Belfast-set drama starring Gillian Anderson is based on ‘stunning’ novel

The new four-part Channel 4 drama is based on a breakout novel

A brand new drama is heading to Channel 4 with an impressive line-up of stars. What’s more, the series, which is due to air this autumn, is based on a book.

Trespasses is an adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize in 2023. The new drama has been adapted for the screen by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters) in her first lead writing credit and has been directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Material).

The adaptation boasts a stellar cast list with Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Tuesday) playing Cushla, a sparky young woman whose hopes and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life, while Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend) will take on the role of Michael, a barrister. Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) will play Gina, Cushla’s mother.

Production for Trespasses concluded in Belfast at the close of last year and the four-part series is expected to broadcast before the end of 2025, reports the Mirror.

A synopsis for the series reads: “1975, in a town outside Belfast. Whilst working one night behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including the locally stationed soldiers, Catholic schoolteacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue Cushla.

“Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to one another. In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright..”

Gillian Anderson, who also serves as Executive Producer, commented: “I fell in love with Louise’s stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldn’t resist when Louise asked me to play her. Reading Ailbhe’s brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen and with Dawn at the helm and Lola and Tom alongside, I’m delighted to be part of the Trespasses family.”

Writer Ailbhe remarked: “I am genuinely excited for the world to meet Cushla and Michael on screen. The whole scripting process has been remarkably pain-free as the team was guided by their love of Louise’s stunning novel. It remained our creative lodestar throughout. We feel incredibly grateful to have been gifted the chance to bring the world within it to life, especially the unforgettable characters that populate Cushla and Michael’s Belfast. This show will be political, cinematic, sensual, moving, and, despite the heartbreak, ultimately hopeful.”