Filming for a six-part BBC drama based on the novel Dreamland by Ramsgate author Rosa Rankin-Gee will begin in Margate on April 22.
Rosa Rankin-Gee’s book, published by Scribner, is set in the near future, where Margate is again in decline and rising seas regularly flood the town. The town is captured in perfect detail, from Arlington House to an abandoned Westwood Cross. Although set against a dark backdrop, it’s a love story threaded through with hope and joy.
The production company adds: “We will be filming some exciting scenes involving action, smoke, along with shouting and loud noises. Some characters will be dressed in military-style outfits.”
There will be 24 hour security at the sets and a period of reinstatement after filming from May 12-16.
Filming follows recent open casting calls for extra roles in the programme. These were held at the Lido and elicited a huge response.
The BBC, SISTER, and Universal International Studios production of The Dream Lands will be shown on BBC iPlayer and BBC One with BAFTA award-winning writer Kayleigh Llewellyn (In My Skin, Killing Eve), delivering the screen adaptation of the gripping and intense journey driven by love, hope, and an unyielding will to survive.
Newcomer Pascale Kann (September Says) takes the lead role as Chance, a fiercely loyal, intelligent, and hyper-vigilant 17-year-old who’s been forced to become her family’s protector from an early age in a world that never lets up.
The Dream Lands will also star Emmy award-winner Anna Friel (Marcella, Broken) as Jas, Connor Swindells (SAS Rogue Heroes, Sex Education, Barbie) as Kole, Clara Rugaard (I Am Mother, Black Mirror) as Franky, BAFTA award-winner Katherine Parkinson (Rivals, Significant Other) as Antonia, Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton, Dune: Part One) as Iona, Jacob Greenway (The Watchers, Father Brown) as JD, Tareq Al-Jeddal (Ridley, Maternal) as Nye, Scarlett Rayner (Trying, Silverpoint) as Stevie, Ruby Bridle (Gates, Casualty) as Nugget, and Raphael Sowole (The Crow Girl, Apartment 7A) as Trevor.
The series is directed by Erika Calmeyer (Tore, Young Royals) and Myriam Raja (Top Boy, Tehzeeb) and is produced by Jon Jennings (Sex Education, Renegade Nell).
The Dream Lands tell the story of Chance – a young woman who discovers life and love while being forced to fight for her family and friends’ survival in a world that’s crumbling around her.
It’s 2039 and temperatures are soaring, seas are rising, and the political climate is equally as menacing. Chance is living a life of crime just to get by, when her community is singled out for a government rejuvenation scheme, promising to bring the town back to life. But when Chance falls in love with Franky, a girl with ties to the establishment, she and those closest to her begin to realise that all may not be as it seems.
Kayleigh Llewellyn, writer and executive producer, said: “I’m completely awed by this stellar ensemble, all brought together under the expert eye of our casting director, Rachel Sheridan.
“We feel incredibly lucky to be working with a cast that blends new young talent, who I believe are the stars of tomorrow, and acclaimed actors, who will be delving into areas we’ve never seen them explore before.
“I’m thrilled to see this world being brought to life by such a phenomenal cast and our visionary directors, Erika Calmeyer and Myriam Raja.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “It’s no surprise that Kayleigh’s heartfelt and captivating scripts have attracted a cast of such an outstanding calibre, with exciting new talent acting alongside established names already loved by BBC viewers. I can’t wait to see them bring The Dream Lands to life.”
Story sounds like a depressing box ticking exercise. Have fun.
I wonder how much the landlord of Arlington gets paid for always using it as a backdrop. Not that they’ve ever reinvested anything in the building and it’s not much of an advert for it in any case.