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The Prisoner of Portmeirion

In a dreamy Welsh village built like an Italian town, fans gather to celebrate a TV show – and something much deeper about story, place and belonging.

What draws thousands of people to a surreal, Italian-inspired village in north Wales each year? It's not just the breathtaking scenery or whimsical architecture, although Portmeirion is all of that and more. It's something harder to define: a feeling of connection, a sense of belonging and a shared love of a 1960s sci-fi TV show that still speaks to people today.

This documentary invites viewers into a vivid, touching world, where nostalgia, creativity and community come together. At its heart is the annual convention hosted by devoted fans of The Prisoner – a cult classic that transformed this eccentric Welsh village into an iconic backdrop for one of television’s most original dramas.

Organised by long-standing fan club Six of One, the weekend is a labour of love, kept alive by people who’ve found meaning, friendship and joy in their shared passion. Through theatrical re-enactments, costume parades and moments of quiet reflection, we see how a TV show has become the foundation for a thriving, intergenerational and international community.

We follow the committee and club members as they prepare for the big weekend – the nerves, the planning, the anticipation – and then immerse ourselves in the spectacle: the surreal human chess match, the satirical election parade and shared rituals that bring the show’s themes to life.
For many attendees, it’s not just about remembering the past – it’s about finding space for creativity and connection in the present. Some have been coming since the 1970s; for others, it’s their first visit. But what unites them is a love of storytelling and the feeling that this strange, beautiful place is a little pocket of freedom.

The film features reflections from original cast members Annette Andre and Derren Nesbitt, who recall the shoot with fondness and share thoughts on the show's legacy. Adding a personal touch, musician and broadcaster Jools Holland — a lifelong admirer of The Prisoner – reflects on the impact the series had on him and the enduring magic of Portmeirion itself.

With exclusive access and rich character moments, this is a moving portrait of how one eccentric series – and one extraordinary place – continue to inspire loyalty, imagination and joy across generations.

Release date:

29 minutes

On TV

Thu 24 Jul 2025 19:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Rhian Blythe
Producer Sion Thomas
Director Nerys Glynn Rowlands
Production Company Media Atom Ltd

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