A well-established antiques centre in Kendal is set to feature in a independent horror anthology.

Sleddall Hall Antiques Centre on Wildman Street was picked by local independent filmmaker Elliott Léon as a filming location for the House of the Unseen anthology, which is set to be released next year. 

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The Gold Chest portion of his latest anthology stars local actors Emma Rydal and Toby Gaffney, who have both appeared in the ITV soap Coronation Street, with Emma first shooting to fame in the British comedy-drama film East Is East.

Actor Peter MacQueen, who featured alongside Toby in the 2020 film Supernova starring Colin Firth, played the proprietor of the store. 

Holly Lovelady, an upcoming singer/songwriter and actress from Liverpool, is also currently filming another story in the anthology.

Part one sees petty criminals Evelynn (played by Rydal) and Adam (played by Gaffney) in a spot of bother when they owe the local mob money.

Toby Gaffney as 'Adam' (Image: Elliott Léon) In an attempt at stealing some precious antiques to pay off their debts, they get more than they bargained for when they unleash an ancient Egyptian curse. 

Though Kendal is a far cry from ancient Egypt, Mr Léon says the ancient Sleddall Hall, which was the ancestral home of famous Kendal Sleddall Family, was the perfect location.

"It's very cinematic," he said. "And provided exactly the right atmosphere.

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"The antiques centre was perfect for the plot as there were so many antiques and artefacts everywhere.

"At times that would make filming quite difficult as we were scared of damaging anything so we had to carefully navigate around.

Peter MacQueen who plays the proprietor of the antiques store (Image: Elliott Léon) "I'd just like to thank the proprietors of Sleddall Hall Antiques Centre Andrew and Robert Aindow. They were so kind and accommodating, particularly as shooting overran until about 8 at night. 

"I'm very happy to feature a local business such this - it's very important to me use our local area which is such a beautiful location for filming - as well as working with wonderful local actors."

Sleddall Hall Antiques Centre, owned by Robert and Andrew Aindow, also welcomed two TV crews back in May 2023.

Holly Lovelady, a singer and actor from Liverpool, is to star in another story in the anthology (Image: Paul Holland) The centre saw filming take place in the same day for both the BBC 2 hit show Antiques Road Trip and Channel 5's The Great Auction Showdown.

On the horror shoot, Andrew Aindow said: "We were pleased to host the filming which was very atmospheric and reflected the ambience  of the film in the ancient Sleddall Hall dating back to 1550. 

"We wish them luck at any future film festivals."

A native to the area, Mr Léon previously used the backdrops of Kendal and Bowness to create the gothic horror movie The Freaks of Fancy.

The film was picked up by renowned film critic Alan Jones and enjoyed a sold out premiere at FrightFest 2024.