Compare and contrast today's modern structures with locations used in the 1955 Ealing Studios movie starring Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers

This walking tour around the King's Cross area compares locations used in the cleverly amusing 1955 film (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ladykillers) with what we see today. Using stills from the movie, plus maps and archive images, I will show you how things have changed (or not).

Until the latter part of the 20th century, this area had remained very industrial and working class, with soot-covered railway sidings and dilapidated social housing, some of which is today evident in the brick-built buildings that remain.

However, the topography of the area has changed considerably – roads have been completely obliterated or re-aligned, the impressive gas holders have been dismantled and partially re-sited and repurposed, and we now have shopping, hospitality and art where there used to be potatoes, coal and grain.

The Ladykillers movie shows us how the area around Kings Cross station looked seventy years ago. We'll visit Mrs Wilberforce's street and other locations used in the film. We'll trace the heist route past today's big internet companies, taking us all the way to the railway line where we'll end our journey, just like the characters in the film*. We might even see a steam train if we are lucky. I may well be humming the music from the film (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPdExXhO8M4) along the way and I hope you'll join in with me!

I have really enjoyed researching this one and I hope it shines through on the day.

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The specific meeting place will be supplied after purchase – please see more info in the FAQs below.

The walk is approx 1.5miles long and lasts about 2hrs.

*On Mon-Fri daytime tours, time permitting, it is sometimes possible to make a further excursion to get closer to the bridge that features at the end of the movie. However, please note, access to this area is very limited and cannot be guaranteed.

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Customer feedback: "I used to work on Euston Road in the 70s and I remember it as it was in the movie. I don't think I would have been able to fathom it all out had it not been for all your maps and reference. Amazing. See you again soon." / "It's a mix of frightening and impressive how this area has changed – thanks so much for turning all your hard work into a fun few hours" / "We departed wanting to again see the film to relive the walk. For those that saw [the film] all those years ago, the walk is a must." / "I love how you point out all the little quirks and make it so much more interesting than other academic-style guides. And you make it fun too. Thanks" / "...so engaging, thanks to your delivery style and obvious thirst for knowledge" / More feedback here (http://www.janeslondonwalks.com/2019/07/feedback.html)

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com (http://www.janeslondonwalks.com/)

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FAQs

Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

Important – please do not rely on info/maps supplied within QR codes and apps as these often give incorrect information.

The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase...

Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section where you will find a description of the meeting point as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.

As a back-up, the same information will be sent to you within a reminder email 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

There is no minimum age

No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate

All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!

You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.

Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – ple

Description supplied by the event organiser.