Oscar nominated actress Julie Walters (Billy Elliot, Educating Rita) stars as former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam in a new single drama ‘Mo’ for transmission on Channel 4 in 2010. Filming begins in Northern Ireland this month.
The drama, written by Neil McKay (See No Evil: The Moors Murders, Innocents, Wall of Silence, Dunkirk), will be a compelling account of Mowlam’s life depicting her rise to prominence in New Labour and her part in the extraordinary events that led to peace in Northern Ireland, as well as an intimate story of love and bravery. Mo Mowlam’s family are in full support of the project.
The all star cast includes David Haig (My Boy Jack) who will play Mo’s husband Jon Norton; Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot) who plays friend and colleague Adam Ingram; Toby Jones (City of Ember, Harry Potter) will play Mo’s Doctor, Dr. Glaser; Adrian Dunbar (Ashes to Ashes) will play David Trimble; John Lynch (The Yellow House) will play Gerry Adams; Eoin McCarthy (Alien vs. Predator) will play Martin McGuinness and Steven Mackintosh (Good) will play Peter Mandelson.
‘Mo’ is directed by Emmy award-winner Philip Martin (Prime Suspect: The Final Act, Wallander, Hawking, Einstein and Eddington), produced by Lisa Gilchrist (See No Evil: The Moors Murders) and executive produced by Jeff Pope for ITV Studios. It is backed by the Northern Ireland Screen Fund supported by Invest NI.
'Mo' was commissioned by Channel 4’s Head of Drama, Liza Marshall, she said:
“Mo Mowlam is one of the most inspiring figures of our recent political past and I can’t think of an actress who could more powerfully capture her energy, wit and ultimately the tragedy of her situation than Julie Walters.”
