New BBC revenge thriller 'Reunion' starts filming in Sheffield

[SheffieldForum]

From the BBC:

 

 

Star-Studded Cast Revealed

 

The BBC has announced that Matthew Gurney, Lara Peake, Anne-Marie Duff, Eddie Marsan, and Rose Ayling-Ellis will lead the cast of the upcoming thriller "Reunion." Produced by Sheffield-based Warp Films for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the four-part series has commenced filming in and around Sheffield this week.

 

Storyline and Inclusivity

 

Written by Sheffield-born deaf writer William Mager, "Reunion" (4x60) is an emotional thriller that explores themes of revenge and redemption. The narrative follows Daniel Brennan, a deaf man on a quest to uncover the truth behind the events that led to his imprisonment and to right his past wrongs. This series is notable for its inclusive storytelling, featuring a majority of cast and crew members who are deaf or use British Sign Language (BSL).

 

Key Cast Members

 

Matthew Gurney stars as Daniel Brennan, a recently released prisoner navigating isolation and rejection from both the hearing world and the deaf community. His estranged daughter, Carly, played by Lara Peake, becomes his only meaningful connection.

 

Anne-Marie Duff will portray Christine, who is desperate to uncover the truth about Brennan’s past, while Eddie Marsan takes on the role of Stephen Renworth, Christine’s protective boyfriend. Rose Ayling-Ellis will play Miri, Christine's daughter.

 

The cast also includes Stephen Collins as Sean, Ace Mahbaz as Ray Mokhtar, Sophie Stone as Naomi Brennan, Olive Gray as Anna Shenford, Joe Sims as Joe Summers, Julian Peedle-Calloo as Gardner, Cherie Gordon as Tasha, Rinkoo Barpaga as Vinay, James Joseph Boyle as Matthew, Duffy as David, Joanne Harrison as Brennan’s mother, and David Hirshman as Brennan’s father.

 

Actor and Executive Statements

 

Matthew Gurney expressed his excitement about the project:

 

"William’s scripts are electrifying and it’s a privilege to bring Brennan to life in this gripping tale of revenge, redemption and reconciliation."

 

Anne-Marie Duff shared her enthusiasm:

 

"I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of this very exciting production. It is rare to witness a narrative where the audience is taken on a journey with a very different set of senses. It’s about our need to acknowledge each other’s truths—both inside our own families and beyond. The team is so extraordinary. I feel very honoured to be rubbing shoulders with them."

 

Mark Herbert, representing Warp Films, highlighted the series' significance:

 

"Reunion stands as a testament to our commitment at Warp Films for genuine representation and thrilling inclusive storytelling that resonates with all audiences whilst amplifying the voices and talents of an often-overlooked community both on and off screen."

 

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, remarked on the project's appeal:

 

"It’s no surprise that William Mager’s layered, intelligent, and utterly compelling scripts have attracted a cast and crew of such exceptional calibre to bring this story to the BBC. A thriller like no other, this is a reunion you won’t want to miss."

 

Caroline Cooper Charles, Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire, added:

 

"This fantastic cast underlines how extraordinarily excited we are about Reunion. Screen Yorkshire is so proud to support a show from homegrown talent that places inclusivity and representation at the heart of its storytelling and creative ambition."

 

Production Details

 

"Reunion" is created and written by William Mager and directed by Luke Snellin. Helen Ostler serves as the producer, with Siobhan Morgan as associate producer. Executive producers for Warp Films include Mark Herbert and Gwen Gorst, alongside William Mager, with Rebecca Ferguson and Jo McClellan for the BBC. BBC Studios will distribute the series internationally.

 

Filming Location and Support

 

Filming for "Reunion" is currently underway in Yorkshire. The series is supported by Screen Yorkshire and produced by Warp Films for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.