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Press Releases
Walter's War, a new drama on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four
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OT Fagbenle (Consuming Passion, Doctor Who, Breaking And Entering) stars as Walter Tull in Walter's War, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four's fictional drama inspired by events in the life of Walter Tull, the first black officer to lead British troops during the First World War.
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Tull was also one of the first black footballers to play professional football, for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town between 1909 and 1914.
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Having shown considerable leadership qualities while serving on the Western Front, Walter is sent home to recuperate from a bout of trench fever.
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He learns he has been recommended for officer training at Gailes, Ayrshire, a considerable promotion for any man serving his country but of greater importance for a black man at this time.
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However, whilst at Gailes, Walter must fight against prejudice as well as the demons which haunt his dreams before he returns to the front.
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Walter was killed at the second battle of the Somme in 1918 at the age of 29.
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Writer, Kwame Kwei-Armah, says: "I wanted to give a voice to a forgotten hero. To help present to a new generation the achievements of this great man makes this project one of the most important I have worked on to date."
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The cast list also includes: Ewan Stewart as Sgt Fuller; Dugald Bruce-Lockhart as Captain Coombe; Samara MacLaren as Connie and Michael Wildman plays Edward Tull.
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Janice Hadlow, Controller, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four, says: "Walter's War continues Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four's established tradition of bringing viewers intelligent and stimulating dramas about fascinating subjects."
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Currently filming in Hertford, Ipswich and Rickmansworth, Walter's War is written by Kwame Kwei-Armah, awarding-winning writer of Elmina's Kitchen.
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The producer is Ruth Caleb (Last Resort, Bullet Boy, Learners and Red Dust starring Hilary Swank), executive producer is Kate Harwood (Tess Of The D'Urbervilles; Cranford) and director is Alrick Riley (Spooks, Hustle, Hotel Babylon, Babyfather).
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Walter's War was commissioned by Ben Stephenson.
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Kate Harwood, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Controller, Series & Serials, says: "Kwame Kwei-Armah has written a powerful drama based on an imagined period of Walter Tull's life.
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"Walter's War is a bold and moving piece of storytelling."
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Walter's War will be screened on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four as part of the pan-Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Learning campaign to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Armistice, 1918-2008: Ninety Years of Remembrance, which will run in the days leading up to 11ΜύNovember 2008.
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 Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Drama Production is a world leader in producing much-loved and critically-acclaimed dramas including Criminal Justice starring Ben Whishaw; Cranford; Oliver Twist; Five Days; Waking The Dead; Silent Witness; Lark Rise To Candleford; Sense And Sensibility; Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four's recent Curse Of Comedy season; Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two's House Of Saddam; plus this autumn's highlights on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One, Tess Of The D'Urbervilles starring Gemma Arterton; Survivors; and Little Dorrit.
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AF
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