BBC One Orders Drama Inspired by Windrush Immigration Scandal

BBC One has commissioned the feature-length drama Sitting in Limbo, written by Stephen S. Thompson, from The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures.

Sitting in Limbo marks Thompson’s first screenplay for television. He based the 90-minute drama on the true story of his brother Anthony Bryan and his personal struggle to be accepted as a British Citizen during the Windrush immigration scandal.

Thompson said: “Like everyone caught up in the Windrush scandal, Anthony has been severely traumatized by the experience. It has badly affected his confidence and left him questioning his very identity. As his brother, I saw what he went through firsthand. I couldn’t bear the idea that he had suffered in vain and it made me determined to tell his story. For me, this is personal.”

Lila Rawlings, executive producer for Left Bank Pictures, added: “Stephen’s firsthand experience of his brother’s ordeal enables us to tell this story from inside the family; to really understand what it feels like to be betrayed by the country one has called home for over fifty years. This will be a drama about our modern Britain and is—in many ways—a precursor to where we find ourselves today. The BBC has supported and championed our work on the project from the very first meeting, and we believe it’s the perfect home for the show.”

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, said: “I work very closely with Charlotte Moore to seek out the most compelling and inspiring British real-life stories to tell. Stephen’s script is terrific and we’re honored his first screenplay for TV will be on BBC One. Anthony’s story is incredibly important and one that needs to be told with urgency.”