Manchester-headquartered Red Production Company has optioned a critically-acclaimed book by Labour MP Jess Phillips to develop it into a TV drama.
‘Everywoman: One Woman’s Truth About Speaking the Truth’, published by Random House, is a collection of empowering stories from Phillips’ life. The MP for Birmingham Yardley grew up up in a radical socialist family in the city and her book chronicles the trials of her teenage and student years through to working at Women’s Aid and finally in the Houses of Parliament.
The drama will be a co-production between Red and executive producer Lucy Dyke, whose credits include Abi Morgan’s The Split, Black Mirror and Ripper Street.
Red, which secured the book through a deal brokered by Yasmin McDonald and Laura Macdougall of United Agents, is known for producing programmes including Happy Valley, Queer As Folk, Scott & Bailey and Years and Years, which is currently airing on BBC One.
Phillips said: “I’m utterly thrilled to be working with Red, a company based outside of London led by Nicola Shindler, and with Lucy Dyke co-producing.
“They make the kind of television that truly represents people and events as they are and that was deeply important to me. The story of women in politics is complex and nuanced and intriguing, and it’s a story that needs telling.”
Shindler added: “Jess is an inspirational woman who fights for what she believes in and isn’t afraid to be honest and outspoken. Using her book as a source we’re excited to create a drama that explores how an engaged woman can make a difference in today’s very complicated world.”
