Tabard Road

In Production: Trinity ITV2

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:40 +0100

From Roughcut TV, Ash Atalla’s (The Office, The IT Crowd ) new production company, comes Trinity, a brand new drama for ITV2.

Set in the gothic, oak panelled halls of residence and lecture theatres of the fictional Bridgeford University, Trinity College, the 8 part series will bring a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘first term nerves.’ Starring Charles Dance (Starter for Ten, Fallen Angel), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, Life Begins, Life Is Sweet), Christian Cooke (The Last of the Van Helsings, Echo Beach/ Moving Wallpaper) Reggie Yates (Dr Who, Grange Hill) Antonia Bernath (St Trinian’s) and Isabella Calthorpe, (Harley Street, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People) going to college has never looked so good. Or been so dangerous…

For over 900 years, Trinity has been an elite playground solely for the über rich and powerful. However for the first time in its long and illustrious history, Trinity is about to throw open its doors to students from, well, the lower social classes.

Two weeks before Charlotte Arc (Antonia Bernath) is due to go to University to study medicine, her father, Richard Arc is found dead in mysterious circumstances. Formerly a professor at Trinity, Richard left the institution suddenly and with no explanation. Convinced he was a changed man, and certain his death is linked to his abrupt departure, she enrols, determined to uncover the truth.

As Charlotte and her fellow students settle in, they begin to realise that all is not what it seems at Trinity. Beneath the glossy, glamorous veneer of wealth and privilege lurks a much darker world, one governed by strict codes of conduct, secret societies such as the mysterious Dandelion Club and the whims of a select group of over privileged students used to getting their own way.

Into the closed world inhabited by the likes of languid, spoiled and manipulative Dorian (Christian Cooke), his stunning, emotionally cold cousin Rosalind (Isabelle Calthorpe) and the arrogant and sinister Professor Maltravers (Charles Dance) comes a new order. From the streetwise and fiercely intelligent Theo (Reggie Yates), total stoners Angus (Mark Wood) and Raj (Arnab Chanda) to the progressive new female Warden (Claire Skinner), along with Charlotte, these new arrivals threaten all that Trinity has stood for.

With change sweeping through the elite academic institution, those traditionally protected by the old order find themselves increasingly exposed. And as Charlotte begins to unravel the mystery of her father’s death, she realises that Trinity’s ancient halls of learning and those charged with protecting the secrets within, aren’t about to give them up without a fight.

TRINITY is a Roughcut TV production for ITV2, commissioned by Laura Mackie, Director of Drama for Zai Bennett, Controller of ITV2. The series is Executive Produced by Ash Atalla. It is produced by Sue Howells (The Bill, Casualty Drop the Dead Donkey) is written and devised by Robin French (Man Stroke Woman, Roomates, Roomies) and Kieron Quirke(Roomates, Roomies, The Armstrong and Miller Show), is directed by Colin Teague (Dr Who, Torchwood), Stephen Woolfenden (Echo Beach, Harry Potter ), Declan O’Dwyer (Being Human, Wire in the Blood, Robin Hood), is 8 x 1 hour and filming starts in Summer 2008.

Zai Bennett says: “Hot on the heels of the phenomenal success of Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Trinity is set to further cement ITV2’s growing reputation as the place to see dynamic, sexy home grown dramas. Breaking a host of gorgeous, up-and-coming new talent alongside great established names, the heightened world of Trinity is a place I’m sure our viewers will want to spend time in.”

Ash Atalla says:

“Trinity is a high octane, ball breaking drama. It’s full of casual sex, casual drugs and casual murder. What more could you ask for? I’m very excited to be making it and its great to be working with the good people at ITV2.”

BBC7's Crime Spree

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:53:10 +0100

BBC7's Crime Spree: A season of “crime around Britain” in which detectives from England, Scotland, Ireland and the Welsh Borders, professional and amateur, from both the present and the past, investigate and unmask criminals and crooks in a two week BBC 7 Crime Spree.

Midsomer marriage: Daughter’s wedding promises toughest...

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:41:19 +0100

Midsomer marriage: Daughter’s wedding promises toughest case yet for Detective Barnaby

Julia Mckenzie Leads An All Star Cast In Her Second Outing As The Nation’s Favourite Spinster Sleuth, Miss Marple

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:34:10 +0100

Julia McKenzie is once again joined by a stellar cast for Murder Is Easy, the second two hour film in the new series of Agatha Christie’s Marple for ITV1.

