“When we filmed in the Great Hall there were so many people and so many smells,” says Oliver, now 39. “When I watch some of those scenes now, I can still smell roasted or oiled vegetables — which is not a very nice smell.” According to Oliver, the long tables in the hall contained all kinds of dishes with various types of food, intended for the parties given in the story. “But the only thing I really have to think about now are smelly socks,” he says, laughing.
Oliver and James Phelps. © ANP/HH
When filming was not taking place in the Great Hall, James and Oliver played football there with their colleagues. “All those things from behind the scenes still come back often,” he says. According to his brother, everyone remembers what he or she did during the recordings. “It’s quite unique to be able to remember what you did 25 years ago when you see a movie again,” says James.
The British now present a baking program about Harry Potter that is recorded in the Great Hall, so they still come back often. “It’s funny,” concludes Oliver, “because years later the Great Hall still feels magical. It just smells a lot better now.”