The Dresser marks Sonia Friedman Productions second television drama production, following directly after SFP's current partnership with Playground Entertainment on the six-part mini-series adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s 'Wolf Hall'.
Starz, in partnership with the BBC, will produce and air the television adaptation of Ronald Harwood’s classic play The Dresser, set against the backdrop of World War II and inspired by Harwood’s own experiences as a dresser for the distinguished British actor/manager Sir Donald Wolfit.
The movie for television will be directed by Richard Eyre, and stars Anthony Hopkins (Noah, Thor, Silence of the Lambs) as “Sir” and Ian McKellen (The Hobbit franchise, X-Men franchise, Lord of the Rings franchise) as his dresser “Norman”. The Dresser represents the first time Hopkins and McKellen have worked together.
It is executive produced by Colin Callender of Playground Entertainment, Sonia Friedman for Sonia Friedman Productions, Polly Hilly, BBC Head of Independent Drama and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning. “The Dresser” was commissioned by Stephenson on behalf of BBC Drama and BBC Arts and will air on BBC Two in the UK and STARZ in the U.S.
Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz, said, “‘The Dresser’ is a timeless and poignant story about the relationship between artists, and to have this classic play brought to life on-screen by such acting giants as Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen is thrilling. We are glad to be working in partnership again with the BBC and Colin Callender on this very special project, and to be establishing a relationship with acclaimed theatre producer Sonia Friedman.”
"This production is a testament to the commitment of the BBC and Starz to bring quality drama to the screen,” Executive Producer Colin Callender said. “It is also a testament to Ronald Harwood's glorious writing that we have been able to bring together such a wonderful creative team from the worlds of film, television and the theatre."
“The Dresser” will begin production in London in 2015.