The Lady in the Van

Clare Hammond on set with composer George Fenton.
Photo © Nicola Dove

Alan Bennett's play The Lady in the Van (based on one of his own essays) has been turned into a film with Dame Maggie Smith as the enigmatic Miss Shepherd. Bennett’s story is based on the true story of Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who 'temporarily' parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years. What begins as a begrudged favour becomes a relationship that will change both their lives.

The film includes some flashback scenes recreating Miss Shepherd's Proms concert in the 1930s, and enacts Miss Shepherd’s experiences as a novice nun some years later. The role of the younger Miss Shepherd will be played by pianist Clare Hammond. Clare’s recording of excerpts from Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with the BBC Concert Orchestra, is featured throughout the film. The slow movement of Chopin’s concerto and Clare’s performance of Schubert’s Impromptu in G flat major, are included on the soundtrack alongside music specially composed for the film by George Fenton, due for release by Sony on the 6 November 2015. The Lady In The Van (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)