Hugh Laurie has been cast in Roadkill, a new David Hare drama about a government minister whose public and private life begin to fall apart.
As personal revelations spiral Peter Laurence (Laurie) finds himself walking a high wire between glory and catastrophe as he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down.
However events show just how hard it is for both an individual and a country to leave the past behind. With enemies so close to home, can Laurence ever out-run his secrets to win the ultimate prize?
Roadkill was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama and Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC Content and will be directed by Michael Keillor (Line Of Duty, Strike, Chimerica).
David Hare said: “I first worked with Hugh Laurie in 1987 when he set off on his riveting change of direction from adroit comedian to commanding dramatic actor. I can’t wait to see him embody the fictional future of the Conservative party in Roadkill.”
Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “Roadkill is a thriller which explores the relationship between personal morality and political power.
“Hugh Laurie is an incredible actor who will play this fictional role with utter conviction, and it is a great honour to work once again with David Hare and The Forge to bring this brilliantly sharp and funny drama to BBC One.”