Three first look images have been released ahead of Sir Lenny Henry's new six-part drama Three Little Birds airing on ITV1 and ITVX.
Writer and executive producer Sir Lenny Henry's upcoming drama Three Little Birds promises to be a triumphant celebration of immigration, community and the strength of Black womanhood inspired by the life-affirming stories of Sir Lenny Henry’s mother and all those who have travelled to make Britain their home.
These first look images show the three leads, rising stars Rochelle Neil, Yazmin Belo and Saffron Coomber.
Set in 1957, post-Windrush, and amidst the booming decade set alight by promise, the rhythm of rock and roll, swing, Hollywood starlets and fabulous fashion, Three Little Birds will introduce Dudley and the rest of the world to gregarious sisters Leah and Chantrelle, played by Rochelle Neil and Saffron Coomber, and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna played by Yazmin Belo, as they board a cruise ship from Jamaica bound for a new life in Blighty.
Lured to the UK in search of new beginnings by their older brother Aston, played by Javone Prince, who asks Leah and Chantrelle if they’ll bring him a potential wife from back home, they convince Hosanna to give up her job as a trainee nurse and embark upon the journey to ‘the mother country.
An effervescent mix of strong personalities they all have very different reasons for leaving their family and friends behind in Clarendon, Jamaica, though they soon discover it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, not least the dramatic change in weather.
While we learn shocking truths about the lives they left behind the voyage of discovery is not smooth sailing for our trio, but they are determined to succeed and overcome the many obstacles of integration and build a new life in Britain.
Three Little Birds will also star Bobby Gordon as the sisters’ new factory-worker colleague Shelton, and Arthur Darvill and Beth Hayes as Chantrelle’s employers Mr and Mrs Wantage, who expect far more from her than just cooking shepherd’s pie and minding their three children as their new live-in Nanny.
Filmed in The Midlands, Three Little Birds has been produced by Tiger Aspect in association with Douglas Road, written by Sir Lenny Henry and guest episode writers Carol Russell and Avril Russell and co-produced by BritBox International, with Diederick Santer as Executive Producer.
Charles McDougall, Yero Timi Biu and Darcia Martin will direct two episodes each and Sir Lenny Henry, Lucy Bedford, Kate Crowe, Russell T Davies, Charles McDougall and Angela Ferreira serve as Executive Producers with Stella Nwimo producing.
Three Little Birds launches this autumn on ITV1 and ITVX