Channel 4 commissions major new drama adaptation Trespasses, starring Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen and Gillian Anderson

1 August 2024

From BAFTA award-winning and double Oscar-nominated Wildgaze Films (Brooklyn, An Education), Channel 4 has commissioned the four-part series Trespasses, in association with All3Media International who will be the show’s global partner.  Adapted for the screen in her first lead writing credit by rising talent Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters, Run & Jump) and based on Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel, which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, Trespasses is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles.   

Directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Behaviour), Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Tuesday) will play Cushla, a sparky young woman whose hopes and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life. Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend) will play Michael, a barrister, alongside Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) as Gina, Cushla’s mother, a ‘glorious wreck’ who is constantly sparring with her daughter.

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...

Ailbhe Keogan, Screenwriter says: “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.”

Gillian Anderson, Executive Producer says: “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.”

Louise Kennedy, Novelist and Executive Producer, says: “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.”

Amanda Posey, Executive Producer for Wildgaze Films, says: “From the moment I read Louise’s remarkable debut novel, I wanted to bring it to screen. Channel 4 shared my passion and backed us when the book was still in manuscript, later joined by ideal international partners in All3Media International.  Our singular director Dawn’s vision and Ailbhe’s subtle and moving scripts are perfect for the dark, sexy, funny and devastating world of Louise’s story. I’m thrilled by our cast, the exciting central pairing of Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen, and the brilliant Gillian Anderson. Together with our producer Maria & the superb Northern Irish team, we can’t wait to introduce Trespasses to audiences everywhere.”

Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Head of Channel 4 Drama, adds: “Trespasses is a beautifully observed, tense and deeply romantic love story that we were all captivated by. We are thrilled to be working with Ailbhe in her first lead writing role for television, as well Dawn Shadforth, Amanda Posey and the expert team at Wildgaze Films. Lola is an amazing new talent, accompanied by the peerless Gillian Anderson and Tom Cullen, and we can’t wait to bring this adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s excellent novel to Channel 4.”

Trespasses (4x60’) was commissioned by Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Head of Drama and Gwawr Lloyd, Senior Commissioning Editor for Channel 4. Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education) executive produces for Wildgaze Films. Gillian Anderson, Dawn Shadforth, Louise Kennedy and Finola Dwyer also executive produce. The producer is Maria Mulhall (The Night Caller, The Dry).

All3Media International are the global partner with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.  

Further casting and transmission details will be announced in due course.

Filming will commence this Autumn in Belfast.

Headshot Credits:
Gillian Anderson – courtesy of Andreas Ortner
Tom Cullen – courtesy of John Russo
Lola Petticrew – courtesy of Nathan Magee

For more information, please contact:
Harriet Wilson, Publicity Manager, Drama, Comedy, Acquisitions
Channel 4 Television
hwilson@channel4.co.uk