{"id":559222,"date":"2026-07-20T15:45:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T15:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/559222\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T15:45:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T15:45:10","slug":"highly-anticipated-bbc-drama-set-in-norfolk-with-exceptional-cast-gets-first-look-at-sherwood-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/559222\/","title":{"rendered":"Highly-anticipated BBC drama set in Norfolk with “exceptional” cast gets first look at Sherwood star"},"content":{"rendered":"

Onwards and Sideways, the highly-anticipated BBC drama starring Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans, has unveiled some exciting new images. While we’ve already seen the central pair in shot, we now have a first look at some supporting players.<\/p>\n

The Norfolk-set drama sees the pair portray Emma Dretzin and Tony Evans respectively, as they begin an “unexpected” friendship after a “starting encounter” changes the course of their lives forever.<\/p>\n

In addition to Linney and Ifans, the stacked cast for the television film includes Sherwood’s Monica Dolan and Penny Dreadful star Rory Kinnear. That duo will play Liz Evans and Professor Ridge, respectively.<\/p>\n

\"rhys<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

\"laura<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 \u2013 including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV<\/a><\/p>\n

The feature-length drama will have a run in cinemas across the UK and US before it airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, while it has also been confirmed that it will screen at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September.<\/p>\n

Directed by John Madden from a screenplay by Paul Mayhew-Archer, Onwards and Sideways has also unveiled some new images following the first-look picture that was released in May<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The previous image showed Linney and Ifans’s characters smiling as they walked, though we now have a first look at Dolan and Kinnear. There’s also a still of Ifans’s Tony at work, where he is a teacher.<\/p>\n

“Tony Evans is deputy head of a primary school. Emma Dretzin is a musician and composer, and single mother of two daughters,” reads the logline. “Neither knows the other. Until a startling encounter changes the course of their lives.”<\/p>\n

“On the same morning, these two are confronted with a diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s Disease. This film is the story of Tony and Emma – a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly,” it continues.<\/p>\n

“A story of humour and emotion, of challenge and courage, of music and dance – transcending the assumptions of a little understood condition, and triumphing over the odds to find joy, release and love.”<\/p>\n

\"rhys<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

\"rhys<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

\"laura<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

Related: Holly Willoughby’s next move revealed! Presenter launches lifestyle show \u2013 with star-studded guests<\/a><\/p>\n

Billed as “emotional and surprisingly funny”, there is still no release date for Onwards and Sideways. Given TIFF is taking place from 10-20 September this year, it doesn’t feel like we have too long to wait for more information.<\/p>\n

Upon the project’s announcement in October<\/a>, producer Hilary Bevan Jones praised the “exceptional cast”, adding: “Paul’s wonderful script has made me laugh, cry, and think about all that life has to offer. I hope this film will strike a chord with everyone.”<\/p>\n

Onwards and Sideways has no UK release date, but will premiere at the 51st TIFF in September.<\/p>\n

Visit our Streaming Guide<\/a> now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.<\/p>\n

The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating the global phenomenon of BTS, is here! Buy this ultimate fan guide in newsagents or online<\/a>.
<\/p>\n

\"Lettermark\"<\/p>\n

Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies<\/a> and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. \u00a0His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible<\/a> and John Wick<\/a> to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
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