Pascale Kann stars alongside Anna Friel, Connor Swindells, Golda Rosheuvel and Katherine Parkinson

Filming begins today (17 February) in Bristol and Margate on The Dream Lands, a BBC adaptation from SISTER and Universal international Studios of Rosa Rankin-Gee’s novel Dreamland.

The 6 x 60’ series has been adapted for television by Kayleigh Llewellyn and is set in a Margate of the near future against a backdrop of soaring inequality and a world crumbling due to climate change.

The Dream Lands stars Pascale Kann, Anna Friel, Connor Swindells, Clara Rugaard, Katherine Parkinson, Golda Rosheuvel, Jacob Greenway, Tareq Al-Jeddal, Scarlett Rayner, Ruby Bridle and Raphael Sowole.

Erika Calmeyer and Myriam Raja direct with Jon Jennings producing. The series is executive produced by Naomi de Pear and Holly Pullinger for SISTER, writer Llewellyn, author Rosa Rankin-Gee and Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC. It was commissioned by BBC head of drama Lindsay Salt.

Kelsey Balance, EVP of global scripted at Universal International Studios, said: “The Dream Lands is a story that demands to be told, and with the brilliant Pascale Kann leading the cast, we’re excited to see it come to life. Kayleigh Llewellyn’s sharp writing, paired with the bold direction of Erika Calmeyer and Myriam Raja, set the tone for a series that is sure to captivate audiences from start to finish.”

Llewellyn added: “I’m completely awed by this stellar ensemble, all brought together under the expert eye of our casting director, Rachel Sheridan.

“We feel incredibly lucky to be working with a cast that blends new young talent, who I believe are the stars of tomorrow, and acclaimed actors, who will be delving into areas we’ve never seen them explore before… I’m thrilled to see this world being brought to life by such a phenomenal cast and our visionary directors, Erika Calmeyer and Myriam Raja.”