The BBC Adaptation of Kate Atkinson’s bestselling novel “Life After Life” published in 2013 has been recreated into vivid life as a four-part BBC series.
The story revolves around the life of Ursula Todd, who is said to have died one night in the year 1910 before she was even able to draw her first breath. On the same night, she is born, and she survives. She seems to find herself time and again, living and dying in different circumstances again and again in a cycle, only to be reborn once again.
Ursula is said to navigate her way through an era that spans the two world wars. She encounters Hitler as well. The lead role is to be played by Thomasin McKenzie at just 21. The series will be produced by BBC Studios’ House Productions, run by co-CEOs Juliette Howell and Tessa Ross.
“Life After Life” was adapted into a screenplay by an eminent screenwriter Bash Doran and directed by John Crowley. The cast is also said to include Sian Clifford, James McArdle, and Sean Delaney.
McKenzie was also drawn to the script when offered and immediately read the book. McKenzie’s preparation included meeting and consulting with her 95-year-old grandmother, who was in the present U.K. during WWII.
McKenzie is said to have drawn a part of her childhood for the role. “For a very long time, I thought I have always remembered being born. And it really was a memory of being carried around in the garden with and by my mother,” McKenzie announced. “I remember resting my head on her shoulder and then waking up, realizing my parents have been having a party. I was surrounded by all the people who’ve played a great role in my life. I thought that it was quite relevant to Ursula’s experience of being born so many times and it would be justice to her.”
The House’s next productions include the BBC series “Sherwood” and the Netflix film “The Wonder.” Crowley has yet to decide what his next project is supposed to be.
