BBC Two explores the life of sisters Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf

BBC Two has commissioned three, one hour films, Life In Squares, written by Amanda Coe (Room At The Top, Margot), about the Bloomsbury group that dramatises the exceptionally close, often fraught relationship of sisters Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf, and Vanessa’s enduring, sexually complicated alliance with gay artist Duncan Grant.

Life In Squares tells the story of the Bloomsbury group over 40 years, from the death of Queen Victoria to the Second World War, as they attempted to forge a life free from the constraints of the past. Their pursuit of freedom and beauty was always passionate, often impossible and ultimately devastating, yet their legacy is still felt today.

Lucy Richer, Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer, says: “We are thrilled to be telling the intimate story of these intriguing and influential sisters and their friends. The combination of Amanda’s writing and Simon’s directing is an exciting modern take on a story which is timelessly fascinating.”

Lucy Bedford, executive producer, adds: “It has been an utter pleasure working with Amanda Coe to bring this extraordinary story to screen. The Bloomsbury group exerts an enduring fascination and Amanda’s brilliant scripts deliver an engrossing portrait of a visually gorgeous, emotionally intense world. At heart Life In Squares is a family drama, about the families we try to escape, the ones we end up creating, and the different kinds of damage love can do.”

The drama is an Ecosse Films production in association with Tiger Aspect for the BBC; Director is Simon Kaijser (Never Wipe Their Tears Without Gloves). The executive producers are Lucy Richer for BBC Two, Lucy Bedford for Tiger Aspect and Douglas Rae for Ecosse Films and the Producer is Rhonda Smith.

Casting for Life In Squares will be announced in due course and the drama will shoot this summer on location in London and in East Sussex.