privilege for our present team to welcome Jane back and hear her memories of the filming,” he said. “There have been huge internal improvements since 1988 but the film’s many fans will always recognise it from the outside and our Witches-themed afternoon tea remains our most popular promotion.
“We’ve never hosted a real witches’ convention but we’re very proud of our association with the one Roald Dahl imagined.”