The cast includes BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH (Atonement, Stuart: A Life Backwards), SHIRLEY HENDERSON (Harry Potter, Dirty Filthy Love), ANNA CHANCELLOR (Spooks, Tipping The Velvet), HUGO SPEER (Bleak House, The Full Monty), JEMMA REDGRAVE (Cold Blood, Mansfield Park), STEVE PEMBERTON (Benidorm, The League of Gentlemen), JAMES LANCE (Moving Wallpaper, Teachers), MARGO STILLEY (9 Songs, How To Lose Friends and Alienate People), SYLVIA SYMS (The Queen), DAVID HAIG (My Boy Jack, Dickens’ Secret Lover), RUSSELL TOVEY (Gavin & Stacey, The History Boys), TIM BROOKE TAYLOR (I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again, The Goodies), LYNDSEY MARSHAL (Rome) and CAMILLA ARFWEDSON (Sex, The City & Me).

During a chance encounter on a train, the elderly Miss Pinkerton (Syms) confides in Miss Marple that she is about to report a murderer who has already struck several times in the peaceful village of Wychwood-under-Ashe. When Miss Marple reads that Miss Pinkerton died in a tragic accident before making her report, she determines that it is now up to her to find out who the killer is.

Charming her way into village life, Miss Marple is befriended by Luke Fitzwilliam (Cumberbatch), a handsome former policeman who is increasingly drawn to the mysterious and beautiful young American Bridget Conway (Stilley). But when the sudden deaths of the belligerent local GP, Dr Humbleby (Brooke Taylor) and the maid of Honoria Waynflete (Henderson) leaves Reverend Wake (Pemberton) busy with funeral services, Luke finds himself becoming Miss Marple’s confidante and ally in the search for the truth.

It’s not long before the bereaved Jessie Humbleby (Redgrave) loses her grip on reality. Meanwhile, a local General Election gathers pace as its two opponents pit their wits against one another. The nervous Constable Reed (Tovey) steps in, turning to Miss Marple for guidance in the murky waters of his first murder case. At last, Miss Marple prepares to reveal a secret so shocking the village will never be the same again…

MURDER IS EASY is written by Stephen Chruchett (who has adapted for previous Marple series) and is directed by Hettie Macdonald (White Girl, The Fixer). Karen Thrussell produces both current Marple and Poirot series.

Star of stage and screen, Julia McKenzie most recently appeared in Cranford as Mrs Forrester and the critically acclaimed Notes On A Scandal. Earlier credits include Fresh Fields, Bright Young Things and Blott On The Landscape. On stage Julia recently starred in The Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic, and has many award wins and nominations to her name, both on Broadway and in the West End. She won an Olivier for her performance as Mrs Lovett in the National Theatre production of Sweeny Todd.

Agatha Christie’s Marple is co-produced by Granada, Agatha Christie Ltd and WGBH Boston. Granada International, who brokered the US co-production deal, holds worldwide distribution rights. Michele Buck; Damien Timmer; Phil Clymer, Chorion’s Director of TV & Film and Rebecca Eaton of WGBH are Executive Producers. American audiences watch the Marple series on Masterpiece Mystery! on PBS.

Criminal Justice

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:56:07 +0100

Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice is a compelling new five-part thriller written by the highly acclaimed Peter Moffat. Made by BBC Drama Production, Criminal Justice will transmit over five consecutive nights on BBC One.

Lynda La Plante Launches A New Detective Hero On ITV1

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:32:00 +0100

Award winning writer Lynda La Plante launches a major new female detective in a gripping crime thriller for ITV1, Above Suspicion.

Based on her best selling novel, the two-part drama introduces DC Anna Travis, a young and ambitious officer who is fast-tracking her way through the ranks, eager to prove herself to be as successful as her late father.

Kelly Reilly (He Kills Coppers, Joe’s Palace, Eden Lake, Mrs Henderson Presents) plays Lynda La Plante’s new heroine. Acclaimed actor Ciaran Hinds (There Will Be Blood, Margot at the Wedding, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Prime Suspect) stars as her boss, the volatile Detective Chief Inspector Langton.

Anna Travis has been assigned to her first murder case – a gruesome series of killings that has shocked even the most hardened of detectives. The murders started eight years ago, and now the body count is up to six. The method of killing is identical, and the victims are all drug-users and prostitutes.

