The BBC has released first-look images of its upcoming four-part supernatural thriller, The Witch Farm, and fans have shared their enthusiasm for the highly anticipated drama.
The series is set in the Welsh countryside in 1989 and stars Gabrielle Creevy and Michael Socha. Written by Danny Robins, known for the West End production of 2:22 - A Ghost Story, the paranormal podcast and television series Uncanny, and the docu-drama podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, the series draws inspiration from Robins's podcast of the same name.
Cast and first-look images revealed
This week, the broadcaster released a string of images and confirmed other stars joining the cast. Alongside Gabrielle and Michael, actors Sian Gibson, Robert Pugh, Edward Holcroft and Roger Evans are also starring in the programme.
One image shows a group of people holding hands around a table as they look up towards the ceiling as though hearing something from above. Another shows a close-up of actor Lewis Lloyd, who plays Jonathan, the teenage son of Liz (Gabrielle) and Bill (Michael). Another shows two men at a garden party smiling with a drink in hand, while one shows a pregnant woman in front of a brick wall outside, which has ominous carvings and symbols on it.
Fans react to the announcement
It wasn't long before people commented on the post, with one person saying: "Loved the podcast version, so this is very exciting." Someone else wrote: "Eeeeee!! I can’t wait for something spooky." While another added: "Ooohh, brilliant really looking forward to this, if its as good as the pod cast we are all in for a real treat."
A fourth commented: "I loved the podcast series!! So excited for the tv adaptation!!" Someone else shared: "Oh my goodness starring Michael Socha too !! Danny you are treating us with this spooky story."
Plot synopsis and production details
A synopsis for the show details that the programme will follow Liz, Bill and their son's move from London to a remote modern farmhouse in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. However, while their isolation first feels like freedom, things take a turn when 'frightening, inexplicable things begin to happen'. As a strange figure begins to appear, the family grow fearful as a 'steady escalation' of unexplained disturbances begin to happen as they get the 'unsettling sence they are not alone'.
While Liz and Bill decide to investigate into the house, they learn that it has a history which refuses to stay buried. Although it seems as though it's not only the land that has secrets as their marriage also begins to unravel, 'testing the limits of trust, belief, and what they're willing to deny in order to survive'.
James Gandhi, executive producer for Mammoth Screen, says: "We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Danny Robins’s The Witch Farm to the screen. Danny is a master storyteller, and we hope this will thrill and terrify the BBC audience. We couldn’t be happier to have Stacey Gregg directing, and Gabrielle and Michael leading the cast!"
The BBC has not yet announced an exact release date for when The Witch Farm will air.
