Beeb Commissions 18th Century Factual Drama

Natalie Dormer (Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, The Tudors) is to lead a cast of British actors in a new 18th century factual drama being commissioned by the BBC.

The series will examine the life of Lady Seymour Worsley, who left her husband and eloped with his best friend.

Produced by Wall to Wall Media and directed by Sheree Folkson for BBC Two, the untold true story of Lady Worsley is brought to life by award-winning writer David Eldridge.

Mr Eldridge has based his screenplay on Hallie Rubenhold’s book 'Lady Worsley’s Whim', which itself is inspired by the oil painting of Lady Worsley that hangs in Harewood House in Yorkshire.

Natalie Dormer plays Seymour Worsley, at the centre of a very public trial brought by her powerful husband Sir Richard Worsley, played by Shaun Evans (Endeavour, The Lost Weekend).

"As the 1 x 90 courtroom period drama unfolds, a woman’s worth and material value as one of her husband’s possessions are called into question," a statement from the Beeb said. "When Lady Worsley decides to leave her troubled marriage and elope with Captain George Bisset, played by Aneurin Barnard (Cilla, The White Queen), the truth doesn’t stay behind closed doors for long."

Kim Shillinglaw, Controller, BBC Two says: "It’s terrific to add The Woman in Red to BBC Two's powerful tradition of creating factual dramas, from The Challenger to Wipers Times, which bring to life remarkable true stories. It is an almost unbelievable tale of a woman - Lady Seymour Worsley - whose audacity and risk-taking stood against the currents of her time, and I’m delighted to have attracted such strong talent both on and off screen to make it."

Executive Producer for Wall to Wall Media, Eleanor Greene adds: "It’s a privilege to tell this incredible story for the BBC, about a truly brave woman who bucked convention to be with the man she loved. We are excited to have Sheree Folkson directing – and to be joined by such a stellar cast is testament to the vivacity of David Eldridge’s clever screenplay."

Natalie Dormer who plays Lady Seymour Worsley says: "I am thrilled to be playing a woman who was so ahead of her time. Though our story is set in the 18th century, it challenges and explores the issues still fully relevant today of freedom and equality. To be home in London shooting with such a talented ensemble in front and behind the camera is a real treat."

The show is commissioned by Maxine Watson, BBC Commissioning Editor Documentaries and Lucy Richer, BBC Commissioning Editor Drama.

Eleanor Greene and Leanne Klein are the Executive Producers from Wall to Wall Media with Director Sheree Folkson and Producer Madonna Baptiste.

The Woman in Red will air in 2015 on BBC Two.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(IT/CD)