Glasgow author Douglas Stuart is adapting his 2020 Booker Prize-winning novel 'Shuggie Bain' for a BBC television series. The show, to be produced by A24, will air on BBC One as well as on the iPlayer.
Set in the 1980s, Stuart tells an unforgettable story of a mother-son relationship in working class Glasgow. Inspired by the 46-year-old's own childhood in the Thatcher years, the book portrays a powerful story of a working-class family with a very important story to tell.
The heartbreaking tale of pride, sexuality, addiction and love as Shuggie Bain and his mother Agness struggle through life. With dreams of a house with its own front door, Agnes finds increasing solace in drink as she drains away the lion's share of each week's benefits - all the family has to live on.
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Shuggie struggles to fit, with his mother his guiding light, hoping to become the normal boy he longs to be. The youngster is soon forced to care of Agnes as she battled alcoholism.
Douglas Stuart says: “I am deeply grateful to the BBC and A24 for their belief in Shuggie Bain . I’m thrilled to bring the Bain family to the screen and the opportunity to expand on my novel and to bring new threads to the story, exploring hardships and struggles as well as the compassion, humour, and resilience that is so central to the Scottish spirit.”
Gaynor Holmes, executive producer for the BBC, says: “Shuggie Bain is an extraordinary novel, with all the makings of extraordinary television. It’s a real honour to be working with the immensely talented Douglas Stuart to bring his vision to the BBC.”.
The hit novel was Douglas Stuart's first published piece, securing the author top sport at the Booker Prize awards in 2020 as well as being one of the most critically acclaimed novels that year. Shuggie Bain was a best seller in 39 countries worldwide.
Filming will take place in Scotland and further details will be announced in due course.
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