Line of Duty and Bodyguard makers World Productions’ new legal drama Showtrial has assembled its cast and there are plenty of big names set to step into the courtroom, including Lolita Chakrabarti.
The drama was first announced in December 2019 but the project is now moving forward, with Cobra and Strike writer Ben Richards penning the script.
Five-part series Showtrial will centre around a court case and will shine a light on the media frenzy that can accompany a legal case when it captures the public’s attention.
The trial is focused on Talitha Campbell, the estranged daughter of a wealthy property developer. Talitha is charged with conspiring to murder a fellow university student named Hannah Ellis, and her trial places her own family and Hannah’s at the eye of a media storm.
Duty solicitor Cleo Roberts is also drawn into the furore, having been on duty during the night of Talitha’s arrest. Talitha rejects her father’s help and instead wants Cleo to lead her defence, with the prosecution planning to weaponise Talitha’s gender and her social privilege against her.
But what is Talitha really – “Damaged scapegoat? Or cold-blooded killer?”
The BBC has confirmed that the cast is led by Doctor Who star Sharon D Clarke (who played Grace O’Brien in the BBC sci-fi drama), Star Trek: Discovery actor James Frain and The Originals actress Tracy Ifeachor.
Also set to star are Bridgerton‘s Celine Buckens, Strike star Kerr Logan, Little Boy Blue‘s Sinéad Keenan and Criminal: UK star Lolita Chakrabarti.
The show’s creator and writer, Ben Richards, said: “I am delighted with the cast that has been assembled for Showtrial. It is a brilliant ensemble of talented actors that feels modern, energetic, and perfectly suited for the complex characters and storylines.”
Director Zara Hayes added: “These scripts are thoroughly gripping and yet say something truly resonant about the justice system. I couldn’t be more honoured to bring them to life along with such a wonderful cast and the dream team in British TV drama.”
No air date for Showtrial has yet been revealed.
Source: Digitalspy.com