Two Weeks in August, from writer Catherine Shepard, tackles the 21^st century contention between having a YOLO attitude, and an acute awareness the world is crumbling around you.

Our protagonist Zoe is on holiday in Greece trying to live her best life – which for her means kissing people she shouldn’t and spending time with other adults who refuse to be adults.

When they realise they are trapped on the Greek island, the group's hedonistic dream turns into a nightmare, and they lash out at each other. But are a group of wayward semi-grown-ups to blame for a life-or-death scenario? Or should they be looking at more abstract forces, like the Greek gods.

Catherine Shepherd says: “This is a story about what it’s like to try and be happy in a very anxious and confusing world and at its core, about a woman struggling to play all the roles she’s been given by life.

“How do you enjoy yourself for two weeks in August when the world appears to be falling apart around you? I hope it will be as funny and sad, as thrilling, beautiful, ridiculous and heartbreaking as real relationships between humans are.”

Various Artists Limited’s Roberto Troni and Kat Reynolds add: “Two Weeks in August is Catherine Shepherd’s painfully funny and heartbreakingly original show that focuses on a group of friends who reconnect on a summer holiday and discover more about themselves and each other than they could have imagined.

“Catherine’s writing is both intimate and epic and we’re delighted that her exceptional scripts are gathering a supremely talented cast and creative team, with the incredible support of the BBC and ITV Studios. The emotional struggles of her characters speak to how so many of us feel about trying to live life to the fullest, whilst the world around us burns. Sometimes, literally.”

Two Weeks in August will be directed by Tom George (Sherwood) and Matthew Moore (Colin from Accounts). The release date is yet to be announced.