A pub in Ballymena has become the latest filming location for a new TV drama adaptation Trespasses, starring Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen and Gillian Anderson.
The Ladysmith Arms located on Waring Street in the Harryville area of the town was chosen by producers for scenes in the new four-part series commissioned earlier this by Channel 4 in association with All3Media International, who will be the show’s global partner with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.
Based on Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel, which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, Trespasses is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles. The story has been adapted for the screen in her first lead writing credit by rising talent Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters, Run & Jump).
Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen and Gillian Anderson stars in Trespasses
Directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Behaviour), Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Tuesday) will play Cushla, a sparky young woman whose hopes and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life. Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend) will play Michael, a barrister, alongside Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) as Gina, Cushla’s mother, a ‘glorious wreck’ who is constantly sparring with her daughter.
1975, in a town outside Belfast. Whilst working one night behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including the locally stationed soldiers, Catholic schoolteacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue Cushla. Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to one another.
In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright…
Ailbhe Keogan, Screenwriter says:
“I am genuinely excited for the world to meet Cushla and Michael on screen. The whole scripting process has been remarkably pain-free as theteam was guided by their love of Louise’s stunning novel. It remained our creative lodestar throughout. We feel incredibly grateful to have been gifted the chance to bring the world within it to life, especially the unforgettable characters that populate Cushla and Michael’s Belfast. This show will be political, cinematic, sensual, moving, and, despite the heartbreak, ultimately hopeful.”
Gillian Anderson, Executive Producer says:
“I fell in love with Louise’s stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldn’t resist when Louise asked me to play her. Reading Ailbhe’s brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen and with Dawn at the helm and Lola and Tom alongside, I’m delighted to be part of the Trespasses family.”
Louise Kennedy, Novelist and Executive Producer, says:
“Watching Amanda Posey and the team develop Trespasses for television has been an utter joy. From Ailbhe Keogan’s ear-perfect, sexy script to director Dawn Shadforth’s gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision, exceptional care has been taken to bring an authentic and beautiful version of my book to the small screen. I honestly could not have asked for more.”
The Ladysmith Arms in Ballymena
The Ladysmith Arms is currently on the market with an asking price of offers over £150,000. The pub premises are licensed over the ground floor with kitchen facilities and dining area - a total area circa 362 sq m.
Trespasses is expected to hit screens in 2025.