Additional casting details have been revealed for the second segment of the acclaimed anthology series, Showtrial, produced by World Productions (known for Vigil, Line of Duty, Anne) for BBC One and iPlayer. Created and scripted by Ben Richards, the upcoming series will introduce a fresh ensemble cast embroiled in a gripping new murder investigation. This time, the narrative will centre on the trial of Officer X, a police officer accused of the murder of a climate change activist.
As previously disclosed, Showtrial series two will feature BAFTA award-winner Adeel Akhtar (noteworthy for Sherwood, Ali & Ava, Utopia), Nathalie Armin (renowned for Home, Unforgotten, The Batman), and Michael Socha (known for The Gallows Pole, Chernobyl, This Is England).
Recently announced additions to the cast include BAFTA-winner Francesca Annis (credited for Fresh & Blood, Home Fires), Joe Dempsie (recognized for Pieces of Her, Game of Thrones), Nina Toussaint-White (known for Bodyguard, Witness Number 3), Zoe Telford (notable for Men Only, Teachers), Fisayo Akinade (renowned for Heartstopper, Dangerous Liaisons), Tom Padley (recognized for The Lost Pirate Kingdom, Silent Witness), Kerrie Hayes (known for Blue Jean, Tin Star), Ali Khan (credited for A Haunting in Venice, Everyone Else Burns), Daniel Kendrick (recognized for Inside Man, Call The Midwife), Frankie Wilson (noteworthy for Against the Ice, The Souvenir), Anna Próchniak (known for The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Baptiste), Anna Wilson Jones (credited for Victoria, Harlots), John Light (recognized for Around the World in 80 Days, Mars), Aidan McArdle (known for Spy Master, The Duchess), Daisy Badger (notable for The Sandman, Doctors), Flora Montgomery (recognized for The Crown, Bloodlands), Pearce Quigley (known for Detectorists, The Wheel of Time), John Marquez (credited for Doc Martin, Britannia), Anna Healy (known for Mother’s Day, Inside I’m Dancing), and Barney Fishwick (credited for Living, The Buccaneers).
The plot unfolds when prominent climate activist Marcus Calderwood is fatally injured in a brutal hit-and-run. Utilizing his last moments, Calderwood identifies his assailant as a serving police officer named Officer X. The narrative explores the officer’s unidentified background, unraveling the complexities of trauma and vengeance. The overarching question remains: was Calderwood’s demise a tragic accident or a premeditated act of murder?
Showtrial guides viewers from the victim’s final breath to the jury’s ultimate verdict, delving into the lives of key characters: the confident and charismatic officer Justin Mitchell (portrayed by Michael Socha); Sam Gill (played by Adeel Akhtar), an apprehensive defense solicitor renowned for handling seemingly unwinnable cases; and Leila Hassoun-Kenny (portrayed by Nathalie Armin), a meticulous CPS lawyer leading the prosecution.
Amidst escalating public outrage, Showtrial scrutinizes the impact of contentious issues on a trial and questions the clarity of truth. Can a fair trial be achieved in the midst of heightened tensions?
Joe Dempsie says: “I’m such a fan of everyone involved in this, and can’t wait to bring Ben Richards’ compelling scripts to life with all of them.”
Francesca Annis says: “Ben is a wonderful writer and I am thrilled to bring the complex character of Dame Harriet Kenny to life. I was enamored by the scripts and left guessing until the final page.”
Ben Richards says: “Watching new cast added is always one of the most rewarding elements of creating a show. It is truly a privilege to have actors of such variety and talent.”
Simon Heath says: “We’re all very excited by the fantastic cast that Ben’s brilliant scripts have once again attracted to Showtrial.”
Filming for Showtrial is currently underway in and around Belfast, with support from Northern Ireland Screen and in association with ITV Studios, which will handle international distribution. Series one is available for viewing on BBC iPlayer.
