Channel 4 commissions major new drama adaptation ‘Trespasses’ with Gillian Anderson and Tom Cullen
Channel 4 has commissioned the four-part (4×60’) series Trespasses, a drama set during the 1970s in Northern Ireland.
The series will be based on author Louise Kennedy’s debut novel of the same name, and adapted for the small screen by acclaimed screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters, Run & Jump). Trespasses is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles.
What is it about?
According to Channel 4’s synopsis:
‘1975, in a town outside Belfast. Whilst working one night behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including the locally stationed soldiers, Catholic school teacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue Cushla. Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to one another.
In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright…’
Who is in the cast?
Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Dating Amber) will play Cushla, opposite Tom Cullen (The Gold, Downton Abbey) as Michael, while Gillian Anderson (Scoop, The Crown) will play Gina, Cushla’s mother, a ‘glorious wreck’ who is constantly at odds with her daughter.
Who is behind it?
The series is produced by Maria Mulhall (The Night Caller, The Dry) and is executive produced by Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education) for Wildgaze Films. Gillian Anderson, Dawn Shadforth, Louise Kennedy and Finola Dwyer also executive produce. Trespasses will be directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Behaviour).
Gillian Anderson told Northern Ireland Screen:
“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.”
Author Louise Kennedy said:
“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.”.
When will it be released?
No release date has been confirmed, but it is expected to be in late 2025.