“We are over the far side of the moon about this chance to shine a light on the funniest Northern Ireland comedy writers and performers”
Jamie-Lee O’Donnell as Michelle in Derry Girls
Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell is set to lead a new Northern Irish sitcom.
Hopley Hall is a brand-new comedy created and written by Daniel Peak for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Northern Ireland.
The six-part series is centred around an historic and slightly shabby Grade 1 listed house in the Northern Ireland countryside and follows the ensemble of staff and volunteers who keep the house running.
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A description reads: “For generations, the home of the Hopley family, its current sole resident is the ancient, bewildered and very English Lady Hopley and the estate’s survival depends on tourism.
“Not quite as popular as the castle down the road (where they filmed some of the House of the Dragon series, the jammy beggars). Hopley Hall still has plenty to offer, or so they think.”
The show is written and created by Daniel Peak, with additional material from new Northern Ireland comedy writers including Oisin Kearney, Michael McCullagh, Shannon Welby, Susannah McKenna-Strathern, the late Michael Patrick, Eileen Tracey and Caitlin Magnall-Kearns.
Jamie-Lee O’Donnell said: “Delighted to be at the forefront of Daniel Peak’s new BBC comedy series and looking forward to bringing this fun and exciting project to life. I’ll see you soon at Hopley Hall.”
Daniel Peak, creator and writer added: “I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity to write a big, warm hearted ensemble sitcom for the BBC, and to be doing it with an extremely talented writing teamin Northern Ireland and for the UK’s best and funniest actors. I’m looking forward to opening the gates of Hopley Hall for public viewing.”
Chris Jones, executive producer for Nice One and Phil Temple executive producer for Birdie Pictures say: “To make a sitcom for the BBC is a dream come true.
“We can’t wait to add to its unrivalled list of classic comedies and to introduce the hardworking (if a little eccentric…) staff of Hopley Hall into the UK’s homes and hearts, thanks to the genius writing of Daniel Peak, the gorgeous direction of Tom Marshall, and the wisdom of the BBC comedy commissioners.
“Like an Artemis astronaut we are over the far side of the moon about this chance to shine a light on the funniest Northern Ireland comedy writers and performers.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy says: “With Jamie-Lee O’Donnell’s impeccable comic acting, Daniel Peak’s brilliantly clever writing, fresh material from some exciting new Northern Ireland comedy writers, and Tom Marshall directing, Hopley Hall (w/t) has all the ingredients for something properly special. Expect laughs, warmth, wit and a lot of chaos. We can’t wait for BBC viewers to see it.”
Eddie Doyle, BBC Northern Ireland Head of Commissioning says: “We couldn’t have wished for a more brilliantly gifted performer than Jamie-Lee to bring Daniel’s hilarious creation to life. It’s an exciting addition to the BBC’s comedy offering and a wonderful platform for local writing talent.”
Hopley Hall is co-produced by Nice One Productions and Birdie Pictures (backed by STUDIOCANAL) for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Northern Ireland. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy.
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