Tom Jones adaptation films in Belfast for ITV
Production is getting underway in Belfast on a new ITV adaptation of Henry Fielding’s bawdy 18th century classic novel, Tom Jones.
Mammoth Screen is making the four-part series in association with Masterpiece and ITV; seasoned scribe Gwyneth Hughes has written the drama.
The picaresque story centres on foundling Tom Jones, played by Solly McLeod, as he journeys through life on a series of romantic interludes and misadventures. Sophie Wilde stars as Sophia Western.
Benjamin Greenacre produces; Georgia Parris directs. The executive producers are James Gandhi, Hughes, Damien Timmer and Helen Ziegler for Mammoth Screen, Susanne Simpson and Rebecca Eaton for Masterpiece and Polly Hill for ITV.
Hughes said: “Tom Jones is the mother of all romcoms and isn't that just what we all need after the last couple of years of misery? It's a story where the sun barely stops shining, where love conquers all, and at its warm heart stand a pair of young sweethearts everyone can root for.
“Henry Fielding's 18th century novel is sexy and fun; it's also a dramatic rollercoaster, addressing so many modern concerns around consent, sexual equality and the pursuit of happiness. Tom and Sophia over- come enormous obstacles before finding their way home and to each other.
“This is a classic adaptation with a wise soul and a great big smile on its face.”
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