The BBC is set to commence shooting on the comic’s biopic in Northern Ireland this month.
‘Dave Allen At Peace’ already has a host of well known names alongside Aidan Gillen, with Game of Thrones co-star Conleth Hill, who will play the comedian’s brother, John. Joanne Crawford will play his mother while Tommy Tiernan is set to play his father.
Gillen, who is most well known for his role as Lord Baelish in HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’. Other confirmed cast includes Pauline McLynn, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Robert Bathurst, Simon Daly and Star Wars actor Ian McElhinny.
Stephen Russell (‘Hattie’, ‘We’re Doomed: The Dad’s Army Story’) has written the script. ‘At Peace’ will be directed by Father Ted’s Andy De Emmony, who has previously worked with the BBC on the Kenneth William’s biopic, ‘Fantabulosa.’
Shane Allen, BBC Comedy Chief said:
“Dave Allen defined and pushed at the boundaries of where television comedy were set and paved the way for modern stand-up to tackle controversial themes and taboos. This film explores what shaped his trail-blazing career and celebrates this hugely popular comedian who ridiculed authority figures with a twinkle in his eye, a glass of whiskey and the most talked about finger in comedy history.”
Patrick Holland, BBC Two Controller added:
'Stephen Russell has written a wonderful script that is surprising, innovative and poignant, exploring the people and forces that went into making Dave Allen the comic genius he was. With Aidan Gillen leading a stellar cast, this promises to be a real treat.'
Dave Allen ‘At Peace’ is being produced by Brett Wilson for Darlow Smithson Productions, who also made ‘We're Doomed: The Dad’s Army Story, and will be Executive Produced by Charlotte Surtees and Emily Dalton.