Claire McGlassons Novel The Rapture Being Adapted For TV By UK Firm Hillbilly
Claire McGlassons debut novel about a real-life cult, set in 1920s England, is being turned into a t..
Claire McGlassons debut novel about a real-life cult, set in 1920s England, is being turned into a television series after Hillbilly Television optioned the rights.
The UK drama production company, which was founded byPolly Leys and Kate Norrish, is to develop a TV adaptation of The Rapture, which will be published in June 2019 by Faber and Faber, after fighting off fierce competition for the novel.
The Rapture is a story of madness and friendship, repressed emotions and acts of true devotion. It is set in 1926 in the UK market town of Bedford. A woman calling herself Octavia and claiming to be the Daughter of God is gathering followers, in what she believes was the original site of Eden. After the First World War claims countless husbands and sons, leaving many women alone, they are ready to find hope in Octavias Panacea Society. But one young member of the cult, in which members are required to spy on each other and report even the smallest transgression, isnt there by choice. Dilys starts to untangle the truth from the lies.
Hillbilly previously produced ITV crime drama The Level, which starred Phillip Glenister, Karla Crome and Laura Haddock, Debbie Tucker Greens single-drama Random for Channel 4 and comedy drama Loaded, which was co-produced with Israels Keshet for Channel 4 and AMC.
McGlasson said, “Hillbilly feels like the perfect fit for a story about femininity and power. Kate and Polly have an incredible vision for my novel and are passionate about championing women in their industry. I couldnt be more delighted to be working with them.”
Hillbillys Kate Norrish added, We fell in love with Claires wonderful novel the minute we read it. At Hillbilly, we seek out projects that offer up something different – a fresh perspective, characters weve not seen before, stories that offer a sideways glance at the world. The Rapture offers all of this and more.
