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Crews make preparations in Sandwich for filming of The Old Guard starring Charlize Theron

14:25, 26 July 2019

updated: 14:26, 26 July 2019

Preparations are underway in Kent for filming of a new movie starring award winning actress Charlize Theron.

Knightly Productions Limited moved into Market Street in Sandwich this morning where they begun transforming a number of shops.

The filming, which will take place over five hours tomorrow, is for an upcoming American action film, The Old Guard. It is an adaptation of Greg Rucka's comic.

The Fruit Bowl in Market Street will be used for filming. Picture: Dan Friend
The Fruit Bowl in Market Street will be used for filming. Picture: Dan Friend

Lorries filled with props and crew members have been spotted outside grocery store The Fruit Bowl in Market Street which is thought to be being transformed into a restaurant.

The shop is closed for business today and tomorrow.

It's sigange has been replaced with French food menus and bistro tables and chairs are visibly stacked up outside.

A French flag and pole has been erected above The Salon, whose façade has been altered to read Le Salon.

Charity shop, Age Concern, is also set to have its front windows altered to look like a café.

The preparations will continue until filming begins at 5pm tomorrow (Saturday).

Film crews make preparations in Market Street, Sandwich Picture: Dan Friend
Film crews make preparations in Market Street, Sandwich Picture: Dan Friend

Road closures are being enforced as a result of the filming.

Traffic will be prohibited in Market Street, The Butchery and Potter Street from 5pm until midnight on Saturday.

The alternative route for cars is via New Street, Cattle Market, Harnet Street, High Street, The Chain and Galliard Street.

Crews will return on Sunday to dismantle props allowing businesses to open as usual on Monday.

The Salon in Market Street, Sandwich, is given a new name - Le Salon
The Salon in Market Street, Sandwich, is given a new name - Le Salon

Nearby residents were informed of the possible disruption via letter.

People who own windows looking out onto Market Street who might like to be involved in filming were also asked to get in touch.

The Fruit Bowl sign has been covered over with a menu for a French restaurant
The Fruit Bowl sign has been covered over with a menu for a French restaurant

The Old Guard is being produced in the UK and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

The film will star Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harry Melling and Veronica Ngo.

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich

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