Award winning writer Russell T Davies (It’s a Sin, Dr Who, Queer as Folk) and Director Peter Hoar (The Umbrella Academy, It’s a Sin) join the Royal Television Society at Midlands Arts Centre for the premiere of their upcoming ITVX and ITV, drama Nolly starring Helena Bonham Carter as Crossroads star Noele Gordon.
The event will take place on Wednesday 25th January 2023 when the first episode will be premiered followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Russell T Davies, Peter Hoar, cast members Augustus Prew (The Morning Show, The Lord of the Rings) who plays Tony Adams and Birmingham born actress Bethany Antonia (House of Dragons, Stay Close) who plays Poppy Ngomo, and Birmingham author Dorothy Hobson (Crossroads:The Drama of a Soap Opera). Hosted by Nikki Bedi BBC Radio Arts Presenter.
This three part drama a collaboration between Russell T Davies and Nicola Schindler (Red,Quay Productions) tells the story of the life of the actress Noele Gordon who stars as Meg Mortimer in the Midlands based soap opera Crossroads. Described as a star who could be tough, haughty, grandly sweeping into rehearsals from her Rolls Royce she was also a hard-working actress who was fiercely loyal and loved by cast, crew and audience over 18 years.
Nolly is a bold exploration of how the establishment turns on women who refuse to play by the rules, the women it cannot understand and the women in fears. It is a sharp, affectionate and heart-breaking portrait of a forgotten icon.
David Baldwin, MAC Cinema and Screen Producer, said: “Since we launched the Square Eyes TV Festival in 2021, we’re constantly looking to offer unique TV screenings here at MAC and this preview of ITV drama Nolly is a perfect example – top creative talent celebrating a true legend of Midlands television.”
Dorothy Hobson, Vice-Chair of RTS Midlands, said: “We are delighted to bring this event to MAC and to work with the team from Quay Productions who have brought the story of Noele Gordon and the Birmingham based soap opera to a new generation of viewers. 15 million viewers watched the soap opera over 18 years. As a great fan of Noele Gordon, Russell T Davies has created a fitting tribute to the actress and star, the programme and the audiences who loved it.”