If there’s one town that’s been dubbed “up-and-coming” for the past few years, it’s Margate. Now, it offers a vibrant setting for the vivacious family at the centre of Dreamland.
In keeping with the hallmark of Clelia Mountford and Sharon Horgan’s production company, Merman, it’s a sharply observed comedy-drama about the female experience in all its forms.
Based on a short of the same name written by Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe) and produced by Merman, Dreamland follows the secrets, lies, loves and aspirations of a family of four sisters.
Set in the sun-drenched British seaside town of Margate, the comedy-drama is a darkly funny exploration of multi-generational female relationships and their somewhat dysfunctional family dynamics.
From Father Ted to Derry Girls, Channel 4’s reputation for Irish comedy is second to none. Now comes Frank of Ireland, a new, six-part series made by Sharon Horgan’s production company, Merman, producer of BBC Two’s Motherland. The show stars Brian Gleeson, who plays the eponymous Frank, and his brother Domhnall. The Gleeson family are, of course, Irish acting royalty.
The series, produced by Merman, will see Bea and Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe) reunite as the Irish sisters Aine and Shona.
Picking up from the events of the series finale, This Way Up will continue to explore the tense will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Aine and Richard, played by Tobias Menzies (The Crown). Since Aine tutors Richard’s son Etienne, the employer-employee relationship between the pair will either halt their burgeoning romance or make it all the more passionate.
