Mayflies Adaptation Coming to BBC

BBC and BBC Scotland, in association with All3Media International, have co-commissioned a two-part series adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s novel Mayflies.

Mayflies centers on Jimmy and Tully, two boys from a small Scottish town who manage to stay connected for 30 years, even when Jimmy moves to London. When Tully calls one night with terrible news and a request, their friendship, love and loyalty are put to the test.

Peter Mackie Burns (Rialto, Daphne, Milk) is on board to direct the miniseries, with Martin Compston (Line of Duty, Vigil), Tony Curran (Your Honor, Outlaw King, Doctor Who) and Ashley Jensen (After Life, Extras) set to star. BAFTA-nominated Andrea Gibb (Elizabeth is Missing, Swallows and Amazons, Dear Frankie, Call The Midwife) is serving as screenwriter.

The adaptation is being produced by Synchronicity Films (The Cry, Only You), with Claire Mundell as lead executive producer. Additional executive producers are Gibb, O’Hagan and the BBC’s Gaynor Holmes and Gavin Smith.

“Andrew’s novel is nostalgic, poignant and moving, following a lifelong friendship and exploring the optimism of youth and the realities of later life,” said Mundell, founder and creative director at Synchronicity Films. “It honestly depicts the bonds and boundaries of a shared life and values. We are excited to be working with Andrew, Peter, Andrea and the BBC to collaborate on an authentic scripted adaptation of this acclaimed Scottish novel.”

“Adapting Andrew O’Hagan’s magnificent novel has been one of the highlights of my career,” Gibb said. “Andrew tells his story of enduring male friendship with love, truth, tenderness and a searing humanity. There’s not an ounce of sentimentality. It’s very funny and deeply moving. The characters of Tully and Jimmy are instantly recognizable and totally unforgettable. Both are so alive and vibrant they leap off the page. It’s been a joy and a privilege living with them.”

O’Hagan added, “For a while now, I’ve admired the work of Synchronicity Films—Scottish in its bones and international in complexion—and it’s a thrill to see them bringing Mayflies to BBC One. The story is a very personal one to me, and it’s amazing to see the characters come to life in Andrea Gibb’s wonderful adaptation. Director Peter Mackie Burns has a singular vision, and I look forward to seeing what he makes of the Ayrshire landscape and the emotional reality of this story.”