WW2 novel ‘The Singapore Grip’ is being adapted for TV by the makers of ‘Poldark’

ITV has announced the commission of a new television adaptation of The Singapore Grip.

Oscar winning screenwriter and playwright Christopher Hampton (Atonement, Dangerous Liaisons) will adapt Booker Prize winner J.G. Farrell’s classic novel as a new six-part mini-series for ITV.

Set during World War Two, the epic story centres on a British family living in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion.

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill commented: “The Singapore Grip is a portrait of a society in decline as they cling to a world that is slowly crumbling. I’m delighted to be working with Christopher Hampton and for ITV to be the home for his brilliant adaptation of J.G Farrell’s epic novel.”

Poldark executive producer Damien Timmer added: “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 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…”

The Singapore Grip will begin filming in the Far East this autumn and will air in the UK on ITV in 2019.

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