Trespasses - Press Pack
Category: Press PackTRESPASSES is a four-part series from BAFTA award-winning and double Oscar nominated Wildgaze Films (Brooklyn, An Education).
Adapted by rising talent Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters, Run & Jump) and based on Louise Kennedy’s breakout debut novel published by Bloomsbury, which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, Trespasses is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles.
Directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Material), Lola Petticrew plays Cushla, a sparky young woman whose hopes and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life. Tom Cullen plays Michael, a barrister, alongside Gillian Anderson as Gina, Cushla’s mother, a ‘glorious wreck’ who is constantly sparring with her daughter.
Trespasses is executive produced by Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education) for Wildgaze Films. Gillian Anderson, Dawn Shadforth, Louise Kennedy and Finola Dwyer also executive produce. The producer is Maria Mulhall (The Night Caller, The Dry). All3Media International are the global partner with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.
Series Credits
Lola Petticrew – ‘Cushla Lavery’
Tom Cullen – ‘Michael Agnew’
Gillian Anderson – ‘Gina Lavery’ and Executive Producer
Ailbhe Keogan – Screenwriter
Dawn Shadforth – Director and Executive Producer
Louise Kennedy – Novelist and Executive Producer
Amanda Posey – Executive Producer
Finola Dwyer – Executive Producer
Maria Mulhall – Producer
Martin McCann – ‘Eamonn Lavery’
Emily Taaffe – ‘Betty McGeown’
Oisín Thompson – ‘Gerry Harkin’
Barry Wad – ‘Victor McIntyre’
Series Synopsis
TRESPASSES is the story of Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life in 1975 Northern Ireland is shadowed by the Troubles. Amid curfews, bombings, and betrayals, she works nights in her family’s pub, serving both sides and British soldiers, when she meets and falls for Michael - an older, married Protestant barrister. Their affair is intoxicating and dangerous. Cushla’s world is full of defiant spirits: her drunk, sharp-tongued mother Gina, her lively pupils, and beloved colleague Gerry. As the forbidden love between Cushla and Michael deepens, violence looms and tensions rise. Cushla is pulled between duty and desire, family and freedom.
Episode Synopsis
Episode 1:
Cushla, a Catholic teacher, falls for a married Protestant barrister in 1975 Belfast. As passion grows in secret, sectarian violence and scrutiny close in, forcing her to risk everything for a love that defies the divide.
Episode 2:
As Cushla’s affair deepens, tensions rise at school and home. Her kindness with her pupil Davy backfires, her mother Gina’s drinking worsens and her love for Michael is tested by betrayal, jealousy and the dangerous politics closing in around them.
Episode 3:
As Michael speaks out more boldly in public, Cushla and his friends fear for him. Cushla and Michael’s love deepens amid secrets and danger. She discovers he’s lied about his family confronts him, and he promises to love her honestly Just as they commit, tragedy strikes, devastating Cushla and shaking their community to its core.
Episode 4:
A grieving Cushla confides in Gerry and Gina. Tommy is charged with murder and the McGeown’s lose their home. Cushla seeks the truth, leading to a shocking climax for the Lavery’s that unites them. Years later, Cushla encounters Davy again.
