Dreaming Whilst Black - series cast confirmed ahead of July start

Following its 2021 pilot, Adjani Salmon’s award winning comedy returns for a full series.

With Dreaming Whilst Black landing in July 2023, the BBC have released images and cast details for the show.

Evolving from web-series to a pilot, Dreaming Whilst Black blossoms into a six-episode series co-produced by Big Deal Films and A24 (Euphoria, Everything Everywhere All At Once). This production marks the first UK co-production for A24.

**Here’s the premise for Dreaming Whilst Black:**

Loosely inspired by real life events, Dreaming Whilst Black tells the story of Kwabena, an aspiring filmmaker stuck in a dead-end recruitment job who takes the first step to achieving his dream. However, he is quickly confronted with the tribulations of balancing finances, love, and his own sense of reality.

Dreaming Whilst Black: Dani Moseley as Amy, Adjani Salmon as Kwabena and babirye bukilwa as Vanessa — Dani Moseley (Amy), Adjani Salmon (Kwabena) & babirye bukilwa (Vanessa)

Show creator Adjani Salmon (Doctor Who) reprises his leading role from the web-series and pilot. He’s joined by Dani Moseley (Everything I Know About Love) as Amy, Demmy Ladipo (We Are Lady Parts) as Maurice, Rachel Adedeji (Champion) as Funmi and babirye bukilwa (We Hunt Together) as Vanessa.

Dreaming Whilst Black: Demmy Ladipo as Maurice and Rachel Adedeji as Funmi — Demmy Ladipo (Maurice) & Rachel Adedeji (Funmi)

Also, in supporting roles, there’s Alexander Owen (Jurassic World Dominion) as Adam and Will Hislop (Gangs of London) as Lewis.

Familiar Names

Additionally, there are a number of familiar names popping up in recurring roles. They include Isy Suttie (Peep Show), Peter Serafinowicz (The Tick), Roger Griffiths, Martina Laird, Jo Martin (Doctor Who), Akemnji Ndifornyen (Black Ops) and Steve Furst (The Serpent Queen). Plus, Jessica Hynes (There She Goes) and TV Personality and professional basketball player Ovie Soko will also make guest appearances.

Dreaming Whilst Black - Martina Laird as Aunt Polly, Roger Griffiths as Uncle Claude, Adjani Salmon as Kwabena and Jo Martin as Grace — Martina Laird (Aunt Polly), Roger Griffiths (Uncle Claude), Adjani Salmon (Kwabena) & Jo Martin (Grace)

The executive producers of Dreaming Whilst Black are Dhanny Joshi and Thomas Stogdon for Big Deal Films, and Adjani Salmon. The series is directed by Jermain Julien, Koby Adom, Sebastian Thiel, and Joelle Mae David and produced by Nicola Gregory.

The original web series was co-written by Salmon and Ali Hughes, created by Adjani Salmon, Max Evans, Laura de Sousa Seixas and Natasha Jatania of 4 Quarters Films.

Dreaming Whilst Black lands on BBC Three and iPlayer in late July.