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The BBC One drama Reunion hit the screens on April 7, 2025, and didn't waste time in attracting audiences. The four-part series presents a story of tension, sorrow, and the agonizing pursuit of the truth. It stars Matthew Gurney as the deaf man, Daniel Brennan, who walks free after serving a decade in prison following the murder of his best friend.
Produced and written by a deaf man, William Mager, Reunion stands out not only with its lean storytelling but with its frank portrayal of Deaf culture. The release of Daniel does not bring peace; it only brings new battles. Ostracized by the hearing society and even some members of the deaf community itself, he struggles to reconnect with his daughter Carly as he confronts family breakdowns and skeletons that continue to haunt the crime that defines his past.
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The drama has been acclaimed for having gritty acting and a real voice that extends the discussion way beyond the screen. It has been praised by critics as a breakthrough in representation, and the setting has equally captivated viewers. Sheffield and neighbouring Doncaster give the rough, urban backdrop, and their streets and scenery almost become characters in a series that relies on realism.
Where was Reunion filmed?
Reunion’s narrative is rooted in Sheffield and extended to some parts of Derbyshire, utilizing both the industrial fringes of the city and the sandy scenery of the surrounding Peak District. To the creator, William Mager, this was a personal decision. His hometown is Sheffield, and taking its streets and scenery to the screen was an act of homage. Mager tells the BBC:
“I always wanted to write something set in Sheffield. It feels like we haven't seen much of the Steel City on screen since the days of Threads, The Full Monty and, of course, This is England.”
Key Sheffield locations
The Bath Hotel, Victoria Street: One of the anchors of Reunion was a local pub along Glossop Road. The Bath Hotel was turned into a recurring set by the production crew, who shot both indoors and outdoors of the building. The lived-in feel of the venue provided the series with a grounded and communal quality.
Sheffield City Hall: This landmark in the city's center gave a visual contrast to the darker undercurrents of Reunion. The bold architecture is interlaced with some major scenes, providing an element of scale and seriousness.
Hell’s Kitchen, East Bank Road: This local diner was reinvented as a fictional cafe, Three Aces, a social centre in the show. It is the place where characters meet each other, secrets spill over, and the normal rhythm of community life runs.
Tapton Hall, near Crosspool: Tapton Hall, with its unique appearance, was used in the scenes when a more official backdrop was needed. Its interior and exterior were also contributing factors to the changing setting of Reunion.
Endcliffe Park: The green space in the center of the city provided the show with breathing space. Some of the outdoor shots shot here offered a contrasting element to the gritty theme of Reunion.
Other Sheffield streets: Further filming was carried out on Redmires Road, Norfolk Road off Park Hill, Marsh Lane in Crosspool, and Winchmore Road near Hunters Bar. Every street contributed to the city's overlaying, real-life atmosphere.
Derbyshire and the Peak District
The production of Reunion was not bound to Sheffield. The Peak District that surrounded the show played a critical role in the overall narrative. The series had moments of stark beauty and emotional resonance due to these moorlands and valleys.
Winnats Pass, Derbyshire: This scenic limestone ravine was one of the highlights. Its epic, filmic horizon carried the intensity of a western showdown, driving up ideas of alienation and confrontation.
Blacka Moor and Stony Ridge Road, near Hathersage: These moorland sceneries enhanced the texture of the visuals, giving the drama an effect of wildness and discomfort. City scenes displayed tension and grit, whereas the countryside shots provided a contrast of calmness and openness.
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