United Kingdom – September 26, 2023
Vicky McClure, renowned for her role in “Line of Duty,” is set to headline the cast of Paramount+ UK’s upcoming drama, “Insomnia.” This Left Bank Pictures production, based on Sarah Pinborough’s gripping sleep deprivation thriller novel, was initially revealed back in March. Now, as the show gears up for its scheduled 2024 debut, the cast has been unveiled, along with the exciting news that McClure’s production company, Build Your Own Films, has joined the project.
Joining McClure are a talented ensemble, including Tom Cullen, Leanne Best, Lyndsey Marshal, Dominic Tighe, Jade Harrison, Corinna Marlowe, Robert Gilbert, Michelle Bonnard, India Fowler, and Smylie Bradwell. The series will be directed by Börkur Sigthorsson, known for his work on “The Midwich Cuckoos” and “Baptiste,” and he joins a team of executive producers that includes Andy Harries, Jessica Burdett, Tim Bricknell, and Sarah Pinborough.
In “Insomnia,” McClure takes on the role of Emma Averill, a highly successful career woman whose dream life takes a nightmarish turn when she suddenly stops sleeping, echoing her mother’s descent into violent psychosis on the eve of her fortieth birthday.
McClure’s impressive acting resume includes her acclaimed work in “Line of Duty,” the ITV thriller “Trigger Point,” and her role in Shane Meadows’ Channel 4 series, “This Is England.”
Tom Cullen, known for his role in “The Gold,” takes on the character of Emma’s devoted spouse, Robert, in the series. Joining him are Smylie Bradwell from “Wisting” and India Fowler from “The Nevers,” who portray their on-screen children, Will and Chloe. Leanne Best, known for “Bolan’s Shoes,” steps into the role of Emma’s estranged sister, Phoebe, and Corinna Marlowe (“Hysteria”) portrays Emma’s mother, Patricia.
Vicky McClure expressed her excitement about the project, saying, “Myself and BYO Films are really excited to be working alongside Left Bank on Insomnia. It’s a very different role for me. Sarah Pinborough has written such an exciting script. We have a fantastic cast, crew, and production team all set for a very fulfilling few months ahead.”
The show is produced by Charlotte Essex, with Sarah Pinborough adapting her novel for the screen. Left Bank Pictures collaborates with All3Media-backed BYO Films, and Sony Pictures Television will handle international distribution.
“Insomnia” is part of Paramount+’s global strategy to commission 150 international original series by 2025, joining a roster of UK originals such as “A Gentleman in Moscow,” “The Castaways,” and “The Killing Kind,” which premiered earlier this month.
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