The newly-released Bridget Jones’s Baby marks the first time that the Supreme Court has ever consented to being used as a location for a major film. According to director Sharon Maguire, the decision to film in the court stems from the fictional career trajectory of one of the film’s principal love interests – human rights barrister Mark Darcy. ‘We went to the Supreme Court because, of course, Mark Darcy has moved on in his career and his now a Supreme Court lawyer,’ she told Culture24.

Winning access

However, it was the film’s namesake Bridget that eventually won the film crew access to the coveted location. ‘As soon as we mentioned Bridget the answer [was] ‘yes, no problem,’ recounts location manager Camilla Stevenson. ‘When I tell my friends who are barristers that we filmed in the Supreme Court they can’t believe it. It shows how loved the character is.’

A new audience

Shooting for the scenes taking place inside the Supreme Court were reportedly concluded in just one weekend – and sadly, with actors at the bench instead of justices themselves. A spokesperson for the Supreme Court told Legal Cheek that the court was ‘pleased to have the opportunity to open up the building to a new audience’ through its use in the film. ‘We wouldn’t want to spoil the plot for those planning to see the film, so can’t comment further on the proceedings. All I’ll say is that those riled by depictions of judges using gavels in British courtrooms can feel relaxed.’