BBC Two announces new drama based on Salisbury Novichok poisonings

The BBC has confirmed a new two-part drama about the 2018 Salisbury Novichok poisonings.

Titled simply Salisbury, the series will air on BBC Two.

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, and Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two announced the commission this week.

The BBC tease: “The two-part drama tells the story of how ordinary people reacted to a crisis on their doorstep, displaying extraordinary heroism as their city became the focus of an unprecedented national emergency.”

The drama is written by Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, and produced by Dancing Ledge Productions for BBC Two.

Writers Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn said: “We feel extremely privileged to be telling this story.

“Extensive, meticulous research is at the heart of how we like to work and we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Salisbury who have opened up to us over the past few months and continue to do so.

“This is an extraordinary story full of ordinary heroes, the tale of how a community responded to an inconceivable event.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “BBC Two plugs into contemporary issues and dilemmas of the modern world, and has a rich history of exploring true stories from different perspectives in a sensitive and considered way.

“The poisonings in Salisbury shocked the nation and had a huge impact on an unsuspecting community.

“This drama will capture the bravery, resilience and personal experience of the local people who faced a situation of unimaginable horror, so close to home.”

Laurence Bowen, Dancing Ledge Productions CEO, commented: “This is the story of the poisonings in Salisbury that hasn’t been told – the story of a community living through the real life horror of an invisible threat that could and did kill without warning, a story of tragedy but also of resilience, and pride.

“It’s a real privilege to be involved in its telling.”

Casting will be announced in due course.