BBC lands Synchronicity’s adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s novel ‘Mayflies’

Martin Compston

The BBC has ordered a two-part miniseries based on Andrew O’Hagan’s novel Mayflies from The Cry prodco Synchronicity Films.

The 2 x 60-minute show, a co-commission with BBC Scotland in association with All3 Media International, will be written by Andrea Gibb (Elizabeth Is Missing) while Peter Mackie Burns (Rialto) has attached to direct and Brian Kaczynski produces.

Martin Compston (Line Of Duty), Tony Curran (Your Honor) and Ashley Jensen (After Life) are set to to star in the series, which tracks the friendship of two friends over 30 years, culminating in a phone call that will change both their lives forever.

It will air on BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer, with All3Media International handling worldwide sales outside the UK.

Claire Mundell, lead executive producer and founder at Synchronicity Films, said: “Andrew’s novel is nostalgic, poignant and moving, following a life-long friendship and exploring the optimism of youth and the realities of later life. It honestly depicts the bonds and boundaries of a shared life and values. We are excited to be working with Andrew, Peter, Andrea and the BBC to collaborate on an authentic scripted adaptation of this acclaimed Scottish novel.”