A high stakes relationship drama set against a backdrop of conspiracy? Sounds like a recipe for yet another excellent BBC drama. Based on Rosa Rankin-Gee’s novel Dreamland, the new series The Dream Lands is brought to life for TV by Bafta-award winning writer Kayleigh Llewellyn (In My Skin, Killing Eve), delivering a gripping and intense journey driven by love, hope, and an unyielding will to survive.

And now, the BBC has announced new casting details for The Dream Lands and it’s a pretty star-studded cast so far. So, here’s everything to know so far about The Dream Lands.

What is the plot of The Dream Lands?

Set in a near-future Margate, against a backdrop of soaring inequality, The Dream Lands tells the story of Chance and her family, a young woman who discovers life and love, while being forced to fight for her family and friends’ survival in a world that’s crumbling around her.

It’s 2039 and temperatures are soaring, seas are rising, and the political climate is equally as menacing. Chance is living a life of crime just to get by, when her community is singled out for a government rejuvenation scheme, promising to bring her coastal town back to life. But when Chance falls in love with Franky, a girl with ties to the establishment, she and those closest to her begin to realise that all may not be as it seems. The Dream Lands is a thrilling voyage of romantic awakening and self-discovery, a defiant community fighting back.

Who will star in The Dream Lands?

Pascale Kann (September Says) takes the lead role as Chance, a fiercely loyal, intelligent, and hyper-vigilant 17-year-old who’s been forced to become her family’s protector from an early age in a world that never lets up.

The Dream Lands will also star:

• Emmy award-winner Anna Friel (Marcella) as Jas
• Connor Swindells (SAS Rogue Heroes, Sex Education) as Kole
• Clara Rugaard (I Am Mother, Black Mirror) as Franky
• BAFTA award-winner Katherine Parkinson (Rivals) as Antonia
• Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton) as Iona
• Jacob Greenway (The Watchers) as JD
• Tareq Al-Jeddal (Ridley, Maternal) as Nye
• Scarlett Rayner (Trying) as Stevie
• Ruby Bridle (Gates, Casualty) as Nugget
• Raphael Sowole (The Crow Girl) as Trevor

Writer Kayleigh Llewellyn, said of the announcement: “I’m completely awed by this stellar ensemble… We feel incredibly lucky to be working with a cast that blends new young talent, who I believe are the stars of tomorrow, and acclaimed actors, who will be delving into areas we’ve never seen them explore before.”

When will The Dream Lands be released?

The six-part drama is currently filming in Margate and Bristol, so it might be a while until the series lands on our screens.

Image: Square Lemon