TWO WEEKS IN AUGUST: NEW EIGHT-PART DRAMA ANNOUNCED FOR BBC ONE

The BBC has commissioned Two Weeks in August from Various Artists Limited (I May Destroy You, Such Brave Girls). Written and created by Catherine Shepherd (Sally4Ever, The Shrink Next Door) for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, Two Weeks in August is an original eight-part drama series.

Set in Greece, Two Weeks in August tells the story of a woman who goes on holiday with her family and friends to rediscover joy in her life. But here in paradise, what starts with an illicit kiss, quickly turns the dream holiday into a nightmare. Zoe begins to act on her deepest desires and the holiday she hoped for becomes a reckoning for a group of adults who refuse to grow up.

When they discover they are trapped on the island, and become faced with real life-or-death situations, the group soon turn on each other to find out who is to blame. Is Zoe responsible for the drama and destruction around her or, as heaven turns to hell, are bigger forces at play? We are in Greece after all, the land of the ancient Gods…

Roberto Troni and Kat Reynolds from Various Artists Limited say: “Two Weeks in August is Catherine Shepherd’s painfully funny and heartbreakingly original show that focuses on a group of friends who reconnect on a summer holiday and discover more about themselves and each other than they could have imagined...

"Catherine’s writing is both intimate and epic and we’re delighted that her exceptional scripts are gathering a supremely talented cast and creative team, with the incredible support of the BBC and ITV Studios. The emotional struggles of her characters speak to how so many of us feel about trying to live life to the fullest, whilst the world around us burns. Sometimes, literally. We think audiences are in for a real treat.”

Catherine Shepherd says: "I am so excited to be bringing this story to the screen and very grateful for the unwavering support and nurture I’ve been shown at VAL while writing the scripts and to the BBC and ITV Studios for their belief and commitment. I’m also delighted to be working with kindred spirits, Tom George and Matthew Moore as directors, who share a vision for the show...

"This is a story about what it’s like to try and be happy in a very anxious and confusing world and at its core, about a woman struggling to play all the roles she’s been given by life. How do you enjoy yourself for two weeks in August when the world appears to be falling apart around you? I hope it will be as funny and sad, as thrilling, beautiful, ridiculous and heartbreaking as real relationships between humans are."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “We could not be happier to have Two Weeks in August to look forward to! Catherine’s writing is razor sharp and hilarious, but ultimately full of compassion and humanity, and it’s an honour to join forces with her and VAL to bring her first original drama series to the BBC.”

Two Weeks in August’s lead director is Tom George (This Country, Sherwood) who will direct episodes 1-4. Matthew Moore (The Great, Colin from Accounts) will direct episodes 5-8. Two Weeks in August goes into production soon and will be shot in Malta and Gozo with the help of local production company Pellikola.

Two Weeks in August is a Various Artists Limited production and was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama.