BBC Northern Ireland preps drama duo

BBC1 in Northern Ireland is lining up two new scripted series, including a drama starring Susan Lynch (Ready Player One, Killing Eve) as a mother whose 22-year-old son has Down’s syndrome.

Ups & Downs follows Lynch’s character as she watches her son and his 18-year-old sister taking a road trip to Belfast to attend a highly anticipated gig without their mother’s permission.

The drama, which has been produced in-house and will be broadcast on Monday April 22, is part of the BBC’s New Perspectives drama initiative that has been funded by £11m (US$14m) of additional funding from the public broadcaster.

It focuses on shows written, produced and filmed in Northern Ireland, and is joined by Counsel, made by Lacada Entertainment with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.

Counsel will broadcast this evening and will be available on VoD platform BBC iPlayer for six months. It has been written by newcomer David Allen and directed by Declan Recks (The Truth Commissioner).

The drama tells the story of a barrister who complicates her professional and personal life when she takes on a young client’s case. It stars Valene Kane (The Fall, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story).