A south Liverpool surburban cinema has been transformed back to the 1920’s for a new Â鶹Éç drama. Woolton Picture House is one of the local locations for filming of an eight part Â鶹Éç One drama Lilies written by Heidi Thomas. The series which will be broadcast in 2007 is set in the years after the First World War and tells the story of three catholic sisters Iris, May and Ruby Moss. 1920’s Liverpool forms the background for the story of the coming of age of the three sisters living in a terraced docklands house.
 | | The drama is set in the 1920's |
Garston born writer Heidi Thomas says she has got the cast she wanted with Kerrie Hayes, Catherine Tyldesley and Leanne Rowe playing the leads “Lilies features three wonderful emerging young talents who beat off fierce competition to win their first lead roles. "We needed girls who mirrored our characters: they had to be spirited, passionate, strong and pure. "We were also looking for luminous, old-fashioned beauty. Catherine, Kerrie and Leanne have these qualities in spades."
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The majority of the filming has taken place around Liverpool. Heidi Thomas says knowing the area meant she was able to recommend locations, "I've been able to say can we set this scene in the Palm House? Can we set this scene in the Walker Art Gallery looking at the picture of the death of Nelson? "It is a city I know very very well and hopefully that's reflected in the variety of locations we've been able to use." Fresh and bold Woolton Picture House, which recently closed following the death of its owner, is one of the locations being used for filming. The front of the cinema in Mason Street has been given a new frontage especially for the television series. Inside filming takes place amongst the period fittings of the cinema which was opened on Boxing Day 1927, several years after Lilies is set.
 | | Woolton Picture House has been changed |
The drama depicts a savage and sensual life lived on the edge of poverty, following the fortunes of the three sisters as they pursue their different lives. Jane Tranter, Â鶹Éç Controller of Drama Commissioning says the series will bring 1920’s Liverpool to life, “"Heidi Thomas is a unique and original writing talent, combining in Lilies a meticulous eye for period detail and resonance, and a wonderfully modern wit, emotional intelligence and warmth. "Her eight-part take on the 1920s is fresh, bold and entertaining, offering a drama to Â鶹Éç ONE full of energy, empathy and optimism." Lilies is a World Productions and Â鶹Éç Northern Ireland project and will be transmitted in 2007. | 
