Image: Ch4 Press
By Jon Donnis
Channel 4 has commissioned a gripping new four-part drama series, Trespasses, adapted from Louise Kennedy's acclaimed debut novel. The series, produced by the BAFTA award-winning and double Oscar-nominated Wildgaze Films, promises to deliver a captivating tale of forbidden love set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The project is in association with All3Media International, which will serve as the show's global partner.
Trespasses marks the first lead writing credit for rising talent Ailbhe Keogan, known for her work on Bad Sisters and Run & Jump. Directed by BAFTA award-winner Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Behaviour), the series stars Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Tuesday) as Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life is upended by an affair with Michael, a married Protestant barrister portrayed by Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend). Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) joins the cast as Gina, Cushla's flamboyant and contentious mother.
Set in 1975, Trespasses unfolds in a small town outside Belfast. Cushla's life, split between teaching and helping out at her family's pub, takes a dramatic turn when she meets Michael. He is a sophisticated, older man who defends IRA suspects, associating with a group of cultured Bohemians that both fascinates and intimidates Cushla. Despite the inherent dangers and societal taboos of their relationship, the two are irresistibly drawn to each other. The series explores their intense and illicit affair, set against a landscape fraught with political tension and social upheaval, where even a whispered word can lead to dire consequences.
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Screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan shared her excitement about the project, saying:
"I am genuinely excited for the world to meet Cushla and Michael on screen. The whole scripting process has been remarkably pain-free as the team was guided by their love of Louise's stunning novel. It remained our creative lodestar throughout. We feel incredibly grateful to have been gifted the chance to bring the world within it to life, especially the unforgettable characters that populate Cushla and Michael's Belfast. This show will be political, cinematic, sensual, moving, and, despite the heartbreak, ultimately hopeful."
Gillian Anderson, who also serves as an executive producer, expressed her admiration for the source material and her excitement for the adaptation:
"I fell in love with Louise's stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldn't resist when Louise asked me to play her. Reading Ailbhe's brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen and with Dawn at the helm and Lola and Tom alongside, I'm delighted to be part of the Trespasses family."
Louise Kennedy, the novelist and executive producer, praised the adaptation process:
"Watching Amanda Posey and the team develop Trespasses for television has been an utter joy. From Ailbhe Keogan's ear-perfect, sexy script to director Dawn Shadforth's gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision, exceptional care has been taken to bring an authentic and beautiful version of my book to the small screen. I honestly could not have asked for more."
Amanda Posey, executive producer for Wildgaze Films, emphasized the significance of the project:
"From the moment I read Louise's remarkable debut novel, I wanted to bring it to screen. Channel 4 shared my passion and backed us when the book was still in manuscript, later joined by ideal international partners in All3Media International. Our singular director Dawn's vision and Ailbhe's subtle and moving scripts are perfect for the dark, sexy, funny, and devastating world of Louise's story. I'm thrilled by our cast, the exciting central pairing of Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen, and the brilliant Gillian Anderson. Together with our producer Maria & the superb Northern Irish team, we can't wait to introduce Trespasses to audiences everywhere."
Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Head of Channel 4 Drama, added:
"Trespasses is a beautifully observed, tense, and deeply romantic love story that we were all captivated by. We are thrilled to be working with Ailbhe in her first lead writing role for television, as well as Dawn Shadforth, Amanda Posey, and the expert team at Wildgaze Films. Lola is an amazing new talent, accompanied by the peerless Gillian Anderson and Tom Cullen, and we can't wait to bring this adaptation of Louise Kennedy's excellent novel to Channel 4."
Trespasses (4x60') is produced by Maria Mulhall (The Night Caller, The Dry), with executive producers Amanda Posey, Gillian Anderson, Dawn Shadforth, Louise Kennedy, and Finola Dwyer. All3Media International will handle the global distribution of the series, which has also received funding support from Northern Ireland Screen.
Further casting and transmission details will be announced in due course. The series promises to be a must-watch for fans of complex, character-driven drama set in a historically rich and emotionally charged period.
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