28 May 2009
Yellowmoon welcomes Channel 4 drama which will be a compelling account of Mowlam’s life.
Oscar nominated actress Julie Walters stars as former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam in a new single drama ‘Mo’ for transmission on Channel 4 in 2010. Filming begins in Northern Ireland this month with the backing of the Northern Ireland Screen Fund supported by Invest NI.
An illustrious cast take on key roles in the Channel 4 drama which will be a compelling account of Mowlam’s life; depicting her rise to prominence in New Labour and her part in the extraordinary events that led to peace in Northern Ireland, as well as an intimate story of love and bravery.
David Haig (My Boy Jack) will play Mo’s husband Jon Norton; Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot) will play friend and colleague Adam Ingram; Toby Jones (City of Ember, Harry Potter) will play Mo’s Doctor, Dr. Glaser; Adrian Dunbar (Ashes to Ashes) will play David Trimble; John Lynch (The Yellow House) will play Gerry Adams; Eoin McCarthy (Alien vs. Predator) will play Martin McGuinness and Steven Mackintosh (Good) will play Peter Mandelson.
Mo, written by Neil McKay (See No Evil: The Moors Murders, Innocents, Wall of Silence, Dunkirk), is based on extensive research including interviews with key players in the Northern Ireland peace process, close colleagues and Mowlam’s family who are in full support of the project.
The drama is directed by Emmy award-winner Philip Martin (Prime Suspect: The Final Act, Wallander, Hawking, Einstein and Eddington), produced by Lisa Gilchrist (See No Evil: The Moors Murders) and executive produced by Jeff Pope for ITV Studios.
Mo was commissioned by Channel 4’s Head of Drama, Liza Marshall, she said:
“Mo Mowlam is one of the most inspiring figures of our recent political past and I can’t think of an actress who could more powerfully capture her energy, wit and ultimately the tragedy of her situation than Julie Walters.”
Julie Walters is one of Britain’s most loved and respected actresses whose most recent credits include box office smash Mamma Mia and the Harry Potter films.
Mo is the latest addition to Channel 4’s slate of ambitious drama, with recent highlights including the critically-acclaimed The Unloved, Red Riding trilogy, BAFTA award-winning The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall and triple RTS award-winner The Devil’s Whore.