The BBC has released first look images of upcoming drama Mayflies, adapted by Andrea Gibb (Elizabeth is Missing) from Andrew O’Hagan’s acclaimed novel of the same name.
Directed by Peter Mackie Burns (Rialto), the two-part drama follows the life-defining friendship between Tully (Tony Curran) and Jimmy (Martin Compston).
It’s summer 1986 in a small Scottish town. Jimmy and Tully have ignited a brilliant friendship based on music, films, and the rebel spirit.
Staring down the barrel of a life spent locked in work like their fathers, the pair head for a spectacular send off to the summer with a weekend in Manchester, the inspirational epicentre of everything great about working-class Britain. Soundtracked by the greatest records, there in Manchester Tully and Jimmy make a vow to go at life differently.
Thirty years on, half a life away, the phone rings. Tully has terrible news, and a request that will test their friendship, love and loyalty to the limit…
A memorial to youth’s euphoria and the tragedy of the everyday, Mayflies tells a tender goodbye to an old union, as it discovers the joy and costs of love.
Alongside the previously announced Ashley Jensen (Afterlife) as Anna, further names joining the cast include Tracy Ifeachor (Showtrial) as Iona, Tom Glynn-Carney (Dunkirk) as young Tully, Rian Gordon (Vigil) as young Jimmy, Paul Gorman (Outlander) as young Hogg, Elaine C Smith (Two Doors Down) as Barbara, Shauna Macdonald (The Descent) as Fiona, Cal MacAninch (Time) as Tibbs, Colin McCredie (River City) as Scott and newcomers Matt Littleson as young Limbo and Mitchell Robertson as young Tibbs.
Filming recently took place around Glasgow and Ayrshire. Mayflies will air later this year on BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.
