Stephen Lawrence drama films in London
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Filming is due to begin on 15 February on Stephen, the three-part sequel to The Murder of Stephen Lawrence. The new ITV drama will star Sharlene Whyte, Hugh Quarshie and Steve Coogan.
Frank and Joe Cottrell Boyce have written Stephen, which will be directed by Alrick Riley. Madonna Baptiste produces.
From HTM (Hat Trick Mercurio) Television in association with Baby Cow Productions, the drama will portray events from 2006, thirteen years after Stephen’s death in April 1993 in a racially motivated attack while he was waiting for a bus in Eltham.
Even though Doreen and Neville Lawrence knew the identity of their son’s killers, the original investigation had failed to convict those responsible, and their campaign for justice led to a public inquiry which branded Metropolitan Police institutionally racist and brought about sweeping changes in the law and police practices and transformed thinking and understanding of racial inequality in the UK.
Stephen tells the story of the ongoing struggle by Doreen and Neville Lawrence to achieve justice and how a detective, DCI Clive Driscoll – working closely with the Lawrences – puts together an investigation that finally – more than 18 years after his death – secures the convictions of two of the gang who committed the murder of Stephen.
Mark Redhead, who produced the original drama in 1999, exec produces alongside that programme’s writer and director, Paul Greengrass and Jimmy Mulville and Jed Mercurio. The sequel is being produced with the full support of the Lawrence family, including Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Dr Neville Lawrence.
Director Riley said: “The case of Stephen Lawrence is a testament to the fortitude, persistence and determination of the Lawrence family. These films will chart the successes, disappointments and the emotional toll they endured. It’s also the story of Clive Driscoll, the lead detective, who managed to forge a friendship with the Lawrence’s over the years it took to achieve two convictions. It’s an honour to have the opportunity to tell their story.”
Producer Baptiste added: “The Lawrences’ campaign for justice totally transformed attitudes to race and equality in the UK and it’s an honour to be able to help tell what is an untold chapter in their story. Current events only highlight how relevant and important Stephen’s case remains and it is such a privilege to work with Hattrick, Frank and Joe Cottrell-Boyce, Alrick Riley and our amazing cast to bring this important story to screen.”
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