BBC Announce “The Way” A New Drama Co-Created by Michael Sheen, James Graham, and Adam Curtis

A new drama “The Way“, written by James Graham, directed by Michael Sheen, co-created by Sheen, Graham, and Adam Curtis, developed and produced by Bethan Jones, has been announced by the BBC.

Red Seam, a Welsh production company, will film its first series, The Way, in and around Port Talbot later this year in partnership with Little Door Productions.

The Way, an ambitious, intense, and unexpected three part drama, delves into the social and political disarray of the current world by imagining a civil insurrection that begins in a small industrial town.

The Driscolls are a regular family with a remarkable tale of tragedy and triumph. They have no choice but to abandon the land they have always called home and the stability of their previous lives as a result of a cascade of events and power conflicts that has spread and led to civil unrest.

Will the Driscolls allow their history to consume them, or will they put their demons to rest and venture into the unknown?

A narrative on the meaning of being put in a position where one must make an impossible choice, The Way is both heartbreaking and darkly funny.

Director Michael Sheen says: “I’m such an admirer of Adam and James’ work, so to create this project with them in these extraordinary times has been thrilling. I’m so excited to be telling this global story through the prism of my hometown and its community as we dig into the rollercoaster ride of our recent past and the mysterious depths that lay beneath.”

Writer James Graham remarks: “Working with Michael Sheen and Adam Curtis on building this story has been one of those “pinch-me” moments in the life of a writer. To tell a story set in Michael’s home community, and tapping into all the political and social themes of the moment – strikes, division, chaos and a loss of control – all while infusing it, we hope, with humour, magic and imagination has been the most creatively satisfying experience.”

Co-creator Adam Curtis states: “This is a really timely way to examine one of the great puzzles of this moment – why is it so hard to imagine a better, or even just different, kind of future for this country? What is holding us back? I can’t think of two more amazing people to do that with than James and Michael. “

Bethan Jones, executive producer for Red Seam, says: “The development of The Way has been a unique process – from the original idea and concept presented by Michael to the challenges of exploring the authenticity of the story with Adam, and the joy of seeing it all brought together by James through brilliant characters and storytelling. It’s been a passion project for us all for some time and it’s very exciting to finally be making it with our brilliant production team and Little Door Productions’ invaluable support.”

The Way (3×60’) is made by Red Seam for the BBC in association with Little Door Productions. It is written by James Graham, directed by Michael Sheen in his directorial debut for television, and is produced by Derek Ritchie (The Capture, Luther). Adam Curtis, James Graham and Michael Sheen join Bethan Jones as executive producers for Red Seam, with Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC. International distribution is by ITV Studios and additional funding support has been provided by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.

The Way is a co-production between BBC Wales and BBC, and it will air on BBC One and the iPlayer. Casting and other details will be revealed at a later date.