Michael Sheen Directing New BBC Drama

The BBC has ordered The Way, a new drama co-created by Michael Sheen, James Graham and Adam Curtis.

Sheen (Good Omens, Staged) also serves as director on the project, marking his directorial debut for television.

Graham (Sherwood, Quiz) is writing, and Curtis (The Power of Nightmares, HyperNormalisation) is also an EP. It is developed and executive produced by Bethan Jones (War & Peace, Les Miserables).

The 3×1-hour series is Wales-based company Red Seam’s first production, made in association with Little Door Productions, and will film in and around Port Talbot later this year. The series taps into the social and political chaos of today’s world by imagining a civil uprising that begins in a small industrial town.

The Way was co-commissioned with BBC Wales and will air on BBC One and Player.

Sheen said: “I’m such an admirer of Adam and James’ work, so to create this project with them in these extraordinary times has been thrilling. I’m so excited to be telling this global story through the prism of my hometown and its community as we dig into the rollercoaster ride of our recent past and the mysterious depths that lay beneath.”

Graham said: “Working with Michael Sheen and Adam Curtis on building this story has been one of those ‘pinch-me’ moments in the life of a writer. To tell a story set in Michael’s home community and tap into all the political and social themes of the moment—strikes, division, chaos and a loss of control—all while infusing it, we hope, with humor, magic and imagination has been the most creatively satisfying experience.”

Curtis added: “This is a really timely way to examine one of the great puzzles of this moment—why is it so hard to imagine a better or even just different, kind of future for this country? What is holding us back? I can’t think of two more amazing people to do that with than James and Michael.”

Jones commented: “The development of The Way has been a unique process – from the original idea and concept presented by Michael to the challenges of exploring the authenticity of the story with Adam and the joy of seeing it all brought together by James through brilliant characters and storytelling. It’s been a passion project for us all for some time, and it’s very exciting to finally be making it with our brilliant production team and Little Door Productions’ invaluable support.”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: “The Way is a brave new drama that is both deeply grounded in its authenticity yet packed with imaginative spirit, as we follow the incredible journey of one family. It’s a privilege to be teaming up with Michael, James and Adam—three of our country’s most creative minds – to bring their vision to the BBC.”

Nick Andrews, head of commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, said: “Sometimes a story fizzles and crackles with such energy and promise that its production can’t come soon enough. The Way is one of those stories, and BBC Cymru Wales is delighted to be a part of the adventure. The creative team behind this project is ridiculously talented, and backing the best people to do their best work is what we are all about.”

Gerwyn Evans, deputy director of Creative Wales, said: “Through Creative Wales’ MOU with BBC Cymru, we are keen to build on our successful partnership arrangements with an exciting slate of productions coming to screen in 2023. The Way is an excellent example of how we can use even more made-in-Wales content, using Welsh talent to tell our uniquely Welsh stories.”