Channel 4 releases first look images from upcoming drama Trespasses
Date Posted: March 19, 2025
Starring Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen and Gillian Anderson with further cast announced
From BAFTA award-winning and double Oscar-nominated Wildgaze Films (Brooklyn, An Education), and in association with All3Media International, first look images have been released for Trespasses, a forbidden love story set against the backdrop of the Troubles, which is coming to Channel 4 to stream and watch live later this year.
All3Media International are the global partner with funding from Northern Ireland Screen. Filming wrapped in Belfast in December.
The images show Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing, Tuesday) as Cushla, a sparky young woman whose desires and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life, Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend) as Michael, a controversial barrister and Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) as Gina, Cushla’s mother, a ‘glorious wreck’ who is constantly sparring with her daughter.
Trespasses has been adapted for the screen by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters) in her first lead writing credit, is based on Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize in 2023 and has been directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Material).
Also joining the cast of Trespasses are Martin McCann (Blue Lights), Oisín Thompson (My Left Nut), Emily Taaffe (The Rising), Barry Ward (Bad Sisters), Lisa Dwyer Hogg (The Fall), Lorcan Cranitch (Bloodlands), Frank Blake (Normal People), Gary Lydon (The Banshees of Inisherin), and Lalor Roddy (Bodkin).
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…
Rebecca Holdsworth and Gwawr Lloyd are the Drama Commissioning Editors for Channel 4 for Trespasses which is a 4×60’ series. Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education) executive produces for Wildgaze Films. Gillian Anderson, Dawn Shadforth, Louise Kennedy and Finola Dwyer also executive produce. The producer is Maria Mulhall (The Night Caller, The Dry).
Gina Lavery (Gillian Anderson)
Cushla Lavery (Lola Petticrew) and Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen)
