‘The Singapore Grip’ pics gallery: First look at ITV’s new World War 2 drama

ITV have released the first promotional photos for their new adaptation of The Singapore Grip.

J.G. Farrell’s classic novel has been adapted by Oscar winning screenwriter and playwright Christopher Hampton (AtonementDangerous Liaisons).

Set during World War Two, the new six-part mini-series from the makers of Poldark will follow a British family living in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion.

The Singapore Grip began filming in South East Asia in early 2019, with Luke Treadaway (Ordeal By Innocence) leading the cast as “reluctant hero” Matthew Webb.

David Morrissey (Britannia, The Walking Dead) plays ruthless rubber merchant Walter Blackett.

He’s joined by Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous) as Walter’s wife Sylvia Blackett.

The cast also includes Colm Meaney (Star Trek: The Next Generation) as Major Brendan Archer, Luke Newberry (In The Flesh) as Walter’s son Monty, Bart Edwards (Peep Show) as Captain James Ehrendorf, Elizabeth Tan (Coronation Street) as Vera Chiang, and Christophe Guybet (Falco) as Dupigny.

Here’s a first look at Game of Thrones star Charles Dance as Walter’s business partner Webb.

The official synopsis reads: “Singapore, 1941. Rubber merchant Walter Blackett, his wife Sylvia, ruthless daughter Joan and spoilt son Monty live a life of luxury, seemingly untouched by the troubles in Europe.

“With Walter’s business partner Mr Webb’s health failing, Walter needs to ensure that the future of their firm is secure. He decides that Webb’s son Matthew is the perfect match for Joan, and Joan is happy to agree, but Matthew’s idealism leaves Walter increasingly suspicious as Matthew himself falls under the spell of Vera Chiang, a mysterious Chinese refugee…”

Poldark executive producer Damien Timmer previously commented: “For me, J.G. Farrell and Christopher Hampton is the absolute dream team – two of the finest writers this country has ever produced. Forty years after it was first written, bringing The Singapore Grip to the screen is a passion project for all of us.

“It’s an exceptionally well-crafted novel which has been adapted with unique flair and mischief by Christopher. It’s a privilege to be making this for ITV, and we hope this hugely ambitious and exotic saga will be a memorable treat for the audience.”

The Singapore Grip will air in the UK on ITV this autumn.

J.G. Farrell’s novel is available to buy on Amazon.