World Productions, which made Line of Duty, Save Me and Vigil, is to film a major new drama in Merseyside.
The Gathering (working title), has been written by Helen Walsh and centres around a violent attack on a teenage girl during a rave.
It focuses on a group of teens from different backgrounds, each of whom could have committed the crime, along with their parents, who give equal cause for suspicion.
“I wanted to write a twisty, state-of-the-nation take on Philip Larkin’s notorious ‘they f*ck you up’ observation about parents and kids,” explained creator and writer, Helen Walsh.
“In an era where the micro-managing of children’s lives has become the new normal, The Gathering (wt) throws today’s surveillance parenting into sharp focus and asks who is really to blame when our kids f*ck up. I’m thrilled to be working with the excellent team at Channel 4 and World Productions and look forward to seeing the kinetic worlds of free-running and tumbling gymnastics brought to our screens.”
Kelly is the series’ main protagonist and the victim of the attack. She is an accomplished gymnast, well on the pathway to Team GB but at odds with her teammates and their ultra-competitive parents.
She also hangs out with a group of free-runners whose a reckless lifestyle is at odds with the discipline required for her sport.
“We are thrilled to be working with the brilliant Helen Walsh and World Productions on this exciting series; The Gathering (wt) which forms part of our strategy to commission drama which also appeals to younger viewers,” said Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama, Channel 4.
“Through this absorbing story, with Helen’s beautifully drawn, real and relatable characters, the series looks at how family, friendship and aspiration is influenced and shaped by the highs and lows of modern-day parenting. Exploring relevant and urgent themes around what it means to be a teenager, as well as a parent today, The Gathering (wt) is cleverly wrapped up in a compelling “whodunnit” thriller, where the stakes are upped episode after episode.”
World Productions is part of ITV Studios.
