The cast of ‘Rapunzel’, the third of four comedy dramas to be made by Hat Trick Productions in Northern Ireland, has been confirmed. The all-star cast will include Lee Ingelby (George Gently, Life on Mars), Charity Wakefield (Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre), Shaun Williamson (Extra’s, EastEnders), and Geraldine James (Little Britain, The Time of Your Life).
‘Rapunzel’ is part of the modern anthology of Fairy Tales being filmed for BBC One.
The traditional Rapunzel fairytale is updated by screenwriter Ed Roe (Smack the Pony, Teachers, No Angels). This modern adaptation, set in the world of tennis, sees failing tennis player, Jimmy Stojkovic (Ingleby), disguise himself as a woman to compete in the women’s grand slam tennis final. His pushy father, Sava, is played by Shaun Williamson.
The plan falls apart when Jimmy falls in love with reigning tennis champion, Billy Jane Brooke (Charity Wakefield), much to the disgust of her domineering mother (Geraldine James).
The comedy drama also stars Oliver Chris (Green Wing, Casualty); Tony Way (Saxondale) and Alex Jennings (The Queen, A Very Social Secretary). Tennis legend Pat Cash makes a guest appearance as a tennis commentator.
The other Fairy Tales featured in the anthology include ‘Billy Goat’, starring Bernard Hill, Paul Nicholls, Mathew Home and Sarah Smart; ‘Cinderella’ starring James Nesbitt and Maxine Peake and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, with cast yet to be confirmed.
All four Fairy Tales have been commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland, and are produced by Hat Trick Productions in association with Northern Ireland Screen. They will be screened later this year on BBC One.
‘Rapunzel’ is produced by Hannah Pescod, executive produced by Mark Redhead, and directed by Catherine Morshead, and is currently filming at various locations in Belfast.
All four Fairy Tales were commissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Fiction.
