Key Highlights
- Gillian Anderson and Lola Petticrew star in the new Channel 4 drama “Trespasses” set in Holywood, County Down, in 1975.
- The story explores a cross-community love affair between a Catholic school teacher and a Protestant barrister during Northern Ireland’s Troubles era.
- Both actors reflect on the ongoing impact of the conflict on the local community.
- The drama aims to portray the lives of ordinary people in the region with sensitivity and respect.
A Return to Northern Ireland: Gillian Anderson and Lola Petticrew Reunite for “Trespasses”
Channel 4’s new drama, Trespasses, is set against the backdrop of Holywood, County Down, in 1975. The story, based on Louise Kennedy’s award-winning novel, delves into a cross-community love affair between Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen, who plays Michael Agnew.
Petticrew, born in Belfast, has previously starred as an IRA volunteer in the Disney Troubles-era drama Say Nothing. For Anderson, this return to Northern Ireland is significant. “What I was surprised at this last time,” she said, “was the degree to which the trauma is still under the surface, all the time.”
Anderson’s character, an alcoholic and broken matriarch, serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s tumultuous past. “It feels like it’s so much of the identity of the place,” she added. “There have been changes, but I’m not sure I want to see massive change because it feels like it’s very much a part of the personality of the place.”
The Drama: A Love Story Amidst Conflict
“Trespasses” is more than just a love story; it also addresses the impact of Northern Ireland’s Troubles on individuals. Lola Petticrew emphasized the gravity of their responsibility in portraying such sensitive material. “I take that responsibility really, really seriously,” she stated. “It feels like a massive responsibility, but it’s also a complete privilege.”
Tom Cullen, whose great-grandfather came from Belfast, shared similar sentiments: “I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to step into this world. It’s one of the biggest privileges of my life quite honestly.” His connection to Northern Ireland adds depth to his performance.
The Cast and Crew: A Tribute to Irish Talent
With a cast that includes Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Cillian Murphy, “Trespasses” taps into the current wave of Irish talent in television and film. Lola Petticrew believes that everyone’s welcome, as long as they connect with their Irish heritage: “For me, the only prerequisite to be Irish is wanting to be Irish and feeling a connection to it.”
Davy McGeown, played by Daithí Ó Haragáin, adds another layer of authenticity to the drama. The story unfolds in Holywood, where the town’s significance during this period is highlighted.
Conclusion
A Reflection on Northern Ireland
“Trespasses” offers a poignant reflection on the lives of ordinary people in 1975 Holywood. Both Anderson and Petticrew emphasize the importance of portraying their characters with respect and sensitivity, acknowledging the ongoing impact of the Troubles on the community.
As viewers tune in to this new drama, they will be presented with a nuanced exploration of love, conflict, and identity in Northern Ireland’s past.
