‘The Doll Factory’ preview: First look at new 1850s London thriller series

Paramount+ has released the first photos from their The Doll Factory adaptation!

From the makers of Marcella and the producer of Magpie Murders, the upcoming six-part series is set in London in 1851.

The Doll Factory finished filming in Dublin, Ireland earlier this year, based on Elizabeth Macneal’s historical fiction novel.

Here’s a sneak peek:

“Iris paints dolls for a living, alongside her twin sister, Rose, but dreams of becoming an artist,” reveals the show’s official synopsis.

“By night, she secretly paints herself naked, honing her craft. Silas is a taxidermist who owns a shop filled with his creations. He hopes to one day find an item so unique he will be catapulted to fame.

“Louis is a painter and member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, searching for his next muse…”

The synopsis continues: “n a city humming with anticipation for the Great Exhibition, their three worlds collide, and Iris is offered an opportunity to escape and start a new life.

“To do so, she must abandon her sister, sacrifice her reputation, and launch herself into the unknown. As Iris’ world expands, she finds herself challenging patriarchal beliefs, exploring her sexuality, and starting to experience the things she has always dreamed of.

“But alongside her newfound independence, a story of dark obsession begins to unfold.”

Leading the cast are Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna) as Iris, Éanna Hardwicke (Normal People) as Silas, Mirren Mack (The Witcher: Blood Origin) as Rose, and George Webster (Wedding Season) as Louis.

Derry Girls fans will also recognise Saoirse Monica Jackson, best known as Erin in Channel 4’s hit comedy.

Also appearing are Pippa Haywood (Bodyguard), Sharlene Whyte (Stephen), Freddy Carter (Shadow and Bone), Laurie Kynaston (The Sandman), Jim Caesar (The Witcher), Akshay Khanna (Chloe), Aysha Kala (The Undeclared War), Nell Hudson (Outlander), and newcomer Reece Kenwyne-Mpudzi.

“We are so excited about the group of people we’ve brought together for this show … we couldn’t wish for a more talented cast to be bringing to life the characters we love so much,” executive producer Anna Burns commented in 2022.

She also praised author Elizabeth Macneal as “a dream collaborator from the very start.”

When’s the release date?

The Doll Factory is expected to premiere in the UK exclusively on Paramount+ later this year.

In Australia and New Zealand, it’ll air on public broadcasters SBS and TVNZ respectively.

Elizabeth Macneal’s novel The Doll Factory is available on Amazon.