91Èȱ¬ Four Winter/Spring 2007
Jessie Wallace stars as Marie Lloyd – queen of the music hall
Jessie Wallace, known to millions as colourful Kat Slater in EastEnders, is confirmed as the lead in a major new drama for 91Èȱ¬ Four detailing the turbulent life and times of music hall darling Marie Lloyd.
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91Èȱ¬ Four Controller Janice Hadlow says: "It's a real coup to have Jessie Wallace as lead in this exciting new drama – a major component of our Edwardian season. She will bring something very special to the role as the greatest music hall star of all time."
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London's East End at the turn of the 20th century was the birthplace and home of music hall, and nobody personified the energy, bawdiness and humour of the halls more than Marie Lloyd, who became a legend in her own lifetime. She sang of a life of lewd behaviour and moonlight flits, but musical fiction paled next to the facts of her own outrageous life.
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Marie Lloyd, written by Martyn Hesford, depicts the star's rise to fame set against her troubled private life. Famed for her generosity and good humour, Marie scandalised respectable society with her rebellious attitude and with a string of love affairs, which were salaciously covered in the tabloid papers.
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The film features some of Marie Lloyd's most famous songs, including My Old Man Said Follow The Van and her theme song A Little Of What You Fancy Does You Good, painting a poignant portrait of public success and personal sadness.
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Marie Lloyd is a key drama within 91Èȱ¬ Four's biggest season to date: The Edwardians – People Like Us?
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Mark Redhead, Executive Producer, adds: "Martyn Hesford has written a fantastic script exploring the private and public life of one of the first real stars. Marie Lloyd was funny, sexy, loveable, naughty and hugely charismatic, and Jessie Wallace was born to play her."
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Filming for Marie Lloyd starts in February on location in London's East End and Bayswater.
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The 80-minute film is a Hat Trick Production for 91Èȱ¬ Four.
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Marie Lloyd is written by Martyn Hesford (Fantabulosa, Nicholas Nickleby), directed by James Hawes (Doctor Who) and produced by Rhonda Smith (Teachers, Aftersun).
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The Executive Producer is Mark Redhead for Hat Trick Productions.
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