A new comedy-drama, Small Town, Big Story, featuring stars from Mad Men and House of the Dragon, is set to unravel a big secret in an Irish town as a major production descends upon it. The plot follows TV producer Wendy Patterson, played by Christina Hendricks, who finds herself returning to her hometown of Drumbán, Ireland after more than two decades, having left amidst controversy.
Upon her return, Wendy crosses paths with her ex-lover and local doctor Séamus Proctor, portrayed by Paddy Considine, setting the stage for sparks to fly and secrets to be unveiled as production crews swarm the town. The show, created by Chris O’Dowd of The IT Crowd fame, draws on his personal experiences filming the 2012 comedy hit Moone Boy.
Small Town, Big Story boasts a cast hailing from acclaimed TV shows and films including Mad Men, House of the Dragon, and Irish TV.
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Wendy Patterson played by Christina Hendricks
Christina Hendricks’ character, Wendy, is a executive who aims to ‘rescue’ Drumbán, a struggling Irish border town, by selecting it as the primary location for her television series ‘I Am Celt’.
This big-budget, streamer-friendly fantasy takes creative liberties with Irish History and Celtic Mythology.
Despite grappling with her own emotional turmoil, Wendy cannot escape the lingering pain of a teenage betrayal by Séamus, who now serves as the local doctor in Drumbán. For Wendy, the prospect of coming home is intimidating, yet necessary.
Christina Hendricks is best known for her roles in Mad Men, Good Girls, Tin Star, Drive, and Lost River.
Séamus Proctor played by Paddy Considine
Séamus Proctor, portrayed by Paddy Considine, is the trusted GP of Drumbán and a respected figure in the community. He also happens to be Wendy’s former love interest.
As we delve into his life, we find his family situation deteriorating and his acceptance that Wendy no longer shares his feelings. Considine has an impressive acting portfolio, including roles in House of the Dragon as King Viserys I Targaryen, Hot Fuzz, Tyrannosaur, Dead Man’s Shoes, The Death of Stalin, and The Outsider.
Joanne’s 18th birthday and the first day of filming on the TV shoot lead to chaos, confessions, and cake in Drúmban. (Image: Sky)
Catherine Proctor played by Eileen Walsh
Eileen Walsh brings to life the character of Catherine Proctor, a secondary school History teacher who takes issue with the show’s loose interpretation of Celtic Folklore and the enigmatic red-headed TV producer harbouring a secret past with her husband.
Married to Séamus Proctor, she views him as a man who has not lived up to his potential and holds him responsible for the car accident that left her wheelchair-bound.
Walsh’s previous roles include appearances in Pure Mule, Eden, The End, Catastrophe, The Children Act, Maze, Wolf, and Ann.
Jules O’Brian played by Patrick Martins
Patrick Martins plays Jules O’Brian, the Assistant Locations Scout for ‘I Am Celt’, whose overzealous approach to his job irks the locals of Drumbán. Martins’ acting credits include Redemption, the ITVX period drama The Confessions of Frannie Langton, and Baltimore.
Eccentric writer Jack E. McCarthy (Chris O’Dowd) in Small Town, Big Story (Image: ©Sky UK Ltd)
Sonny Proctor played by David Rawle
David Rawle portrays Sonny Proctor, Seamus’ son who abandoned his University Medical course to return home. Now working as a receptionist at his father’s surgery, Sonny hopes this will rekindle his passion for medicine.
He is most recognised for his role in the Irish sitcom Moone Boy, which he co-wrote and starred in alongside Chris O’Dowd.
Small Town, Big Story sees hotshot TV producer Wendy Patterson (Christina Hendricks) finds herself returning to her hometown of Drumbán, Ireland after more than 20 years, having left under something of a cloud. (Image: ©Sky UK Ltd)
Joanne Proctor played by Leia Murphy
Leia Murphy portrays Joanne Proctor, the teenage daughter of Séamus and Catherine who finds herself entangled in her parents’ drama, leading her down a regrettable path. She has previously appeared in the soap opera Fair City as Vinny Doherty and also featured in Video Nasty.
Jack E McCarthy played by Chris O’Dowd
Chris O’Dowd, the series writer and creator, makes a guest appearance as Jack E. McCarthy, the author of I Am Celt.
However, it remains to be seen whether he is indeed the true writer. O’Dowd is widely known for his role as Roy in The IT Crowd, along with parts in Bridesmaids, The Sapphires, Thor: The Dark World, Moone Boy, and later roles in The Twilight Zone, Get Shorty, Puffin Rock and The Big Door Prize.
He bagged a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for his portrayal of Tom in State of the Union.
Paddy Considine will appear in the show as a local doctor (Image: Playground Entertainment)
Who else stars in Small Town Big Story?
The extended cast includes Andrew Bennett as Barry Battle (The Quiet Girl, Blackshore), Peter McGann as Matt McGee (Vultures, Republic of Telly), and Michelle Forbes as Barbara the Butcher (True Blood, Kalifornia).
Small Town Big Story is released on February 27 on Sky Max and NOW