BBC Dope Girls cast in full - Mare of Easttown and Little Women stars leading new drama
by Helen Kelly · BristolLiveDope Girls, set in the aftermath of World War One during Britain's Armistice celebrations, explores a time when men returned to London expecting life to resume as before. However, women, now empowered and reluctant to revert to their pre-war roles, crave to maintain their newfound freedom.
The protagonist, Kate Galloway, establishes an expansive illicit underground club scene as their haven. The six-part series premieres tonight, and here's a rundown of the characters and cast.
Julianne Nicholson portrays Kate Galloway. When we first encounter Kate, she resides in a quaint English village.
As the men return from war, she discovers her husband has been killed, leaving her burdened with substantial debt. Drawn to London, she becomes captivated by the allure of the club world and its potential benefits.
Actress Julianne Nicholson, 53, is married to Jonathan Cake and is renowned for her roles in Law and Order, Mare of Easttown, and most recently, the hit Disney+ series, Paradise. She began her career as a model before transitioning into acting and is a mother of two, reports the Mirror.
Eliza Scanlen takes on the role of Violet Davies, a young woman who travels from Northern England to apply for the police force. She goes undercover as a sex worker to penetrate the Soho nightclubs but soon finds herself integrated into an unconventional family of women.
Eliza, 26, hails from Australia and is recognised for her performances in Sharp Objects and as Beth in Little Women. She also spent several years portraying Tabitha Ford in Home and Away.
Billie Cassidy is a character brought to life by artist and dancer, Umi. The actress shared: "She is a pioneer in this world. She is performing things that other people wouldn't be performing in these nightclubs. Which is where she works and where we meet her, in the nightclub scene in Soho."
Umi has made her mark on British stage, television and film, with her debut in Silent Witness and notable role in the musical biopic Bob Marley: One Love.
Eilidh Fisher portrays Evie Galloway. Initially introduced as a boarding school student, Evie's life takes a turn when her father passes away, prompting her move to London with her mother, Kate. As she navigates through Soho's underground scene, she makes intriguing choices. Eilidh, a Scottish actress, has previously graced screens in The Power and The Outrun.
Michael Duke steps into the shoes of Eddie Cobb, a character described as a "bohemian, traveller, creative, artist and he finds himself through his art and gets to perform and challenge the status quo in his work in the Soho nightclubs" who discovers himself through his art and challenges the status quo in Soho's nightclubs. Throughout the series, Eddie aims to "challenge the status quo, be unconventional and get rid of stereotypes and challenge those things".
Dope Girls marks one of Michael's first TV roles, although he has appeared in Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical on the West End.
Geraldine James embodies Isabella Salucci, a woman who had to leave Sicily 40 years ago and now resides in London with her family, involved in organised crime. She is portrayed as controlling and lethal.
Renowned actress Geraldine, 74, an OBE recipient, is celebrated for her diverse roles. Her notable appearances include Anne with an E, Downton Abbey, Sherlock Holmes and Calendar Girls.