BBC’s High School Drama ‘Crookhaven’ Gets First-Look Images

EXCLUSIVE: Here are your first look images at Crookhaven, the eight-part drama based on JJ Arcanjo’s genre-flipping high school novel.

This comes ahead of the show’s launch on the BBC early next year and just before BBC Studios launches the series at MIP Junior and MIPCOM in October. BBC Studios Kids & Family produced it with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

Created for television by Justin Young (Death In Paradise, Sanditon) and billed as a morally-complex mystery with twists, Crookhaven is coming-of-age tale featuring a cast led by Dougray Scott alongside breakout stars from Adolescence and Heartstopper. 

Set in a secret school for crooks, the series follows a group of students as they are taught to perfect their skills to bring balance, justice and order to the outside world. Uncovering the dark secrets of Crookhaven, the gang are also confronted by a terrifying enemy, The Nameless.

Filmed in Northern Ireland, the drama centres around pickpocketing genius Gabriel, played by Lucas Leach (FBI International), and his rival, headmaster’s daughter, Penelope, played by Carmel Laniado (The Witcher, Dolittle).

The first-look images show Scott (Crime, Vigil) as Caspian Lockett, the headmaster and leader of the secretive Crookhaven school; Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting) as Head of Security Erasmus Sisman and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, In the Name of the King) as Caspian’s wife, Carmen. 

In a statement provided to Deadline, Scott said: “Caspian is a fascinating character that has many layers. He believes in good, old-fashioned values, but at the same time he can be a real manipulator and will do whatever it takes to protect the people he cares about–even if it puts the school in danger.

“I’m drawn to characters who aren’t easy to pin down. He is complex and contradictory, noble but also flawed and that makes him both a challenge and a joy to play. You’re constantly discovering new sides to him and that’s what keeps it exciting.”

Further cast images include the other Crooklings: Amari Bacchus (Adolescence) as Ade; Sani Thabo (Casualty) as Ede, and Leila Khan (Heartstopper) playing Amira, who are fellow ‘Merits’ like Gabriel, selected for their deceptive talents. 

Additional casting includes Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Coronation Street), Ruta Gedmintas (His Dark Materials), Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones) and Celinde Schoenmaker (Rocketman). 

Other cast include the ‘Legacies’–students who come from generations of master thieves. Alongside Penelope, the key legacies are Edgar, played by Charlie Mann (Power: Origins, The Watched); Rowan McIntosh (The Chelsea Detective) as Dorian; Aerona Shi (Goldie’s Oldies) playing Jia; and Tipper Seifert Cleveland (Cruella) as Nicki. 

Other cast previously announced include: Naomi Wirthner (Slow Horses, Alex Rider), Genesis Lynea (Silent Witness, Death in Paradise), Alex Mugnaioni (Mr Sloane) and Imran Yusuf (Wanderlust, The Missing).

“The cast is phenomenal, there’s a real energy among the younger actors and the whole ensemble brings real depth,” said Scott. “The production team has gone above and beyond; it’s beautifully shot, meticulously designed. You can tell everyone involved cares deeply about the story we’re telling, and it’s a powerful story.

“While it’s rooted in a unique setting of a secret school for crooks, the themes are absolutely universal–identity, loyalty, found family, the search for truth–it’s the kind of storytelling that will connect with people everywhere and it’s been a privilege to work on.”

Executive producer Mark Freeland said the first-look images “hint at the intrigue, tension, humour and adventure at the heart of the Crookhaven story. We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to immerse themselves into this world and to meet the unforgettable characters, played by such talented actors. It’s been a privilege bringing to life JJ Arcanjo’s stunning books and doing that with the amazing writing of Justin Young.”

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, added: “I know this audience have high expectations as we compete for their attention. From these first looks, I’ve no doubt Crookhaven is to set to deliver an unforgettable series that will capture their imagination as well as their screens.”

Crookhaven is made by BBC Studios Kids & Family for the BBC with support from Northern Ireland Screen. The Creative Lead is Tali Walters, executive producer is Mark Freeland, directors are Jon East (Killing Eve, Downtown Abbey) and Jamie Magnus Stone (Doctor Who) and the producer is Leon McGeown-Fee. BBC Studios is handling global sales.

The series was commissioned by Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe. 

Here are the images…