Birkbeck - University of London
Birkbeck - University of London
09/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/24/2024 05:41
Birkbeck lecturer's new TV show commissioned by ITV and new play for the National Theatre announced
24 September 2024
David Eldridge's new espionage thriller, "Betrayal", follows a conflicted MI5 officer balancing national security threats with personal struggles while the National Theatre will premiere the final play in his trilogy "End".
David EldridgeDavid Eldridge, Creating Writing lecturer in the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communicationat Birkbeck, hastwo new written works whichhave beencommissioned by major cultural institutions. He has written a new espionage drama, Betrayal, which has been commissioned by ITV. He is also returning to the National Theatre, which has programmedhis new play, End.
Betrayalis set in the secretive world of MI5 and follows John Hughes, played by Shaun Evans, a troubled intelligence officer struggling to navigate shifting national security threats while facing personal crises. The series explores John's battle to balance his professional duty with the demands of his family life, as well as his internal conflicts as he tries to uncover a dangerous plot that puts his career and the country's security at risk.
Endis the final play in acritically acclaimedtrilogy for the National Theatre exploringrelationships at pivotal moments. Beginning premiered in 2017 before transferring to the West End, Middle following in 2022. Both critically acclaimed plays have been translated and performed all over the world.
David has an extensive career across stage and screen. His theatre credits include The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (Chichester Festival Theatre), In Basildon (Royal CourtTheatre), and Holy Warriors(Shakespeare's Globe). His work has also been staged at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, the Almeida, and at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. His screenwriting credits include Killers, Our Hidden Lives andThe Scandalous Lady W (BBC). David commented:
"I'm thrilled to be working with ITV and Mammoth Screen on Betrayal, an espionage drama rooted as much in the trials and betrayals of family life as in the bloody, dangerous business of spying. And it is thrilling too to complete my trilogy for the National Theatre. I am so conscious of how important it is for students taking undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Creative Writing to see that their lecturers are not only teaching the craft but actively practicingit.I believe this connection between scholarly expertise and creative practice truly enriches the educational experience."
Betrayalwill begin filming in early 2025 and is set to air on ITV and ITVX. Endwill open at the Dorfman Theatre in November 2025.