Gillian Anderson set to star in adaptation of 'stunning' breakout novel
Channel 4's new drama Trespasses is based on Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel and has a star-studded cast
A brand new drama is coming to Channel 4 and it has a star-studded cast list. What's more, the series, which is set to air this autumn, is based on a much-loved book.
Trespasses is an adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize in 2023. The new drama has been adapted for the screen by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters) in her first lead writing credit and has been directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Material).
The adaption has a stellar cast list with Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Tuesday) playing Cushla, a sparky young woman whose hopes and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life, while Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend) will take on the role of Michael, a barrister. Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) will play Gina, Cushla's mother.
A synopsis for the series reads: "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 schoolteacher 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..."
Filming for Trespasses wrapped in Belfast at the end of last year and the series, which will be made up of four episodes, is set to air before 2025 ends.
Gillian Anderson, who is also Executive Producer on the show, said: "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."
Screenwriter Ailbhe added: "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."