Preview screening of The Feud is a friendly affair
The new drama series was shot in the North East and stars Jill Halfpenny alongside a cast of household faces, including Larry Lamb
New domestic thriller, The Feud isn’t scheduled to hit our screens until later this month, but a special event in Newcastle gave those involved in making it happen the chance to get a preview.
Actors Jill Halfpenny and Larry Lamb, who were both spotted all over Newcastle filming the series last year, were in attendance at the Tyneside Cinema on Friday night (April 4) along with its writer, Aschlin Ditta and many of the production crew.
The screening was organised and hosted by North East Screen1 to celebrate the drama - made by Newcastle-based Lonesome Pine for 5 - ahead of its first episode being screened on April 14.
Jill who leads the cast as defence solicitor Emma Barnett, said: “It was a joy to work in the North East again, being surrounded by local crew and knowing we could all go home to our families at night meant a lot and is something which I hope we can all do more of.
“Lonesome Pine were an absolute pleasure. Lesley and Ash made the job feel so collaborative. I loved every minute.”
The series offered Gavin and Stacey, Eastenders - and a lot more besides - legend, Larry his first opportunity to film a drama in the region.
He said: “I had a role in Our Friends in the North, but I’m pretty sure we did all the filming down south. I absolutely loved coming up here to do this job - the crew and cast - everyone was fantastic. It was a real treat.”
The Feud, which follows the chilling unravelling of a group of neighbours after Jill’s character decides to get a kitchen extension, has cast filled with stars of stage and screen.
Alongside Jill and Larry, there’s Rupert Penry-Jones (Spooks, Our House, The Drowning), James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Vicar of Dibley), Tessa Peake-Jones (Only Fools and Horses, Unforgotten), Amy Nuttall (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Downton Abbey) and Ray Fearon (Fleabag, Barbie).
Meanwhile newcomer Megan Trower plays Jill’s daughter, Beth.
The six-part series was supported by the North East Production Fund - administered by North East Screen - which exists to attract more productions to the region, bringing job opportunities for local crew and inward investment with with them.
Lesley Douglas, executive producer and managing director of Lonesome Pine, which produced successful 5 drama, The Inheritance (also written by Ash Ditta) in 2023, said: “Making The Feud in the North East is exactly why we moved Lonesome Pine here. The crew who worked on the show were exceptional and made the filming an absolute joy, come rain or shine.
“We received nothing but really positive feedback about the crew from all of our amazing cast - including of course Jill Halfpenny, someone else who made the decision to head back home!
“North East Screen has been holding our hand since we arrived here three years ago, and not only did they invest in the project at a critical point, but they also helped us access the region's full potential.
“We look forward to working further with North East Screen and playing our part in building the North East’s presence on and off screen.”
The North East Production Fund has already invested £2.5m in scripted projects with 5 being the first broadcaster in 15 years to commission a North East based production company to film a drama series in the region.
As well as investment, The Feud also benefited from North East Screen’s Film Office to find crew, facilities and locations; and the skills team to give trainees the opportunity to work on a scripted drama.
Gayle Woodruffe, operations director at North East Screen said: “The Feud is one of 10 productions to shoot in the region with North East Production Fund investment so far.
“Each production hires regional crew, and actors, uses regional supply chain companies as well as providing training opportunities which helps to build regional infrastructure.”
Paul Testar, commissioning editor, Scripted, 5, added: "Working with North East Screen has been a pleasure, and their support has been invaluable in bringing The Feud to life.
“The collaboration allowed us to tap into local talent and resources, providing access to the wealth of experience and knowledge in the North East that really brought the series together. We look forward to working with North East Screen again, and sharing this compelling drama with our audience on 5."
The preview screening consisted of a very busy and scene-setting episode one as secrets start to emerge and bitterness begins to simmer.
The Feud’s will play out on via two runs of three-episodes on 5, starting on April 14. Visit the 5 website for more details.
Cultured. North East’s Sam Wonfor hosted the Q&A panel