‘The Great War’ for BBC One
BBC One has commissioned a new 5×30 minute drama ‘The Great War’ from writer Tony Jordan (Hustle, Life On Mars, The Nativity).
Set during the First World War, the epic series will be told in five chronological parts, with each half hour one of the five years of the war through the eyes of two very ordinary young men who enlist in a war they expect will be over within months. As the conflict unfolds, so do the boys stories, as they grow up amid the horror of war, and find love.
Tony Jordan said: “The First World War is undoubtedly one of the most catastrophic events of modern history with a devastating impact on human life across the world. Often, the sheer magnitude of suffering during this time makes it hard for audiences to understand the very personal pain that was inflicted on countless families and young men.
“The Great War follows two young men as they struggle to adapt to life on the front line and fight to survive the terrifying events of war. The story looks at all aspects of the war – from the families left behind to the strategic decisions by generals that led to unimaginable bloodshed and the men fighting in the trenches – no one is unaffected by this global war.”
Centred primarily around the Western Front, it will take in all the major events of the Great War including Gallipoli, the Battle of the Somme, Ypres and the entry of America into the conflict.
The drama is produced by Red Planet Pictures through BBC Cymru Wales Drama and executive produced by Tony and Bethan Jones at the BBC.
The series is set to air on BBC One as part of the BBC’s programming around the centenary of the First World War throughout Armistice Week next year, in the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the war.
