The Light: Channel 4 gives Jack Thorne drama the green light

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Jack Thorne – who previously penned National Treasure, Kiri and Cast Offs – is returning the Channel 4 to launch another series. The BAFTA-winning writer has penned a four-part drama entitled The Light, which sounds like it could be something special.

As Channel 4’s announcement tells us, The Light “will look at disability and focus on the repercussions of a catastrophic disaster that befalls a community in a small Welsh town which has seen more prosperous times.

“The disaster claims the lives of many, children included and, as personal and communal grief gives way to a torrent of anger and blame, the community finds itself torn apart.

“The Light will explore the complex web of decisions and circumstances, both political and personal, that led to the fatal event. The community feels powerless in the face of seemingly inexorable political and business forces but the drama asks to what extent they are complicit in their own fate.”

Intriguing stuff, ey? Everyone at Channel 4 certainly seems to be chuffed that Thorne has returned for another of his thought-provoking gritty dramas. Beth Willis, the channel’s head of drama, has shared this statement:

“We are delighted to be working once more with the immensely talented Jack Thorne. Jack has a singular ability to explore some of the most complex and challenging topics facing modern Britain today with warmth and empathy, and also with sharp insight and fearless scrutiny. The Light (w/t) promises to be another powerful examination of guilt, blame, responsibility and culpability.”

And Mr Thorne himself said this:

 “I cannot believe Channel 4 has afforded us this opportunity. At the beginning of National Treasure we started talking about the possibilities of a trilogy which peeked behind the curtains of this country and tried to ask difficult questions about who we are and how the media paints us. I am so delighted we are going to get to finish that trilogy off. I’ve loved working with Beth, Channel 4 and The Forge on this.”

Shooting is expected to begin in 2019, so we’ll keep you posted as this exciting project develops. There’s no word yet on the cast or release date for The Light, but we’ll let you know when we find them out.