Cast Set for Gurinder Chadha Drama Beecham House

Tom Bateman (Vanity Fair, Jekyll and Hyde) and Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) are among those cast in ITV’s epic drama Beecham House, co-created, written and directed by Gurinder Chadha.

Set on the cusp of the 19th century in Delhi before the British ruled in that region, the drama depicts the fortunes of the residents of Beecham House, an imposing mansion surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns. The six-part series starts filming this month in India and at Ealing Studios. It was co-created by Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Viceroy’s House, Bhaji on the Beach) and Shahrukh Husain (In Custody).

Joining Bateman and Nicol are Gregory Fitoussi (Mr Selfridge, Spiral), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan, Ackley Bridge), Marc Warren (Safe, Hustle), Pallavi Sharda, Dakota Blue Richards (Endeavour), Leo Suter (Victoria) and Bessie Carter (Les Miserables).

FremantleMedia International will act as the global distributor for the series.

Polly Hill, ITV’s head of drama, said: “I am delighted to commission this epic and ambitious new drama from the brilliant Gurinder Chadha. Tom Bateman is perfect casting as John Beecham and we’re thrilled Lesley Nicol, Adil Ray, Pallavi Sharda, Marc Warren and Gregory Fitoussi have agreed to play such key roles. Gurinder brings a fresh take to period drama, but at its heart are wonderful characters and a compelling story that will make this a treat in the ITV schedule next year.”

Chadha said: “Beecham House is a passion project that is driven by my commitment to telling diverse, emotionally engaging stories for mainstream international audiences. I am thrilled to be working with Polly Hill and ITV Drama who share my belief that period drama can be entertaining, ambitious and relevant to key issues of today. I am assembling a vibrant cast of British and Indian actors to play original characters that will appeal to global audiences hungry to see stories from a unique point of view. I grew up with Raj dramas like Jewel in the Crown, The Far Pavilions and A Passage To India. Beecham House is my chance to tell those stories from a British Asian perspective.”