New Dennis Kelly drama for BBC

Dennis Kelly, the writer known for Utopia and Matilda the Musical has been working on a new series with the BBC, here’s what we know so far

Dennis Kelly has written a series based on Andy West’s 2022 memoir The Life Inside. Filming took place in Liverpool and had finished earlier this year.

What’s it about?

Waiting For The Out (w/t) follows Dan, who begins teaching philosophy in prison, mirroring Andy West’s vocation. As he continues to work with prisoners, Dan takes another look at parts of his own life like his relationship with his father and brother. The series will look at topics such as dominance, freedom and luck.

Who’s in it?

Samantha Spiro, Alex Ferns (Me Before You), Stephen Wight (The Batman), Josh Finan (I May Destroy You), Phil Daniels (Chicken Run), Sule Rimi (Foundation), Gerard Kearns (The Last Kingdom), Jude Mack (Ted Lasso), Steve Meo (Torchwood), Nima Taleghani (Heartstopper), Francis Lovehall (A Thousand Blows), Ronke Adekoluejo (Doctor Who), Neal Barry (Ashes to Ashes), Samuel W Hodgson (Adolescence), Charlie Rix (The Rings of Power), Tom Moutchi (Gladiator II), Grant Crookes (Wicked Little Letters), Andi Jashy (Central Intelligence), David Stoller (Andor), Tom Beattie, Kieran Stokes (The Gathering), Jake Richards (The Larkins), Faraz M. Khan (Eastenders), Alan P. Jones, Lynott Lord Cassidy (Mrs. Lowry and Son), Ric Renton (Censor) and Sasha Brooks have been confirmed to star in Waiting For The Out (w/t).

Who’s behind it?

Dennis Kelly will be writing alongside Levi David Addai (Kafas), with Jeanette Nordahl (The Responder) and Ben Palmer (Douglas Is Cancelled) confirmed as directors. The series will be produced by SISTER (This Is Going to Hurt).

When’s it out?

Waiting For The Out (w/t) is set to air early 2026.

More First Look pictures:

Want to see more? Check out the whole set here.