AceShowbiz - Laura Linney, the acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe award winner (Ozark, Love Actually), and BAFTA award recipient Rhys Ifans (House of the Dragon, Venom: The Last Dance), are set to headline the new BBC film, But When We Dance. This 90-minute drama is described as “a touching story about two people with lots in common – a great sense of humor, a love of dance, and Parkinson’s.” The BBC officially unveiled the full ensemble cast for this highly anticipated production on Wednesday.

The film, written by Paul Mayhew-Archer, will be directed by Oscar winner John Madden (Shakespeare in Love, Operation Mincemeat). Set and filmed in North Norfolk, the story introduces Rhys Ifans as Tony Evans, a deputy head of a local primary school, and Laura Linney as Emma Dretzin, a talented pianist, composer, and single mother of two daughters. Their lives dramatically intersect when, on the same morning, both are confronted with a life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson’s, an unexpected encounter that forever changes their paths.

A strong supporting cast joins Linney and Ifans, including Monica Dolan (Mr Bates v’s The Post Office, Sherwood), Rory Kinnear (The Diplomat, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power), and the film’s writer, Paul Mayhew-Archer (The Vicar of Dibley). Produced by Hilltop Screen, a John Gore Studios company, But When We Dance is scheduled for broadcast on BBC One and will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Paul Mayhew-Archer brings a deeply personal perspective to the script, having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He shared his experience: “It’s incurable, and it makes many of the things I do – walking, talking, smiling – increasingly difficult. But though I have reasons to hate Parkinson’s, it has also brought me opportunities I wouldn’t have missed for the world.” His candid reflections highlight the film’s authentic approach to the condition.

Further emphasizing his unique outlook, Mayhew-Archer added, “So, thank you, Parkinson’s. My fingers may fumble, my mouth may mumble, and each step I take may result in a stumble. But I cannot grumble.” These powerful words encapsulate the spirit of resilience and unexpected gratitude that the film aims to convey.

Director John Madden expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am really looking forward to telling the story of Tony and Emma – a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly.” He envisions But When We Dance as “A story of humor and emotion, of challenge and bravado, of music and dance – transcending the assumptions of a little understood condition, and triumphing over the odds to find joy, release and love.” This promises a moving and insightful portrayal of finding connection and hope against challenging circumstances. Hilary Bevan Jones serves as producer for Hilltop Screen, ensuring the vision comes to fruition.