In an exciting revelation, the BBC has unveiled the first captivating images from its upcoming LGBTQ+ drama series, “Lost Boys & Fairies”. The series promises to bring viewers on a heartfelt journey of love, adoption, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of the vibrant LGBTQ+ club-space “Neverland”.
Lead actors Sion Daniel Young, known for his roles in “The Left Behind” and “Deceit”, and Fra Fee, famous for his work in “Cabaret” and “Hawkeye”, take centre stage as Gabriel and Andy, respectively, charting the couple’s tender story of love and their road to adoption. Created and written by Welsh talent Daf James, with direction by James Kent, known for “The Capture” and “Testament of Youth”, and production by Duck Soup Films, “Lost Boys & Fairies” is set to grace screens on BBC One, BBC Cymru Wales, and BBC iPlayer.
The ensemble cast also includes Elizabeth Berrington (“Stella”, “The Pact”), Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke (“Showtrial”, “Informer”), Maria Doyle Kennedy (“Kin”, “Outlander”), Arwel Gruffydd (“Y Sŵn”, “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”), Shaheen Jafargholi (“Casualty”, “EastEnders”), Mali Ann Rees (“The Pact”, “Keeping Faith”), William Thomas (“Torchwood”), Gwyneth Keyworth (“Alex Rider”, “Fflam”), Gwawr Loader (“Hidden”), and more.
“Lost Boys & Fairies” was filmed in and around the enchanting city of Cardiff, where it breathes life into Gabriel’s performances at the queer club-space “Neverland”. This captivating series follows Gabriel’s poignant journey of self-discovery as he grapples with his childhood memories and strives to mend his relationship with his father before embracing parenthood.
Rebekah Wray-Rogers, Libby Durdy, Jessica Brown Meek, Sophie Francis, Daf James, and James Kent serve as executive producers for Duck Soup Films, with Jo McClellan overseeing for BBC and Nick Andrews for BBC Cymru Wales. The series will be distributed by All3Media International.
Notably, “Lost Boys & Fairies” marks Duck Soup Films’ debut commission for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, as well as Daf James’ first original screenplay for the BBC. The series was initially developed through BBC Writersroom’s TV Drama Writers’ Programme in 2019.
Back in June, upon the announcement of the show, Daf Jones said: “It means the world to me that this queer, Welsh, adoption story has found its home on BBC One. It’s a story I’m deeply passionate about and I can’t overstate how indebted I am to Duck Soup Films and the BBC for empowering me to tell it authentically and without compromise.”
Jessica Brown Meek added: “We are delighted to be bringing the wonderful Daf James’ extraordinary storytelling to a world-wide audience working with the brilliant teams at the BBC and All3International.”
Ben Irving, Acting Director of BBC Drama also said of the show back in June, “Daf’s voice is utterly unique and this story is full of heart and magic. We hope it will strike a chord with almost everyone. We’re thrilled to have been able to support Daf to develop this beautiful drama through Writersroom, and now to be bringing it to life for audiences on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.”
Whilst Nick Andrews also commented back then, “Daf has written something very beautiful, relevant and necessary. We are thrilled to be working with the team at Duck Soup Films. This is the latest in a whole number of co-commissions with BBC Drama which puts Wales and Welsh talent on screen for audiences across the UK.”
Duck Soup Films received support from the BBC’s Small Indie Fund in 21/22, an initiative aimed at bolstering small independent production companies in the UK. Additional funding was provided by Creative Wales, the Welsh Government agency dedicated to nurturing the Creative Sectors.
“Lost Boys & Fairies” promises to be a touching, authentic narrative that explores love, identity, and the journey to parenthood. Stay tuned for its premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, where this extraordinary story is set to captivate audiences across the UK and beyond.
