The BBC has given Shane Meadows' upcoming historical drama, The Gallows Pole, a May release date, as well as a trailer packed with mystery and intrigue.
Based on the book of the same name by Benjamin Myers, The Gallows Pole tells the true story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, the 18th Century fraud gang who constructed the biggest counterfeit operation in British History.
The drama follows the gang of weavers and land workers who began to forge coins in order to keep their West Yorkshire community afloat, albeit capsizing the economy in the process.
The trailer opens to a “village on its knees”, as Michael Socha's David Hartley, leader of the Coiners, announces he can clip and make coins. The remainder of the trailer shows the gang's success, but also the fear and violence associated with the trade.
Starring alongside Socha is Sophie McShera (Downton Abbey) as David’s wife Grace Hartley. Thomas Turgoose (This Is England) and Samuel Edward-Cook (Peaky Blinders) take the roles of David Hartley’s brothers and right-hand men, William and Isaac Hartley.
The wider ensemble includes Yusra Warsama (Castle Rock), Anthony Welsh (The Flatshare), Joe Sproulle (The A Word), Adam Fogerty (Snatch), Nicole Barber-Lane (Hollyoaks), Fine Time Fontayne (Peterloo) and Ralph Ineson (Peaky Blinders).
The Gallows Pole will also give debuts to Stevie Binns, Jennifer Reid, Soraya Jane Nabipour, Olivia Pentelow, Charlotte Ockelton and Dave Perkins.
Creator and director Shane Meadows (This is England, Dead Man’s Shoes) says: “I really wanted to delve into the history of this story and the circumstances that lead to an entire West Yorkshire community risking their lives to put food in their children’s bellies.
"It was during the workshopping process with the actors I realised there was also a story to tell leading up to Ben’s incredible book. A prequel that not only allowed us to understand ‘why’ the Cragg Vale Coiners did what they did, but maybe fall in love with them a smidge while they did it.
"It may have turned into one of the biggest crimes in British history, but it was pulled off by a bunch of destitute farmers and weavers doing what they had to to survive, and I think people will resonate with that.”
The series has been co-produced by the BBC and A24, the latter having recently produced Netflix’s Beef.
The Gallows Pole will air on BBC Two on 31 May 2023, with all the episodes being immediately released on BBC iPlayer.
