BBC's Beyond Paradise Series Four Explores Cornish Folklore
The fourth season of the BBC comedy-drama Beyond Paradise, which takes place in the imaginary town of Shipton Abbott in Devon and was filmed in Looe, Cornwall, explores the myths and legends of the South West. According to the producers, this season pays tribute to the region's Celtic mythology, featuring elements like mermaids, the Green Man, pirates, and the more sinister aspects of Morris traditions, all rooted in local folklore. Zahra Ahmadi, who portrays police officer Esther Williams, commended the series for highlighting culturally significant narratives. Steve Patterson, director at Gwithti an Pystri Museum in Falmouth, mentioned the inclusion of Cornish legends, such as the Mermaid of Zennor, and the Dartmoor tale of the Hairy Hands, first reported in June 1921. Viewers can watch the series on BBC iPlayer.
Key facts
- Beyond Paradise series four is currently being broadcast on BBC.
- The series is set in fictional Shipton Abbott, Devon, and filmed in Looe, Cornwall.
- The series explores Celtic-inspired mythology including mermaids, the Green Man, pirates, and Morris traditions.
- Zahra Ahmadi plays police officer Esther Williams in the series.
- Steve Patterson is director and curator of folklore and witchcraft at Gwithti an Pystri Museum in Falmouth.
- The Mermaid of Zennor is depicted on a late medieval bench-end in Zennor Church.
- The mermaid Morvehen seduced chorister Matty Trewhela into the sea at Pendour Cove.
- The Hairy Hands myth was first suggested in June 1921 near Postbridge and Princetown.
Entities
Artists
- Zahra Ahmadi
- Kris Marshall
- Steve Patterson
Institutions
- BBC
- Gwithti an Pystri Museum
Locations
- Devon
- Cornwall
- Looe
- Shipton Abbott
- Falmouth
- Zennor
- Zennor Church
- Pendour Cove
- Dartmoor
- Postbridge
- Princetown
- United Kingdom