Channel 4 has today released the first look at Screw, a new drama series produced by STV Studios and written by BAFTA-nominated writer Rob Williams (The Victim, Killing Eve), which was filmed earlier this year in Glasgow’s historic Kelvin Hall.
We’re introduced to the staff (both male and female) of C Wing in a busy men’s prison, a place that’s bursting at the seams with humour, emotional high stakes and danger for prisoners and officers alike. This is life in prison as it’s rarely seen on British television.
At the head of our group of embattled prison officer ‘screws’ is Leigh (Nina Sosanya – His Dark Materials, Killing Eve), a woman who has devoted her entire adult life to this prison and its population. Leigh keeps her inmates in line and has their backs when they need it. But she is an enigma to her team and has her own secrets that, if discovered, could cost her more than her job.
Into the pressure cooker of Long Marsh Prison enters Rose (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell – Derry Girls), a 21-year-old trainee officer. It’s a baptism of fire even for this street-smart young woman. She joins fellow screws Ali (Faraz Ayub - Line of Duty, Bodyguard), Gary (Stephen Wight - I May Destroy You, Manhunt), Don (Ron Donachie - Titanic, Game of Thrones), and Jackie (Laura Checkley - King Gary, Detectorists).
Inspired by the creator’s experience of working and volunteering in prisons, this series brings us a view of incarceration unlike any other. Through a vibrant and multi-layered cast of characters, Screw tackles contemporary stories head on – but always cut through with comedy, irreverence and heart.
Earlier this year, Glasgow City Council confirmed plans to create an £11.9m television and film studio inside Kelvin Hall, establishing a creative hub in the heart of the city. A significant set build of a three-storey prison was then undertaken at the iconic building before filming on Screw began in May.
Screw is an STV Studios production for Channel 4, commissioned by Caroline Hollick, Channel 4 Head of Drama and overseen by Gemma Boswell, Channel 4 commissioning editor. Rob Williams is Creator, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, with Karla Crome and Roanne Bardsley completing the writing team. Sarah Brown is Executive Producer for STV Studios (The Victim, Elizabeth is Missing), Brian Kaczynski is Producer (The Cry, Peaky Blinders), and Tom Vaughan (Doctor Foster) and Jordan Hogg (Ackley Bridge) will direct. Banijay Rights will manage global distribution for the series.
Screw is coming to Channel 4 and All 4 in early 2022.