Meet the Stars of BBC's Dope Girls: A Glimpse into 1920s Soho's Drug Scene
Unveiling the 1920s Underground: Dope Girls' Star-studded Cast
The drama Dope Girls lands on BBC One with a bang, whisking viewers away to the gritty streets of 1920s Soho, a hotbed of jazz, nightclubs, and a burgeoning drug trade. Inspired by Marek Kohn’s compelling book Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground, this six-part series has already drawn comparisons to Peaky Blinders by critics eager for the next big historical drama.
Helmed by Bad Wolf, the production delves into post-WWI London, a time marked by both economic challenges and vibrant cultural shifts. The series was written by the talented duo Polly Stenham and Alex Warren. With a premiere date set for February 22, 2025, at 9:15 PM, avid fans of historical narratives can catch it on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Meet the Faces Behind the Drama
The ensemble cast is led by none other than Julianne Nicholson, known for roles in Mare of Easttown and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. She steps into the shoes of Kate Galloway, a single mother whose nightclub ventures plunge her into the perilous world of crime to provide for her daughter. By her side is Eliza Scanlen, playing Violet Davies, an avant-garde police officer daring enough to infiltrate the mysterious and dangerous nightclubs of the era.
Joining the lineup is Umi Myers as Billie Cassidy, a bohemian dancer intersecting Kate’s world. Myers’ previous appearances in Bob Marley: One Love have already captured audiences' attention. Alongside them, Eilidh Fisher portrays Evie Galloway, a character sure to inject familial dynamics with her youthful curiosity.
The crime tale wouldn’t be complete without a formidable crime family, and Geraldine James embodies Isabella Salucci, a Sicilian matriarch with roots deep in London's illicit dealings. Her sons, played by Rory Fleck Byrne and Dustin Demri-Burns, step into roles shaped by war and family allegiance, crafting rich and conflicted characters.
As the layers of crime families unwind, Sebastian Croft stands out as Silvio Salucci, bringing tales of inner family tensions and generational continuity with past works like Game of Thrones in tow.
Even the supporting cast offers depth: Michael Duke’s Eddie Cobb vibrantly adds to the bohemian aesthetic, while Ian Bonar’s Sgt Frank Turner attempts to keep order in chaos. Nabhaan Rizwan introduces supernatural elements as Silas Huxley, a spiritual guide of sorts, while Priya Kansara plays detective as Lily Lee, displaying versatility stemming from projects like Bridgerton.
With its ensemble of talented actors and rich historical setting, Dope Girls is poised to captivate audiences, weaving tales of crime and redemption into the colorful tapestry of 1920s London.