Olivier-award winning actress Denise Gough (People, Places and Things) has been cast opposite Tom Hughes (Victoria, The Game) in a new BBC drama about the impact of a one-night stand on a young Chemistry teacher’s life.
Written by Conor McPherson, the three-part Paula also stars Owen McDonnell (Spooks, Single-handed) and will be directed by Alex Holmes (Coalition, House of Saddam) through Cuba Pictures.
The show is described as “a thrilling story” about the fallout in a young Chemistry teacher’s life, after her one-night stand with a good-looking but dangerous ducker and diver.
There is an instant, animalistic, spark of attraction before they become locked in a dance of mutual destruction. Only one can survive, but their actions will take a terrifying toll on all those around them.
Gough said: “Having worked with Conor McPherson on stage I am so excited to work with him again on this amazing project.
“He’s written a script that I know all of us involved feel very privileged to be part of bringing to life. Paula is a brilliantly complex woman and I can’t wait to play her.”
Writer Conor McPherson added: “It’s a great pleasure to work with the BBC and Cuba Pictures on this series.
“Exploring new ways to tell stories is always an inspiring challenge and the opportunity to weave a drama across three evenings is one I have enjoyed immensely.
“The trust and freedom they have given me at every step is something every writer dreams about and the astonishing cast they have assembled couldn’t be more exciting.”
Filming begins in Belfast in October.