Michelle Fairley, known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” and Conor MacNeill from “Industry” have been cast in Channel 4’s forthcoming drama “Close to Home,” starring Anthony Boyle.
Fairley takes on the role of Dearbhla, while MacNeill will portray Marty.
Joining them is “Masters of the Air” actor Boyle, who plays Sean. The cast also includes Jessica Reynolds from “A Woman of Substance” as Mairéad, Seamus O’Hara of “House of Guinness” as Anthony, and Oisín Thompson from “Trespasses” as Ryan.
The ensemble is completed by Gerard Headley of “Specky Clark” as Finty, Kerri Quinn from “Say Nothing” as Jackie, Hannah McClean of “Blue Lights” as Bernice, Jeanne Nicole Ní Áinle from “How to Get to Heaven From Belfast” as Julia, and Lalor Roddy from “That They May Face the Rising Sun” as Fra.
Produced by Fremantle’s acclaimed Element Pictures, known for “Normal People” and “Bugonia,” “Close to Home” is adapted from Michael Magee’s debut novel. The story explores the lives of a generation growing up after the Troubles, a prolonged conflict in Northern Ireland.
Magee himself is adapting the novel for the screen, with Diarmuid Goggins, known for “Code of Silence,” directing.
The plot centers on Sean, who, after returning to Belfast post-university, quickly falls back into familiar patterns. According to the synopsis, he is swept back into a life of “mad all-nighters, borrowed money, and unstable jobs.” Living with his brother and mother, in a city where peace’s promised prosperity has not yet materialized, Sean’s life turns chaotic after he assaults a stranger at a party.
Commissioned by Channel 4 and led by interim head of drama Gwawr Lloyd along with commissioning editor Gemma Boswell, the series is executive produced by Christopher Aird, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe from Element Pictures, Michael Dawson, Michael Magee, Diarmuid Goggins, and Anthony Boyle. Martin Mahon serves as producer.
Fremantle handles the distribution of the series, which was filmed on location in Belfast, with production concluding last month.
The series received support from Northern Ireland Screen and Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland.
A broadcast date is yet to be confirmed.
