Multi-award-winning scouse scribe Jimmy McGovern and cast members will be among the audience when Series 2 of McGovern’s BBC prison drama Time premieres in Liverpool next month.
The red carpet event at St George’s Hall, on Tuesday, October 17, includes a preview of the first episode, ahead of its broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this Autumn, followed by a Q&A session with key cast and creatives hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Ngunan Adamu.
Told through the lens of three very different inmates, the three-parter is a moving and high-stakes portrayal of life inside a women’s prison. Arriving at Carlingford Prison on the same day, Kelsey (Bella Ramsey), Orla (Jodie Whittaker) and Abi (Tamara Lawrance) are thrown together to face an unfamiliar world.
Time is set and made in the Liverpool City Region as part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy, moving creative spend and decision-making to better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the country and ensure every household receives value from the BBC.
Two years after setting out the transformational blueprint, the BBC is ahead of target to meet and exceed the commitment to 60% of Network TV commissioning spend outside of London by its next charter renewal in 2027.
Kate Squire, head of the BBC in the North West said: “The BBC is proud to present extraordinary drama and content from Liverpool – and of all the places our audiences live and love.
“This is a testament to the investment in and partnerships between BBC Studios, the exceptional talent of Jimmy McGovern and creative organisations in and around Liverpool. We are serious about the development of world class talent and bold storytelling in every part of the UK.”
The first instalment of Time was a huge hit for the BBC, with an average of 11.6 million viewers across its three-part run (30-day BBC all-screens data). The series, which starred Sean Bean and Stephen Graham, won the 2022 BAFTA Television award for best mini-series.
Time series two (3×60’) is a BBC Studios production for the BBC, in a co-production with BritBox North America. As with the first series, additional funding and support comes from the Liverpool Film Office through its Liverpool City Region Production Fund. Filming took place in and around Liverpool. Global distribution will be handled by BBC Studios.
The series is produced by Mark Hedges (Hanna, The Rising), with executive producers Priscilla Parish, Michael Parke and Andrew Morrissey for BBC Studios, Lucy Richer for the BBC, Reemah Sakaan and Stephen Nye for BritBox North America, and Jimmy McGovern.
McGovern added: “Absolutely delighted to be holding this event in my home town. Please come. It really is worth watching.”
Don’t let McGovern down, and head to the BBC Shows and Tours website for free tickets.
