The BBC and BritBox International have announced the cast for Riot Women, an exciting new drama series from acclaimed writer Sally Wainwright. Known for her work on Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, and Gentleman Jack, Wainwright returns with a unique story that promises to captivate audiences with its blend of music, friendship, and unexpected twists.
At the heart of Riot Women are five dynamic actresses who lead the charge as a makeshift punk-rock band. Joanna Scanlan (After Love, The Larkins, Boat Story), Rosalie Craig (Moonflower Murders, The Serpent Queen, 1899), Tamsin Greig (Sexy Beast, Friday Night Dinner, Episodes), Lorraine Ashbourne (Sherwood, Bridgerton, After The Flood), and Amelia Bullmore (The Buccaneers, Vienna Blood, The Larkins) star as the women who come together to enter a local talent contest. Their journey starts with music but quickly becomes a vehicle for much more. As they write their first original song, they realise they have more to say than they ever imagined, with their new band acting as a powerful outlet for their frustrations and desires.
Set in the picturesque Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, the series dives into the lives of women juggling demanding careers, family obligations, and complicated relationships. As the group navigates the trials of adulthood—grown-up children, absent partners, and disastrous dates—the band becomes a catalyst for personal transformation. The women’s bond grows stronger as they question their past choices and future paths, but a long-buried secret between Kitty (Rosalie Craig) and Beth (Joanna Scanlan) threatens to unravel everything.
Riot Women is a six-part series that explores the power of friendship, music, and the resilience of women facing societal expectations. Sally Wainwright has expressed her excitement for the project, saying, “I think I am more excited about this than anything else I have ever written. Ever. Oh my God. We have five of the most fabulous actresses on the planet playing the Riot Women. It’s scarily exciting.”
The supporting cast is equally stellar, with Anne Reid (The Sixth Commandment, Sanditon, Last Tango in Halifax) as Nancy, Holly and Yvonne’s mother, and Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Downton Abbey, Coronation Street) as Jess’s Aunt Mary. The series also features Peter Davison (Doctor Who, The Larkins, Law & Order: UK), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, Coma, Vanity Fair), Angel Coulby (Merlin, Suspicion, Thunderbirds Are Go), and Taj Atwal (Line of Duty, Hullraisers, Daddy Issues), alongside a host of other talented actors, including Chandeep Uppal (Holby City, Echo Beach), Jonny Green (White Lines, Count Abdulla), and Ellise Chappell (Yesterday, Poldark).
Joining this impressive ensemble are a host of talented actors, including Macy Jacob Seelochan (Shadow and Bone), Tony Hirst (Hollyoaks, Coronation Street), Shannon Lavelle (Hamlin), Amit Shah (Happy Valley, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Rick Warden (Red Eye, Happy Valley), Ben Batt (Domina, Scott & Bailey), and Natalia Tena (Harry Potter, Wolfe). Also featured in the cast are Melanie La Barrie (& Juliet, Hadestown), Oliver Huntingdon (Sherwood, Happy Valley), Richard Fleeshman (The Sandman, The Ark), Olwen May (A Very British Scandal, The Bay), Kevin Doyle (Downton Abbey, Sherwood, Happy Valley), and Nicholas Gleaves (Bodyguard, After the Flood), further adding to the series’ already robust lineup.
The series will include original music from the band ARXX, adding an authentic punk-rock vibe to the characters’ musical journey. Riot Women is co-produced by Drama Republic, the company behind hits like One Day and Doctor Foster, and will be distributed internationally by Mediawan Rights. Amanda Brotchie (Gentleman Jack, Squinters, Renegade Nell) will direct the second block of episodes while Sally Wainwright will act as the lead director, with Jessica Taylor (Happy Valley) producing. Wainwright also acts as the series’ creator, writer, and executive producer. Tanya Qureshi for the BBC, Robert Schildhouse and Jess O’Riordan for BritBox International.
Roanna Benn, Drama Republic CEO and executive producer (One Day, Doctor Foster), says: “Led by the inimitable and incredible Sally, Riot Women is timely and vital, as well as riotously entertaining and deeply emotional. And it stars and is being made by a phenomenal group of women absolutely in their prime! We cannot wait to share it with everyone.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added, “We can’t wait for viewers to meet the Riot Women when they arrive on the BBC next year. Sally’s scripts are magnificent even by her standards, and it’s no surprise that they’ve attracted such a stellar cast to bring this one-of-a-kind band and their vibrant world to life.”
Scheduled to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2025, Riot Women will also be available to North American audiences through BritBox International. Robert Schildhouse, President of North America and GM BritBox International says: “Riot Women is perfectly suited to BritBox – unabashed, unapologetic, and unmistakably British. We’re thrilled to bring this series from the brilliant Sally Wainwright and this incredible cast to our audiences in North America.”
With a blend of music, drama, and unexpected revelations, Riot Women is set to be a standout series that explores the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity. Keep an eye on this vibrant and timely drama, sure to be one of the most anticipated shows of the coming year.