Then a seventh body is found. The modus operandi is the same, but the victim is a young student.

Determined to earn recognition from her boss, the brusque Detective Chief Inspector Langton, and the respect of her male colleagues, Anna works hard to find a vital piece of information which links one man to the murders.

The suspect is a much-loved actor on the brink of international stardom. His arrest would create media frenzy. But if he is found innocent Anna’s hard fought for reputation would be destroyed.

The two-hour drama is being filmed in London in July, for transmission later this year.

Above Suspicion is made by La Plante Productions for ITV1. The drama is produced by Lynda La Plante and Jolyon Symonds (Trial and Retribution, Hustle, Whatever Love Means, Kevin and Perry Go Large), and directed by Chris Menaul (See No Evil:The Moors Murders, State of Mind, Prime Suspect). Executive Producer is Liz Thorburn.

Lynda La Plante is the creator and writer of a string of critically acclaimed and ratings winning crime dramas including Prime Suspect, Widows, The Governor, The Commander and Trial and Retribution.

Lynda says:

“It is very exciting, this is the first time that one of my books has been adapted for the UK screen and I am thrilled. In creating Anna Travis, a young Detective Constable just out of training, I can explore what it is like for a young Detective, to face their first murder inquiry, the emotion that comes with that as well the pressure and intrigue of the investigation.”

“Kelly Reilly for me was so right for this role, she not only embodies the character with her red hair and striking looks, but more than that, she brings her own experience of being the daughter of a policeman. It is that understanding and shared experience that will help her bring Anna to life on the screen.”

“I have always been enamoured of Ciaran Hinds the actor. He brings a weight and stature that is required to play DCI Langton. We have worked together before and I have always hoped we would work together again and I am thrilled that he will be Langton.”

Laura Mackie, Director of ITV Drama, says:

It is really exciting to be launching a brand new Lynda La Plante thriller, with such a prestigious cast in the leading roles. Lynda has proved time and again that she leads the way in the crime genre and with the classy direction of Chris Menaul this is a real blue-chip project for ITV1”.

Dead Simple series set for ITV

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:44:00 +0100

Peter James has signed a deal with ITV Productions to turn his Brighton-set Roy Grace series of books into a long-running TV series. (via Bookseller)

Hat Trick Productions has signed a deal with ITV to develop a...

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:27:25 +0100

Hat Trick Productions has signed a deal with ITV to develop a new crime drama series based on Sophie Hannah’s trilogy of crime novels: Little Face, Hurting Distance and The Point of Rescue. (via Hat Trick on the case with new ITV crime drama )

Martin Shaw returns as George Gently

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:08:14 +0100

Martin Shaw returns as George Gently

Burn Up: a new thriller for BBC Two

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:48:56 +0100

Burn Up: a new thriller for BBC Two

"For the last five years whenever I’ve passed a locked room I’ve thought there might be a..."

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:03:00 +0100

“For the last five years whenever I’ve passed a locked room I’ve thought there might be a mystery lurking behind it, so I’m very happy to return to Jonathan Creek and to have something to actually solve.”

- Jonathan Creek returns to BBC One

The shortlist for this year's Duncan Lawrie Dagger

Fri, 30 May 2008 22:51:00 +0100

The shortlist for this year's Duncan Lawrie Dagger: Natasha Cooper reveals the contenders for the biggest prize in crime fiction.

Jonathan Creek revived

Fri, 30 May 2008 12:40:02 +0100

Jonathan Creek revived : BBC1 plans to bring back detective comedy-drama Jonathan Creek after almost five years for a Christmas special.

Agatha Christie's Poirot: Appointment With Death

Fri, 23 May 2008 20:57:15 +0100

David Suchet returns to his most famous role in the last of four new films, Appointment With Death, which sees the celebrated sleuth tackle a murder under the North African sun.

In this latest adaptation Suchet is joined by Tim Curry (Rocky Horror Picture Show, It), John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Cold Blood), Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen), Cheryl Campbell (Lewis, Spooks), Elizabeth McGovern (Once Upon A Time In America), Christina Cole (Hex, Sold), Paul Freeman (Monarch of the Glen, New Street Law), Beth Goddard (Lewis, Vital Signs), Angela Pleasence (Dr. Who), Emma Cunniffe (The Lakes), Tom Riley (Marple, Lewis), Christian McKay (Me and Orson Welles) and Zoe Boyle in her first television role.

