Beecham House coming to MASTERPIECE
News
(March 5, 2019) – Gurinder Chadha’s ambitious new six-part drama series Beecham House will launch in the U.S. on MASTERPIECE on PBS, following a deal with Fremantle. From award-winning production company Bend It TV, part of the Fremantle production family, Beecham House is set on the cusp of the 19th century in Delhi before the British ruled in that region.
Beecham House is created by Gurinder Chadha, the writer, director and producer responsible for numerous internationally successful films including Bend It Like Beckham, Bride & Prejudice and Viceroy’s House. Her latest film, Blinded By The Light, recently had its world premiere at The Sundance Film Festival 2019 to much critical acclaim.
The drama depicts the fortunes of the residents of an imposing mansion surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns. Tom Bateman (Vanity Fair, Jekyll
and Hyde, Murder on the Orient Express) takes the role of enigmatic, soulful John Beecham, a handsome former soldier who has purchased the magnificent mansion, Beecham House, to begin a new life with his family.
The ensemble cast includes Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Gregory Fitoussi (Mr. Selfridge, Spiral), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan, Ackley Bridge), Pallavi Sharda (Lion), Dakota Blue Richards (Endeavour), Leo Suter (Clique, Victoria), Bessie Carter (Howard’s End), Viveik Kalra (Blinded By The Light) and Marc Warren (Safe, Hustle).
Lisa Honig, EVP Distribution North America, International, Fremantle, said: “Gurinder Chadha really delivers on this epic family saga. It has everything: gorgeous locations, exquisite costumes, rich diverse characters and a compelling script. We’re thrilled to be partnering with PBS to bring Beecham House to the widest possible audience in the US.”
Rebecca Eaton, MASTERPIECE Executive Producer, said: “I haven’t seen a series as visually sumptuous as Beecham House in a long time. This is a new time and place for our audience…India in 1795, before the Raj. There is love and passion, too, and a storyline full of deepening mystery.” MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by WGBH Boston.
Beecham House is created and written by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Viceroy’s House, Bride & Prejudice), Paul Mayeda Berges (Viceroy’s House), and Shahrukh Husain (In Custody). Victor Levin (Mad Men) also serves as writer on the series. Beecham House was originally commissioned by ITV (UK). ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, has commissioned Beecham House for ITV in the UK and oversees production of the drama on behalf of the broadcaster. Rebecca Eaton will serve as Executive Producer for MASTERPIECE.
