Roar-cus goings on at stately Basildon Park

Film crews took over the 18th Century mansion to film some bizarre scenes for the production - as house steward Neil Shaw recalled.
A scene with a nearly naked comedian Rufus Hound, making his big screen debut as the amateur filmmaker and best man, Raif, made a particular impression.
The film crew spent 10 days at the National Trust property, transforming it into a glamorous country house hotel, and Mr Shaw worked closely with the production crew as the rooms were turned into film sets:
He said: “Several stuffed animals were brought into the mansion, including a large brown bear and a lion’s head which went into the library, and a giraffe’s head, which adorned the entrance hall. I had to inspect them all and de-flea them in case they caused an infestation and attacked our soft furnishings.”
Another room that appears in the film is Basildon Park’s gorgeous Crimson Bedroom, which contains a sumptuous four poster bed decked in red silk hangings.
Mr Shaw added: “I was present during the scene involving Rufus Hound and a rather fabulous tiger skin rug, and I think I’m still in a state of shock! I saw more of Rufus than any man should have to, but it was incredibly funny all the same.
“It’ll be hard to get that image out of my head when I’m next showing visitors around the Crimson Bedroom!”
Well-known British actor Miriam Margolyes plays the part of the bride’s vile and snobbish grandmother, and Mr Shaw was lucky enough to chat with her:
He said: “She was absolutely fantastic, especially with the children who were visiting at the time. One small group asked me if she was Professor Sprout (from the Harry Potter films), so I took them over to meet her and she told them that she was. They were terribly excited.”
The Wedding Video, also starring comedian Robert Webb, is now on general release.