Appointment With Death will be filmed in Casablanca and El Jadida in Morocco, as well as the UK. This is the first time Poirot has been filmed outside of Britain since The Mystery of the Blue Train was filmed on the French Riviera in 2005.

In the unforgiving heat of the Syrian Desert, the eccentric English archaeologist Lord Greville Boynton (Curry) and his son Leonard (Gatiss) are seeking the final resting place of the head of John the Baptist. On the verge of this incredible discovery they are joined by Lord Boynton’s second wife, the dominating, fabulously wealthy American Lady Boynton (Campbell), shadowed as ever by their adopted American children – devastatingly handsome Raymond (Riley), put-upon Carol (Cunniffe), and their troubled younger sister Jinny (Boyle).

Holidaying in Syria, the world famous detective Hercule Poirot (Suchet) is irresistibly drawn to the excavation, but this is soon over-shadowed when Lady Boynton is found murdered under the roasting sun and her financial empire is completely wiped out… Commissioned to find her killer by his old friend Colonel Carbury (Freeman), Poirot soon realises there is no shortage of candidates. Besides her much maligned family, the dig has attracted an unusual group of travellers which includes the witty psychiatrist Dr Gerard (Hannah), the laconic Jefferson Cope (McKay), the beautiful and resourceful Dr Sarah King (Cole), and the unconventional travel writer Dame Celia Westholme (McGovern).

As Poirot’s little grey cells begin to sing and make sense of the case, the mystery suddenly deepens when Jinny and Sister Agnieszka (Goddard), a Polish nun on pilgrimage, are attacked in the night and the Boynton family nanny suffers a devastating breakdown. Each of the suspects has a motive for killing the despised Lady Boynton, but only the little Belgian detective knows which of them arranged her Appointment with Death…

Suchet last appeared as the Belgian sleuth in four films which transmitted in 2006, the first of which, The Mystery of the Blue Train, attracted ratings which peaked at 8 million. Last year he filmed Mrs McGinty’s Dead and Cat Among the Pigeons, both of which will transmit on ITV1 along with the recently filmed Third Girl.

On Appointment With Death Steve Frost, ITV’s new Head of Continuing Series says:

“Poirot is one of ITV’s most valued brands and Appointment with Death is a classic Agatha Christie tale of suspense, murder and intrigue. With a great supporting cast and amazing Moroccan locations the film promises to be a lavish and exciting addition to the Poirot stable.”

Of these new adaptations Phil Clymer, from Chorion Ltd says:

“We are thrilled that ITV are continuing to show support and enthusiasm for the world’s most famous detective. We share an ambition with David Suchet that we will complete the filming of the entire Poirot library over the next few years, and that ITV will continue to be our partners in crime.”

Appointment With Death is directed by Ashley Pearce (Afterlife, The Vice), adapted by Guy Andrews (Lost In Austen, Prime Suspect) and the series producer is Karen Thrussell (Agatha Christie’s Marple).

The Poirot stories are co-produced by ITV Productions and Agatha Christie Ltd, a Chorion company, and US network WGBH. Michele Buck and Damien Timmer, of Mammoth Films, Phil Clymer of Chorion, and Rebecca Eaton of WGBH, are executive producers of Poirot, with David Suchet as associate producer. Granada International holds international distribution rights.

Ben Whishaw stars in Criminal Justice

Thu, 22 May 2008 13:17:12 +0100

Ben Whishaw stars in Criminal Justice: Acclaimed writer Peter Moffat’s compelling new five-part thriller, Criminal Justice, made by BBC Drama Productionfor BBC One, will hit the screen this summer.

The Chinese Detective - Series 1 And 2 - Complete [1981]

Thu, 15 May 2008 23:28:00 +0100

The Chinese Detective - Series 1 And 2 - Complete [1981]

Waking The Dead and Silent Witness to return in 2009

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:38:08 +0100

Waking The Dead and Silent Witness to return in 2009

Neeson and Nesbitt to star in one-off Troubles drama

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:38:00 +0100

Neeson and Nesbitt to star in one-off Troubles drama

Engrenages (Spiral) Saison 2

Thu, 15 May 2008 01:11:00 +0100

Engrenages (Spiral) Saison 2

Sous le vent de Neptune: TV adaptation of the Fred Vargas novel...

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:19:00 +0100

Sous le vent de Neptune: TV adaptation of the Fred Vargas novel ‘Wash This Blood Clean from My Hand’.