ITV has commissioned a new wartime drama series set in a “bustling and glamorous” five star hotel.
Set in 1940, The Halcyon shows London life through the prism of war and the impact it has on families, politics, relationships and work across every social strata.
The series is being made by Left Bank Pictures which produces the channel’s popular detective drama DCI Banks and has been created and written by Charlotte Jones.
“A hotel is the perfect place to show ambition in telling the story of World War II,” said Steve November, ITV’s Director of Drama.
“It was an extraordinary time in our country’s history, and London was a transforming city. The Halcyon takes us right to the heart of this as the hotel is busy, energetic, and vibrant which reflects how people carried on with their lives with defiance in the air.”
Left Bank Chief Executive Andy Harries commented: “1940 is one of the most dramatic years in our islands history. Who could have imagined that London would survive the blitz and Luftwaffe’s attempted destruction of the city? What was it like to be in a 5 star hotel in the West End through this extraordinary period?
|It’s such a compelling idea for a drama. The world of the Halcyon hotel has to carry on, through thick and thin and against all odds. The bedrooms have to be made safe, the bars have to stay open, and the band has to play on. People have to sleep, eat and survive.
“Our opening line says it all: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’.”
