Free@Last TV is to adapt David Nolan’s critically acclaimed trilogy of ‘Manc Noir’ novels, which began with 2018’s Black Moss, for the small screen.
The collaboration between Free@Last TV and David Nolan promises to bring the essence of Manc Noir to the screen, introducing audiences to “a thrilling and visceral experience that delves deep into the heart of urban crime.”
The producers say the adaptation will to remain faithful to Nolan’s distinct writing style blending suspense, wit, and a deep understanding of the city’s culture and shady criminal underworld.
“We are thrilled to be working with David Nolan to bring his Manc Noir novels to life on the small screen,” said Barry Ryan, joint creative director at Free@Last TV. “David’s novels are a unique blend of crime, culture, and character, and we are committed to staying true to the authenticity and intensity that make his work so compelling.”
The Manc Noir trilogy tells the story of a historic crime that has haunted a shamed television presenter for decades and his return to solve the mystery years later. Each of the books will be developed as three-part series.
Chris McVeigh, from Manc Noir publisher Fahrenheit Press, said: “This trilogy of books, set in and around Manchester, have captured the imagination of thousands of loyal readers over the last few years and everyone at Fahrenheit has been very proud of the part we’ve played in helping to establish David Nolan as crime fiction’s undisputed King of Manc Noir. The huge enthusiasm Free@Last TV have shown for these books, alongside their formidable track record of bringing some of the UK’s best-loved books to the screen, convinced us they are the perfect partners to introduce these powerful stories to an even wider audience.”
Nolan, an award-winning journalist, documentary maker and author whose subjects range from The Sex Pistols infamous 1976 gig at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall to historic abuse at an Altrincham school, added: “I am excited to see my characters and stories come to life through Free@Last TV’s adaptation. Their commitment to capturing the essence of Manc Noir is truly inspiring, and I am confident that viewers will be taken on a thrilling ride through the streets of Manchester.”
The Manc Noir screen adaptation will be written by Stuart Wright, who brought the books to Free@Last TV. Wright is an award-winning screenwriter, known for his work on Lair (2021), Samuel’s Travels (2022) and the Fallen segment of the UK portmanteau Psychomanteum (2018).
He is also the recipient of The Owl Screenwriter Award for Best Feature Film Script presented by the Athens Film Office screenwriting programme (supported by the Marché Du Film) at Cannes Film Festival 2023.
Free@Last TV has a proven track record of producing high-quality content that resonates with audiences across genres, including Acorn TV’s Edinburgh TV Award-nominated Agatha Raisin and forthcoming Touch of Frost prequel First Frost.
With the Manc Noir adaptation, the production company aims to continue its tradition of delivering compelling storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while bringing this gripping world of crime and intrigue to a global audience.
