Nikki Amuka-Bird & Phoebe Fox to Star in BBC Zadie Smith Drama NW

LONDON: Nikki Amuka-Bird and Phoebe Fox have been cast in the lead roles for the BBC Two and Mammoth Screen adaptation of Zadie Smith’s novel NW.

Amuka-Bird (Luther, Small Island, Birdland) and Fox (A View From the Bridge, Life in Squares, Woman in Black: Angel of Death) will play Natalie and Leah, respectively, two friends who grew up together in North West London, but whose lives have taken them in different directions. Rachel Bennette (Bel Ami) is adapting the book for the small screen. Saul Dibb (Bullet Boy, Line of Beauty, The Duchess, Suite Francaise) is on board to direct the 90-minute drama.

Smith commented: “I am thrilled that NW is being made, and especially pleased that Nikki Amuka-Bird is to play Natalie, a powerful stage actress who I know will bring depth and heart to the role.”

Amuka-Bird said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be taking on the challenge of playing one of Zadie Smith’s characters. She writes vivid, intellectually and emotionally complex women that you can sink your teeth into. NW was my postcode for many years and I was amazed to read a book that so brilliantly and honestly captured the reality of life in one of our most multi-cultural suburbs, so it’s thrilling to be involved in bringing it to the screen.”

Fox added: “Zadie Smith wrote such an honest book about not just North West London but the whole city, and the complex people that inhabit it. Her women, in particular, are so finely drawn, and Rachel Bennette has done a beautiful job in bringing them to life in this adaptation. It’s such a pleasure to be a part of bringing all this to the screen.”