Samantha Morton commences filming on new BBC adaptation
Golden Globe winning British actress Samantha Morton (The Unloved, In America) has been cast as Annie Lee in BBC One’s adaptation of Laurie Lee’s, Cider With Rosie.
A vivid memoir of Laurie Lee’s childhood, Cider With Rosie is an evocative coming-of-age story, set in an idyllic Cotswold village, during and immediately after the Great War. Marking the journey of young Lol as he grows from boy to man, the story chronicles first love, loss and family upheaval.
Joining Samantha is, Jessica Hynes (W1A, Twenty Twelve) who plays Miss Crabby; June Whitfield (Absolutely Fabulous, Boomers) plays Granny Wallon and Annette Crosbie (One Foot In The Grave, Little Dorrit) plays Granny Trill. Billy Howle (Glue, New Worlds) takes on the role of Private James Harris.
They are joined by young newcomer Archie Cox as the protagonist Laurie (Lol), Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as the titlular Rosie and Emma Curtis as Marj.
Samantha Morton says: “I am thrilled to have taken on the role of Annie Lee in BBC One’s adaptation of Cider With Rosie as it is one of my favourite books.”
Ed Rubin, Head of Film and Television, Origin Pictures, says: “We are thrilled to be bringing Laurie Lee’s classic and much cherished memoir to the screen, with such a terrific cast of top British acting talent and exciting new discoveries. The combination of Ben’s vibrant adaptation and Philippa’s inimitable direction will make this new version of Cider With Rosie a real treat for BBC One next year.”
Lucy Richer, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama Commissioning, adds: “Cider With Rosie is one of the gems of 20th century literature, and has been loved by generations as a coming-of-age story about love and family that still rings true today, in Laurie Lee’s centenary year. We are delighted to be bringing it to BBC One with a fantastic young cast, alongside the wonderful Samantha Morton.”
The drama is produced by Origin Pictures; directed by Philippa Lowthorpe (Call The Midwife, Five Daughters) and adapted by Ben Vanstone (Merlin, The Borrowers).
Cider With Rosie has begun filming in Gloucestershire and will air on BBC One in 2015 as part of its season of classic 20th century literature.
