Celebs/TV
BBC gives first look at new drama Then Barbara Met Allen - starring Ruth Madeley
Learn more about the new BBC drama shedding light on disabled civil rights.
Maxine Harrison
Then Barbara Met Alan.
BBC have announced their new drama Then Barbara Met Alan that is set to air in 2022.
This factual series is based on a true story of a campaign that led to positive action for disabled civil rights in Britain.
The series is written by multi Bafta award winner, screenwriter Jack Thorne. Also writing the series is award-winning actor-turned-writer Genevieve Barr.
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The new BBC drama, Then Barbara Met Alan focuses on telling the true story of disability civil rights in the UK through the perspective of two cabaret disabled performers, Barbara Lisicki (Ruth Madeley) and Alan Holdsworth (newcomer Arthur Hughes).
Lisicki and Holdsworth met at a gig in 1989 and they went on to become the force drivers of the campaign group DAN - the Direct Action Network, which organised protests for disabled civil rights.
First look images of the new series have been released and show Barbara Lisicki (Ruth Madeley) and Alan Holdsworth, as well as other members of the cast.
Then Barbara Met Alan is directed by Bafta-winning directors Bruce Goodison and Amit Sharma (Prix Italia).
Bruce's credits include BBC Three's Murdered By My Father and BBC One's hit drama Doctor Foster. Amit's credits include the Bafta-nominated Crip Tales and she has also been associate director of Graeae Theatre Company.
Previously the title of Then Barbara Met Alan was initially announced to be Independence Day? How Disabled Rights Were Won. However, it has since been changed to the name Then Barbara Met Alan.
This drama promises to be an educating watch to anyone wanting to understand more about the history and journey to disabled civil rights in the UK. It will be a way to highlight the struggles those in the disabled community has been through and put a perspective on what more needs to be done today.
The BBC Commissioning Editors for this project are Abigail Priddle and Emma Loach.
There is no official release date announced yet for Then Barbara Met Alan, however, it is expected to air in 2022.
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