Tom Hardy is examining the tragedy of Ipswich in the upcoming mystery movie, ‘London Road,’ whose U.S. rights have been acquired by BBC Worldwide North America. The action movie, which is the film adaptation of the ground-breaking National Theatre play of the same name, is scheduled to be released in theaters in September.
The musically-driven ‘London Road’ marks the feature film writing debut by Alecky Blythe, who also contributed to the lyrics of the project’s songs with Adam Cork. The movie was directed by ‘Broken’ helmer, Rufus Norris. In addition to Hardy, the mystery film features an ensemble cast that includes Olivia Colman and Anita Dobson. The drama also features the play’s original cast members, including Clare Burt, Rosalie Craig, James Doherty, Kate Fleetwood, Hal Fowler, Linzi Hateley, Nick Holder, Claire Moore, Michael Shaeffer, Nicola Sloane, Paul Thornley, Howard Ward, and Duncan Wisbey.
‘London Road’ documents true events that occurred in 2006, when the town of Ipswich was shattered by the discovery of the bodies of five women. The residents of London Road had struggled for years with frequent soliciting and curb-crawling on their street. When a local resident was charged, and then convicted, of the murders, the community grappled with what it meant to be at the epicenter of this tragedy. Using their own words set to an innovative musical score, the mystery drama tells a moving story of ordinary people coming together during the darkest of experiences.
The stage production of ‘London Road’ was an immediate hit and earned five-star reviews when it premiered at the National Theatre in 2011. It returned to the stage in 2012 for a sold-out run.
“‘London Road’ offers a rare lyrical interpretation of true events with a fantastic ensemble cast including Tom Hardy and Olivia Colman,” said Soumya Sriraman, EVP Franchise and Digital Enterprises. “While the film deals with a difficult subject, it also illustrates the resilience of a community coming together under extraordinary circumstances.”
Executive Producer David Sabel said, “We are thrilled that BBC Worldwide North America will be bringing ‘London Road’ to American audiences This remarkable story, which began in a small town in England, is about a community in its most universal sense and has resonated with audiences from its first life as a stage production to its much wider reach through this innovative film.”
‘London Road’ was produced by Dixie Linder and was executive produced by Nick Marston for Cuba Pictures, Sabel for National Theatre, Tally Garner, Christine Langan, Joe Oppenheimer, Beth Pattinson, Ben Roberts, Norman Merry and Peter Hampden. The film is presented by BBC Films, BFI and National Theatre, in association with LipSync and supported by Arts Council England. A Cuba Pictures and National Theatre Production. The deal was negotiated between Sriraman for BBC Worldwide North America, and Vanessa Saal, Head of Sales at Protagonist Pictures, on behalf of Cuba Pictures and National Theatre.
Written by: Karen Benardello