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When Russell Crowe brought Hollywood to Bourne Woods

Andy Bowden Andy Bowden standing next to Russell Crowe while filming in Bourne Woods in 1999. Both are smiling and dressed in Roman armour costumes, with fake blood and bruising on their faces.Andy Bowden
The extras revealed what happened during the filming of the 2000 blockbuster, Gladiator

It was the blockbuster that gave Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe his "big break".

And as Gladiator director Ridley Scott releases a sequel 25 years after shooting battle scenes in Farnham, Surrey, two of the film's extras have relived their experiences.

Revisiting Bourne Woods, Scot Newing told of how he shared a scene with Crowe and advised his co-star Richard Harris where to go for a post-battle pint.

Meanwhile, Andy Bowden recalled how the woods were apparently blown up during filming and how a moment of curiosity led him and a friend to a chance meeting with the leading man and director.

Scot Newing Bourne Woods, with a cast of extras dressed as roman soldiers, with flags, swords and shields. Cars and marquees are visible in the background, in front of a line of trees. Scot Newing
Bourne Woods were transformed into a battleground before the celebration scenes were filmed

Filming took 10 days in February 1999, during which the beloved forest appeared to be set alight.

But Mr Bowden had picked up on some special effects tricks.

"They buried gas cannisters underneath the ground, and it was operated a bit like a gas barbecue where they can turn the flames up or down," he told BBC Radio Surrey.

Forestry England An aerial shot of rows of extras dressed as soldiers, carrying swords and shields, with a large filming crew to the side of the field.Forestry England
It took 10 days to film the scenes, which appear towards the beginning of the film

With hordes of centurions and barbarians hanging around set, the waiting periods between filming could be a bit surreal.

"I'd be sat down there with a guy with a sword sticking out of his neck, another guy with an arrow in his eye – and we'd be sat there casually talking about the football," Mr Bowden said.

Mr Newing said the cast would "engage with the crew, the extras" and that Crowe was "a pleasure to work with", while Richard Harris wanted to know "where can I get a drink after this, boys?".

Scot Newing Scot Newing dressed in armour, carrying a shield, in front of the woods and other extras Scot Newing
Scot Newing said he was proud to have been part of the film that made Russell Crowe a star

Nosing around the set at the end of the day led to a chance encounter for Mr Bowden and a fellow extra.

"We opened the flaps of the tent and Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe were in there,” he said. "They were really happy and invited us in."

Andy Bowden Andy Bowden, dressed as a Roman centurion shakes hands with director Ridley Scott. They are in woodland at night, with mist behind them.Andy Bowden
Nosing around the empty set ended in a meeting between Andy Bowden and director Ridley Scott

Both Mr Bowden and Mr Newing said they had great memories of their experience.

"It was a week of fighting and playacting in the woods with your mates," Mr Bowden said.

For Mr Newing, one of his best memories was sharing a scene with Crowe, albeit walking in the background.

"That was my moment of glory," he added.

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