CHANNEL 4 has revealed details of a new drama which has been partly filmed at a number of locations across Wirral.
Written by acclaimed novelist Helen Walsh (The Lemon Grove, Once Upon A Time In England) in her first original screenplay for television, The Gathering introduces newcomer Eva Morgan as working class student Kelly, who is attacked at an illicit rave on a tidal islet, alongside Sadie Soverall (Saltburn) as Jessica, a friend and elite gymnastics teammate who seemingly has it all.
Vinette Robinson (Boiling Point) stars as Jessica’s controlling and toxic mother Natalie and Warren Brown (The Responder) is Kelly’s hard working father Paul who struggles with his own impulse control.
The cast will also include Richard Coyle (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) as successful solicitor Jules, Sonny Walker (The Responder) as Adam, Ryan Quarmby (The Last Kingdom) as Charlie and newcomer Luca Kamleh-Chapman as Bazi.
Focusing on a group of disparate teenagers and their parents, each character has a motive for attacking Kelly. An accomplished gymnast, on the National Team pathway, Kelly is committed to her strict training schedule but finds freedom and liberation in the joyous, unregulated world of free running.
Each episode privileges a different character’s lens to give insight into the respective worlds of these teenagers and their families and allows the viewer to speculate who committed the crime.
The drama has used a number of locations in Wirral, including Hilbre Island, Hilbre High School, Rock Ferry Promenade, Leasowe Bay, Black Horse Hill Primary School and Coronation Gardens in West Kirby.
Writer, Helen Walsh, said: "I think the audience will be excited by the pace and energy of the show, and all the worlds of the adults and the young people.
"I'm really excited about showing off my incredible city. I hope they will fall in love with our young characters their relationship dramas, and their dynamics. It's an incredible young cast, most of them newcomers and in terms of the adults, they're a pretty unlikable bunch, but I think the audience will find the adults relatable.
"I think the themes of family conflict, the obstacles of young love and teen sexuality, and the ever-growing impact of social media will also appeal and are universal."
The Gathering will screen on Channel 4 on May 14 at 9pm.
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