‘Excellent’ drama based on ‘superb book’ starts on TV tonight

The new four-part drama based on a breakout novel will air all week on Channel 4

A brand new drama based on a “superb” book starts on Channel 4 tonight (Sunday, November 9). Trespasses, which is an adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel, has been adapted for the screen by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters).

Trespasses is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles and has a star-studded cast list including 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.

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.”

Trespasses will kick off on Sunday, November 9 on Channel 4 at 9pm and will then air every night at the same time until Wednesday, November 12.

And it looks like fans of the book can’t wait to see it on screens. Following the release of the trailer on Instagram, one fan wrote: “Loved the book, looking forward to this. Plus, Gillian Anderson,” while another added: “Looking forward to this – @louise.kennedyy’s book is superb.”

“Can’t wait to see this, the book is brilliant, one of my favourites over the last few years,” said a third, while another commented: “Oh dear god I cannot wait for this- I’ve read this book at least ten times.”

A synopsis for the four-part series reads: “Trespasses is the story of Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life in 1975 Northern Ireland is shadowed by the Troubles.

“Amid curfews, bombings, and betrayals, she works nights in her family’s pub, serving both sides and British soldiers, when she meets and falls for Michael – an older, married Protestant barrister. Their affair is intoxicating and dangerous.

“Cushla’s world is full of defiant spirits: her drunk, sharp-tongued mother Gina, her lively pupils, and beloved colleague Gerry. As the forbidden love between Cushla and Michael deepens, violence looms and tensions rise. Cushla is pulled between duty and desire, family and freedom.”

Trespasses starts at 9pm on Channel 4 on Sunday, November 9.