Magpie Murders Casting and Production News
[January 21, 2020] MASTERPIECE on PBS and Eleventh Hour Films have announced that award-winning actress Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread, World on Fire), is set to star in their adaptation of Anthony Horowitz’s acclaimed crime novel Magpie Murders. Additionally, Academy and BAFTA Award-nominated Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty, Military Wives, The A Word) is attached as director.
Manville will play Susan Ryeland, an editor who is given an unfinished manuscript of author Alan Conway’s latest mystery novel, with little idea it will change her life.
Lesley Manville CBE, says, “Fans of Anthony Horowitz’s highly acclaimed, thrilling novel will be utterly delighted that it is being made into a 6-part drama. I could not be happier to be playing Susan Ryeland – what a fabulous character for me to grapple with!”
Manville’s celebrated career spans the stage and screen and her awards recognition includes Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for 2018’s Phantom Thread. In July 2020 it was announced that she will go on to star as Princess Margaret in the 5th and 6th seasons of Left Bank Pictures’ benchmark drama The Crown on Netflix.
Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer, MASTERPIECE, says, “Anthony’s Magpie Murders is a brilliant ‘mystery within a mystery,’ and we’re so excited that Lesley and Peter will bring their exceptional talents to this series.”
Further casting will be announced.
