Renowned for her exceptional storytelling, English screenwriting icon Sally Wainwright is set to captivate audiences once more. Known for her work on acclaimed series such as Gentleman Jack, Last Tango in Halifax, Happy Valley, and Scott & Bailey, Wainwright’s latest endeavor promises to deliver a heartfelt and comedic exploration of women’s experiences in a male-dominated world. The premise? A group of menopausal women embarking on an unexpected journey to form a punk band. What could be more exhilarating?
With original tracks by the band ARXX, including the poignant anthem “Seeing Red,” which touches on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Riot Women is poised to be an unforgettable ride of laughter and emotion.
When Will Riot Women Be Released?
Mark your calendars! The BBC and BritBox have announced that Riot Women is scheduled to premiere in 2025, although the exact date remains under wraps. Filming has been actively taking place in West Yorkshire throughout 2024. Viewers in the U.K. can catch the series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, while audiences in the U.S. and Canada can tune in via BritBox.
Meet the Talented Cast of Riot Women
Audiences are set to be introduced to vibrant characters brought to life by an outstanding ensemble. Joanna Scanlan, known for her role in The Thick of It, will portray Beth. Sharing the stage are Rosalie Craig from Moonflower Murders as Kitty, Tamsin Greig of Sexy Beast as Holly, Lorraine Ashbourne from Sherwood as Jess, and Amelia Bullmore from Vienna Blood as Yvonne.
Additionally, the cast features Anne Reid as Nancy, Holly and Yvonne’s mother, and Sue Johnston as Jess’ aunt Mary. Joining them are notable actors such as Peter Davison from Doctor Who, Claire Skinner of Outnumbered, and Angel Coulby, famous for her role in Merlin.
What is Riot Women About?
The central theme of Riot Women revolves around these women discovering an outlet for their pent-up frustrations through punk music. As they navigate the challenges of dating, complicated relationships with adult children, absent partners, and demanding careers, they find solace in performing together. This narrative not only captures the essence of their struggles but also promotes a healthy expression of their emotions.
The BBC describes Riot Women as a celebration of friendship, music, and the formidable spirit of women who defy societal expectations tied to age. The official synopsis highlights:
“As they juggle demanding jobs, grown-up children, complicated parents, husbands who’ve buggered off, and disastrous dates and relationships, the band becomes a catalyst for change in their lives, and it’s going to make them question everything. As the story (set in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire) progresses, it’s more than music that binds them; a deeply potent, long-buried secret begins to surface – one that unexpectedly entangles Kitty and Beth, the two unlikely creative masterminds behind the band, in a complex triangle – and threatens to tear everything apart.”
Expressing her enthusiasm, Wainwright shared with the BBC, “I think I am more excited about this than anything else I have ever written. Ever. Oh my God. We have five of the most fabulous actresses on the planet playing the Riot Women. It’s scarily exciting.”
With Wainwright’s impressive track record in crafting engaging television, anticipation builds as viewers look forward to the launch of Riot Women.
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