Description: Shuggie Bain is the unforgettable story of young Hugh “Shuggie” Bain, a sweet and lonely boy who spends his 1980s childhood in run-down public housing in Glasgow, Scotland. Thatcher’s policies have put husbands and sons out of work, and the city’s notorious drugs epidemic is waiting in the wings. Shuggie’s mother Agnes walks a wayward path: she is Shuggie’s guiding light but a burden for him and his siblings. She dreams of a house with its own front door while she flicks through the pages of the Freemans catalogue, ordering a little happiness on credit, anything to brighten up her grey life. Married to a philandering taxi-driver husband, Agnes keeps her pride by looking good—her beehive, make-up, and pearly-white false teeth offer a glamorous image of a Glaswegian Elizabeth Taylor. But under the surface, Agnes finds increasing solace in drink, and she drains away the lion’s share of each week’s benefits—all the family has to live on—on cans of extra-strong lager hidden in handbags and poured into tea mugs. Agnes’s older children find their own ways to get a safe distance from their mother, abandoning Shuggie to care for her as she swings between alcoholic binges and sobriety. Shuggie is meanwhile struggling to somehow become the normal boy he desperately longs to be, but everyone has realized that he is “no right,” a boy with a secret that all but him can see. Agnes is supportive of her son, but her addiction has the power to eclipse everyone close to her—even her beloved Shuggie.
Genre: Series
Date Created: 02-01-24
Production Company: A24
Contact Information:
info@a24films.com
infola@a24films.com
Phone: 646-568-6015 – 323-900-5300
Status: Active Development
Location: Scotland
Producer: Piers Wenger, Rose Garnett, Gaynor Holmes
Writer/Producer: Douglas Stuart
Director: Stephen Daldry
Casting Directors: Kathleen Crawford, Nina Gold
Shuggie Bain: A Heartfelt Exploration of Childhood and Resilience
“Shuggie Bain” is an evocative series based on Douglas Stuart’s acclaimed novel, set against the backdrop of 1980s Glasgow. It narrates the poignant story of young Hugh “Shuggie” Bain, a lonely boy whose childhood is marred by poverty and familial strife. As Scotland grapples with the fallout of socio-economic upheaval, Shuggie’s world is further complicated by his mother Agnes, whose struggles with addiction cast a long shadow over their lives. The show promises to explore the depths of love and loyalty amidst harsh realities, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking profound storytelling.
Under the direction of Stephen Daldry, known for his impressive work in film and theater, “Shuggie Bain” is set to capture hearts with its exceptional cast and intricate character dynamics. The performances, particularly that of the dynamic Agnes, highlight the challenges of motherhood in turbulent times. As Agnes seeks solace in fleeting moments of glamour, Shuggie’s journey to self-acceptance unfolds, offering viewers a raw and honest look at the intricacies of familial relationships and the fight for a better life. A production by A24 and BBC One, this series stands out not only for its compelling narrative but also for its commitment to shedding light on the human experience in its many facets.
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