The BBC has greenlit an ambitious new series titled The Dream Lands, a gripping narrative with a unique twist, adapted from Rosa Rankin-Gee’s captivating novel “Dreamland”. This television adaptation, helmed by Kayleigh Llewellyn, the esteemed BAFTA-award-winning creator and writer renowned for her work on the acclaimed series “In My Skin”, promises to captivate audiences. The six-part series, produced by SISTER (known for “This is Going to Hurt” and “Gangs of London”), is slated for broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Set against the backdrop of a near-future Margate plagued by escalating inequality, The Dream Lands follows the journey of Chance, a young woman navigating the tumultuous landscape of life and love whilst grappling with the harsh realities of survival in a crumbling society.

The year is 2039, and as temperatures soar and sea levels rise, Chance finds herself ensnared in a life of crime merely to eke out a living. However, her world is upended when her community becomes the target of a government initiative promising to rejuvenate their coastal town. Amidst these turbulent times, Chance’s budding romance with Franky, a figure with ties to the establishment, throws her into a whirlwind of intrigue and deception, forcing her to confront the unsettling truths lurking beneath the surface.

The Dream Lands promises to be a riveting odyssey of self-discovery and romantic awakening, portraying a defiant community’s struggle for survival amidst the chaos. Combining elements of conspiracy thriller and relationship drama, the series resonates with the enduring themes of love and hope, offering a poignant commentary on a world hurtling towards uncertainty.

Kayleigh Llewellyn, writer and executive producer, says: “Telling stories I care about alongside a team of women I admire is the very reason I do this job, so working on The Dream Lands has been a gift. It’s an honour to be adapting Rosa Rankin-Gee’s beautiful, searing words for the screen. Especially as it’s given me an excuse to collaborate once more with my old friend, the supremely talented, Lucy Forbes. And I’m so thrilled we’ve found a home with the BBC, who support artists’ visions like no one else.”

Executive Producers for SISTER, Naomi de Pear and Holly Pullinger add: “As soon as Kayleigh and Lucy brought us this book by Rosa Rankin-Gee we knew it could be an urgent, thrilling and life-affirming TV show about how human beings will always find a way to rebel and triumph against adversity. There’s no one better than Kayleigh to bring the iconic character of Chance and this story of epic adventure and love to life and we are so proud as ever to be working with the brilliant BBC.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama adds: ‘With an amazing protagonist at its heart, Chance, who’s raw, funny and fiercely loyal, The Dream Lands is a vivid, searing thrill ride fuelled by hope, love and an innate desire to survive. I’m really excited to have Kayleigh Llewellyn back writing for the BBC collaborating once more alongside Lucy Forbes and the team at SISTER.”

The Dream Lands, produced by SISTER for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Executive producers include Naomi de Pear, Holly Pullinger, Kayleigh Llewellyn, Lucy Forbes, Rosa Rankin-Gee, and Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC. The series was developed by SISTER’s Director of Development, Alice Tyler.

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