ACTOR Daniel Mays was so moved by playing the part of peace campaigner Colin Parry in a new BBC2 drama “Mother’s Day,” he brought his family to visit the Peace Centre in Warrington.
Daniel, who was accompanied by his partner Lou and their two children, decided to make the visit ahead of the screening that will tell the story of the 1993 Warrington bombing and the reaction that came to follow.
Mother’s Day, a factual drama for BBC Two about the events, aftermath and public response to the Warrington bombing of March 1993, also includes in the cast Anna Maxwell Martin, Vicky McClure and David Wilmot.
Filming took place over six weeks in Belfast and the drama is now complete and expected to be aired in the autumn. It is written by Nick Leather and focuses on two ordinary women living on either side of the Irish Sea, brought together in the wake of the tragedy.
Anna Maxwell Martin plays Wendy Parry, the mother of 12-year-old Tim Parry, who lost his life in the attack which left two boys dead and many others injured. Vicky McClure plays Susan McHugh, the Dublin mother of two so outraged by the loss of young life that she organised one of the largest peace rallies in Irish history, leading thousands through the streets in protest at the continued violence of the Troubles.
The cast did not meet the people they played during planning or filming, but Daniel made the trip to Warrington as he felt very moved by the performance he had to give and wanted to meet Colin Parry in person.
Daniel toured the Centre and found out about the work of the Peace Foundation. After the visit, he said: “This was an inspirational afternoon visiting the Peace Centre and meeting Colin Parry and Wendy Parry for the first time.
“There is no finer example of the power of the human spirit. Their continued strength and fight against terrorism and those affected by it left me humbled and in complete awe.”
Colin Parry said: “It was great to welcome Daniel Mays, Lou and their children to the Peace Centre.
“Daniel has the unenviable role of playing me in the BBC 2 film ‘Mother’s Day’ to be screened in the Autumn.
“He is a smashing guy and a privilege to meet him and tell him more about our Foundation.”
Mother’s Day (1 x 90’ minutes episode) is produced by BBC Studios for BBC Two, and directed by Fergus O’Brien and produced by Scott Bassett. It was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, and Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two. Executive Producers are Tommy Bulfin for the BBC and Aysha Rafaele for BBC Studios.
Actor Daniel Mays at the Peace Centre with his family meeting Colin & Wendy Parry and CEO Nick Taylor
