Comedian Eddie Izzard and veteran actor Vanessa Redgrave are among the stars lined up for BBC One's new adaptation of John Wyndham's classic sci-fi novel, The Day of the Triffids. The two-part drama, set to air later this year, also features Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, and Jason Priestley in an all-star cast.
Written by Patrick Harbinson, whose credits include ER and Law & Order, the series is currently in production. It is set in the near future and follows the discovery of the triffid, a plant cultivated for its fuel but which develops a life of its own. When a solar storm blinds billions, the few sighted survivors watch as society collapses, and the triffids escape captivity to breed rapidly, armed with a fatal sting and a taste for human flesh.
Dougray Scott, known for Mission: Impossible II, will play Dr Bill Masen, who leads the fight against the triffids. Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck) appears as Jo Playton, Brian Cox (The Bourne Identity) as Dennis Masen, Vanessa Redgrave as Durrant, Eddie Izzard (The Riches) as Torrence, and Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills, 90210) as Coker.
The drama is a co-production between Power, the independent producer behind The Devil's Whore, and Canadian company Prodigy Pictures. Julie Gardner, head of drama at BBC Wales and executive producer, said: 'The incredible cast lined-up for The Day of the Triffids is testament to the quality of Patrick Harbinson's script. We hope audiences, both old and new, will be captivated by this modern take of John Wyndham's classic best-selling novel.'
Justin Bodle, executive producer for Power, promised 'amazing effects and iconic locations' that would deliver the 'drama mini-series event of 2009'. Filming is taking place in south-east England until April, with Stephen Smallwood producing and Nick Copus directing.
