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Homepage ► Bouquet of Barbed Wire

A modern reworking of Andrea Newman’s taboo-busting 1970s psychological drama, Bouquet of Barbed Wire.

The cast

Trevor Eve (Waking the Dead, Framed) leads the cast as Peter Manson. Written by acclaimed writer Guy Andrews (Lost In Austen, Prime Suspect), directed by Ashley Pearce (Class of 74) produced by Mammoth Screen, and commissioned by ITV1, the 3 x 60 min drama was filmed on location around London.

Eve stars alongside Hermione Norris (Spooks, Kingdom), Imogen Poots (Miss Austen Regrets, 28 Weeks Later), Tom Riley (St. Trinians 2, Lost In Austen) and Jemima Rooper (Lost In Austen, The Black Dahlia).

A story of obsessive love

Bouquet of Barbed Wire explores the consequences of a father’s obsessive love for his daughter and how secrets once buried in the past return to haunt their lives. Trevor Eve plays Peter Manson, whose apparently successful life is turned upside down when his beloved teenage daughter Prue reveals she’s pregnant by her teacher, Gavin Sorenson. The very heart of the family is threatened as Peter has an intuitive sense that Gavin’s on a personal quest for revenge.

As the story unfolds, architect Peter employs twenty-something Sarah Francis (Jemima Rooper). Consequently, Peter and Cassie’s relationship becomes increasingly distant, as Peter tries to overcome the aching fear that he’s lost his daughter, and embarks on an affair with Sarah. With Peter’s marriage at breaking point, his increased erratic behaviour and facing financial ruin, it’s only a matter of time before the truth about his past is revealed.

Production

Commissioned by ITV’s Controller of Drama Commissioning, Sally Haynes, A Bouquet of Barbed Wire is adapted for ITV by independent production company Mammoth Screen, and is executive produced by joint managing directors Michele Buck and Damien Timmer. Kate McKerrell produces the 3 x 30 min drama.

“We’re delighted Guy Andrews agreed to adapt A Bouquet of Barbed Wire for ITV,” said Sally. “It’s a timeless, multi-layered tale of a family torn apart by secrets from the past. It created a stir during the 1970’s when first produced for television, and 30 years on we’re convinced a modern day audience will be just as intrigued by its themes of paternal jealousy and intense familial relationships.”

Executive Producer for Mammoth Screen Damien Timmer said: “The original TV version of A Bouquet of Barbed Wire was one of the most controversial dramas of its era, busting taboos which still have the power to shock decades later. Guy has brought a thrilling, modern sensibility to the story,” he added.

Central to the drama are the characters of Peter (Trevor Eve), his daughter Prue (Imogen Poots), his wife Cassie (Hermione Norris) and Gavin (Tom Riley).

Episode Guide

Episode 1

The lives of Peter and Cassie Manson are turned upside down when their beloved daughter Prue reveals that she is pregnant by her teacher, Gavin Sorenson. Prue plans to keep the baby, drop out of school and marry Gavin. Peter is afraid that his daughter is slipping away, and is troubled by the disturbing conviction that Gavin has a personal vendetta against him. But is it just fatherly concern, or has Peter's love for Prue become an obsession?

Episode 2

When Prue returns from her honeymoon with her face battered and bruised, Peter is convinced that Gavin is to blame. He tries to distract himself by having a fling with his colleague Sarah, but his obsession with Gavin is reaching dangerous new levels. Cassie tries desperately to keep the family together but she too begins to fall under Gavin’s spell, intrigued by his knowledge of Peter’s past and a mysterious woman called Paula.

Episode 3

With his marriage at breaking point, and facing financial ruin, the net begins to close around Peter: everything appears to lead back to “Paula”. As Gavin’s personal quest for the truth nears its conclusion Peter is forced to face the dark secret of his past, a secret which shines a disturbing light on Peter’s own love for Prue, and forces the Manson family to acknowledge a truth which may destroy their lives forever.

ITV drama series Bouquet of Barbed Wire starring Trevor Eve

Psychological drama of obsessive love

Starring Trevor Eve, Hermione Norris, Imogen Poots, Tom Riley and Jemima Rooper.

Photograph shows Hermione Norris, Trevor Eve, Tom Riley & Imogen Poots on the cover of the series DVD

Preview from Amazon UK

Photograph shows Hermione Norris, Trevor Eve, Tom Riley & Imogen Poots stars of ITV's Bouquet of Barbed Wire