The series is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Sarah Moss
With the evenings becoming darker and chillier, it’s the perfect time of year to escape into a brand new, captivating drama.
Channel 4’s Summerwater, which started airing on 16 November, could just be that remedy.
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Sarah Moss, this six-part series has been adapted by screenwriter John Donnelly (Utopia) and is directed by Robert McKillop and Fiona Walton.
This Scottish thriller centres on the fallout from a catastrophic event at a lock-side holiday park, which whips several families into a frenzy.
“Summerwater takes us on a journey of wit, heart, and tragedy. An unflinching yet empathetic look at human nature across generations, the series provides a riveting portrait of the divided nation that is modern Britain,” reads Channel 4’s official synopsis.
Each episode is set over the same 24 hours, although the trailer teases a non-linear structure, which does add another layer of intrigue.
The synopsis continues: “Weaving together the lives of several families, as they are observed closely from their disparate cabins, Summerwater shows how the simmering tensions between holidaymakers leads to a devastating climax”.
So, who’s set to star in this Celtic nail-biter? And where did they film it?
Here’s everything you need to know about the cast and where to watch the drama unfold.
Who is in the cast of Summerwater?
Emmy award-winning Dougray Scott (The Crow Girl, Vigil) leads the cast. Compatriot Shirley Henderson, immortalised by Harry Potter fans as “Moaning Myrtle”, also stars.
Northern Irish actor Valene Kane (The Fall, Blue Lights) joins the cast alongside Jamie Sives (Shetland), Daniel Rigby (Landscapers) and Shauna MacDonald (Spooks).
Dougray Scott as David Campbell
Scott portrays David, a veteran of Summerwater, who has been coming to the holiday park for years with his wife Annie.
Scott has been nominated for several awards over a stellar career, including a BaftaScotland Award for Best Actor in Crime.
His film credits include Enigma, Ripley’s Game, and My Week with Marilyn, while on television, he has starred in series such as Desperate Housewives, Hemlock Grove, and Batwoman.
Shirley Henderson as Annie Campbell
Henderson fills the role of Annie, who is David’s wife and a long-time visitor to Summerwater. A recent medical diagnosis has seen Annie becoming weaker physically and declining cognitively.
Notorious for “Moaning Myrtle” in the Harry Potter films, Henderson has also been in Topsy-Turvy, 24 Hour Party People, Stan & Ollie, and See How They Run.
On television, she has starred in Happy Valley, The Nest, Southcliffe, and The Way.
Valene Kane as Justine Tindall
Valene Kane plays Justine, a “hard-working mother who has emotionally checked out of her marriage”.
The 38-year-old star’s credits include Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, ’71, Gangs of London, and The Fall, where she played Rose Stagg alongside Jamie Dornan.
The cast of Summerwater also includes:
- Daniel Rigby (Landscapers)
- Shereen Cutkelvin
- Anders Hayward (Vigil)
- Anna Próchniak (Baptiste)
- Arnas Fedaravičius (The Last Kingdom)
- Jamie Sives (Dept Q)
- Calum Ross (Betrayal)
- Silvie Furneaux (Annika)
- James Harkness (The Victim)
Where is Summerwater filmed?
Summerwater was filmed at various locations near Glasgow.
More specifically, shoots took place in and around Benview Garden Centre, Benview Lodges and Macmillan’s Kitchen at Aberfoyle.
Filming is also reported to have taken place in Bridgeton, east Glasgow, around David Dale Studio on Broad Street.
How many episodes are there and when is it on?
Your next read
This is a six-part series. The first episode aired at 9pm on Sunday 16 November on Channel 4, with episode two airing the following night.
The third episode will be shown at 9pm on Tuesday 18 November, with the remaining three on Sunday 23, Monday 24 and Sunday 25 November.
However, if you don’t want to wait all episodes are now available to stream on the Channel 4 website.
