25/03/2009
Channel 4 To Film Mowlam Drama
Acclaimed actress Julie Walters will play former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam (pictured) in a one-off Channel 4 drama, to be filmed this summer.
The film will focus on the late politician's contribution to the province's peace process and highlight her time in Tony Blair's New Labour government.
Ms Mowlam was a key player in forming the 1998 Good Friday Agreement during her two year tenure at Hillsborough Castle.
The MP was first diagnosed with cancer in 1997, suffering from a brain tumour. She died in 2005, aged 55.
Simply entitled Mo, the drama will be shot this summer and broadcast on Channel 4 next year.
Neil McKay, the writer behind ITV's See No Evil: The Moors Murders, based the Mo screenplay on interviews he had with Ms Mowlam's family, friends and political colleagues.
He also met with former First Minister Lord Trimble and Sinn Feín Executive Minister Martin McGuinness.
Liza Marchall, Head of Channel 4 drama, said: "Mo Mowlam is one of the most inspiring figures of our recent political past and I can't think of an actress who could more powerfully capture her energy, wit and ultimately the tragedy of her situation than Julie Walters."
The rest of the cast is yet to be confirmed.
Details of the film were discussed at the unveiling of the station's spring and summer line-up.
Channel 4 said it will aim to "depict both the politician and the woman behind the public persona", the drama "is also a personal portrait and love story, depicting the happiness she found late in life through marriage, and her courageous battle with ill-health."
(PR/BMcC)
The film will focus on the late politician's contribution to the province's peace process and highlight her time in Tony Blair's New Labour government.
Ms Mowlam was a key player in forming the 1998 Good Friday Agreement during her two year tenure at Hillsborough Castle.
The MP was first diagnosed with cancer in 1997, suffering from a brain tumour. She died in 2005, aged 55.
Simply entitled Mo, the drama will be shot this summer and broadcast on Channel 4 next year.
Neil McKay, the writer behind ITV's See No Evil: The Moors Murders, based the Mo screenplay on interviews he had with Ms Mowlam's family, friends and political colleagues.
He also met with former First Minister Lord Trimble and Sinn Feín Executive Minister Martin McGuinness.
Liza Marchall, Head of Channel 4 drama, said: "Mo Mowlam is one of the most inspiring figures of our recent political past and I can't think of an actress who could more powerfully capture her energy, wit and ultimately the tragedy of her situation than Julie Walters."
The rest of the cast is yet to be confirmed.
Details of the film were discussed at the unveiling of the station's spring and summer line-up.
Channel 4 said it will aim to "depict both the politician and the woman behind the public persona", the drama "is also a personal portrait and love story, depicting the happiness she found late in life through marriage, and her courageous battle with ill-health."
(PR/BMcC)
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27 May 2009
TV Drama Relives Mowlan Legacy
Filming has begun in Belfast for a new TV drama on the life of the former NIO Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam, pictured. The film, to be aired by Channel 4 in 2010, stars Oscar-nominated actress Julie Walters in the role of Mowlam.
TV Drama Relives Mowlan Legacy
Filming has begun in Belfast for a new TV drama on the life of the former NIO Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam, pictured. The film, to be aired by Channel 4 in 2010, stars Oscar-nominated actress Julie Walters in the role of Mowlam.
16 November 2010
Lyric Drama Lives On As Theatre Rebuilt
As work nears completion on the new Lyric Theatre in south Belfast, ongoing work by the Lyric Drama Studio is to open its second season with drama students presenting their production of Russian playwrights The Presnyakov Brothers' black comedy Terrorism.
Lyric Drama Lives On As Theatre Rebuilt
As work nears completion on the new Lyric Theatre in south Belfast, ongoing work by the Lyric Drama Studio is to open its second season with drama students presenting their production of Russian playwrights The Presnyakov Brothers' black comedy Terrorism.
13 May 2010
BAFTA Nominations Celebrated
Regional TV production has been given a fillip this week with news that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has nominated several Northern Ireland-made programmes for its annual Television Awards.
BAFTA Nominations Celebrated
Regional TV production has been given a fillip this week with news that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has nominated several Northern Ireland-made programmes for its annual Television Awards.
16 May 2006
Children's park named in honour of Mo Mowlam
A children's park within the grounds of the Stormont estate has today been named after former Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam. Ms Mowlam, was one of the most popular and respected NI Secretary's during the her time in office between 1997 and 1999. She died in August last year after a lengthy illness at the age of 55.
Children's park named in honour of Mo Mowlam
A children's park within the grounds of the Stormont estate has today been named after former Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam. Ms Mowlam, was one of the most popular and respected NI Secretary's during the her time in office between 1997 and 1999. She died in August last year after a lengthy illness at the age of 55.
02 December 2005
Hillsborough gathering celebrates life of Mo Mowlam
A celebration of the life of former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam took place at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday. Some 200 guests attended the event which was hosted by current Secretary of State Peter Hain and attended by Mo’s husband Jon Norton and family.
Hillsborough gathering celebrates life of Mo Mowlam
A celebration of the life of former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam took place at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday. Some 200 guests attended the event which was hosted by current Secretary of State Peter Hain and attended by Mo’s husband Jon Norton and family.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.