MARTIN Compston is starring in a brand-new BBC drama which will soon begin filming in Glasgow.
The Line of Duty star will team up with Doctor Who and Outlaw King's Tony Curran and Ashley Jensen of Extras and After Life in a story of friendship, love and loyalty based on an acclaimed novel.
Mayflies follows best friends Jimmy (Compston) and Tully (Curran) who decide to enjoy their youth during a magical weekend in Manchester in 1986 and live life to the full around everything that inspires them.
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But 30 years later, Tully rings Jimmy with news that will push their friendship to the limits.
The series is based on the novel of the same name by author O'Hagan, who said: “For a while now, I’ve admired the work of Synchronicity Films — Scottish in its bones and international in complexion — and it's a thrill to see them bringing Mayflies to BBC One.
"The story is a very personal one to me, and it’s amazing to see the characters come to life in Andrea Gibb’s wonderful adaptation.
"Director Peter Mackie Burns has a singular vision, and I look forward to seeing what he makes of the Ayrshire landscape and the emotional reality of this story.”
Andrea Gibb, Screenwriter and Executive Producer, said: “Adapting Andrew O’Hagan’s magnificent novel has been one of the highlights of my career.
"Andrew tells his story of enduring male friendship with love, truth, tenderness and a searing humanity.
"There’s not an ounce of sentimentality. It’s very funny and deeply moving.
"The characters of Tully and Jimmy are instantly recognisable and totally unforgettable. Both are so alive and vibrant they leap off the page. It’s been a joy and a privilege living with them.”
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Filming will take place in and around Glasgow and Ayrshire in autumn, and the programme is being produced by the company behind The Cry, Synchronicity Films.
Their Executive Producer, Founder and Creative Director Claire Mundell said: "Andrew’s novel is nostalgic, poignant and moving, following a life-long friendship and exploring the optimism of youth and the realities of later life.
"It honestly depicts the bonds and boundaries of a shared life and values.
"We are excited to be working with Andrew, Peter, Andrea and the BBC to collaborate on an authentic scripted adaptation of this acclaimed Scottish novel.”
Gaynor Holmes, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor, added: “We’re incredibly proud to continue the BBC’s longstanding commitment to showcasing the very best of Scotland and Scottish talent with this distinctive new drama.
"Mayflies is an intimate and devastating portrait of male friendship that manages to be both life-affirming and heartbreaking, and we’re delighted to have assembled an outstanding lead cast and creative team to bring it from page to screen.”
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