The new 12-part drama will air in 2022.
Following the success of Normal People, Element Pictures have today announced the cast for Conversations with Friends, a new 12-part adaptation of Sally Rooney’s debut literary sensation.
This very modern love story and complex coming-of-age drama, will star emerging talent Alison Oliver as Frances, Sasha Lane as Bobbi, Joe Alwyn as Nick and Jemima Kirke as Melissa.
Conversations with Friends follows 21 year old college student Frances, as she navigates a series of relationships that force her to confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time.
She is observant, cerebral and sharp. Her ex-girlfriend, now best friend, Bobbi is self-assured, outspoken and compelling. Though they broke up three years ago, Frances and Bobbi are virtually inseparable and perform spoken word poetry together in Dublin. It’s at one of their shows that they meet Melissa, an older writer, who is fascinated by the pair.
Bobbi and Frances start to spend time with Melissa and her husband, Nick, a handsome but reserved actor. While Melissa and Bobbi flirt with each other openly, Nick and Frances embark on an intense, secret affair that is surprising to them both.
Soon the affair begins to test the bond between Frances and Bobbi, forcing Frances to reconsider her sense of self, and the friendship she holds so dear.
Filming will take place this year in Dublin, Belfast and international locations yet to be confirmed, with the Oscar-nominated director at the helm of Normal People, Lenny Abrahamson returning and sharing the directorial duties with Leanne Welham.
The team will also collaborate with writer Alice Birch who will work alongside writers Mark O’Halloran, Meadhbh McHugh and Susan Soon He Stanton for the BBC Three drama in partnership with Hulu.
Director of BBC Drama, Piers Wenger said "Lenny's deep affinity for Sally's writing and talent for finding actors to bring her fictional creations to life played a huge part in bringing Normal People so successfully to screen. In casting Alison, Sasha, Joe and Jemima, that same flair and instinct is in evidence and we cant wait to see how they will bring Frances, Bobbi, Nick and Melissa to life"
Lenny Abrahamson, Executive Producer and Director added "I feel so excited to be collaborating with four such superb actors to bring Sally’s brilliant novel to the screen. Over the last few months it has been a privilege to work alongside Element Pictures and our extraordinary team of writers to get the scripts to a point where we all feel so excited to start shooting."
"I’ll be joined by a world class crew (many of whom worked on Normal People) and supporting cast and I’m particularly happy to have Leanne Welham come on board. I’ve been an admirer of her work for a long time and I have no doubt she will bring great skill and subtlety to the episodes she directs."
And Executive Producer and Company Director of Element Pictures, Ed Guiney said "Alison, Sasha, Joe and Jemima are the dream cast to lead Conversations With Friends and all of us at Element are so excited about the incredible scripts from our amazing team of writers which we have been developing with the oversight of the brilliant Lenny Abrahamson."
"We can’t wait to start filming with Lenny, Leanne and our wonderful cast and crew to bring Sally’s extraordinary novel to the screen."
Conversations with Friends will air in 2022 on BBC Three
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