The history of the world’s most iconic chocolate brand is about to be told through a lens of ambition, family tension, and industrial innovation. BritBox has officially released the first promotional images for its upcoming original production, The Cadburys. This six-part scripted drama explores the humble and often precarious beginnings of the Cadbury family as they transitioned from struggling cocoa merchants to global confectionery titans.
Set against the gritty, soot-stained backdrop of 1860s Birmingham, the series—which was developed under the working title Chocolate Wars—promises to be a heartwarming yet intense exploration of a family that changed the culinary world forever. Although filming has recently wrapped in the English Midlands, fans will have to wait until 2027 for the series to make its grand debut on the streaming platform.
Unveiling the Origins of a Confectionery Empire
The newly released stills provide a captivating window into the mid-19th century. One image captures the intense focus of George Cadbury, portrayed by Harry Gilby, as he obsesses over the chemistry required to fabricate the first solid-eating chocolate. At a time when chocolate was primarily consumed as a beverage, his vision was nothing short of revolutionary.
The narrative centers on two brothers with contrasting temperaments: Richard Cadbury, played by Toby Regbo, and his brother George. Finding themselves at the helm of a failing family enterprise, the duo must navigate a marketplace where the modern chocolate bar does not yet exist. The story highlights their radical ingenuity and the burning desire to succeed, emphasizing that their greatest challenge isn’t the competition, but learning to rely on one another.
A Tale of Innovation and Forbidden Romance
Beyond the factory floor, The Cadburys delves deep into the personal lives and romantic entanglements of the siblings. The first-look photos tease the burgeoning relationship between Richard Cadbury and Elizabeth Adlington, played by Poppy Gilbert. However, the most scandalous subplot involves their sister, Maria Cadbury, brought to life by Jessica Barden.
Maria finds herself in a complicated predicament when she falls for Francis Fry, played by Ben Hardy. As the Fry family was the Cadburys’ primary rival in the cocoa trade, Maria is forced to choose between her heart and her familial obligations. This “Romeo and Juliet” style conflict adds a layer of high-stakes drama to the historical setting, proving that the road to success is rarely a smooth one.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Cocoa Pioneers to Life
The ensemble cast is a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Pearce Quigley takes on the role of the family patriarch, John Cadbury, while Joanna Scanlan portrays Dorothy, the mother of Elizabeth. Fans of historical dramas will also be delighted to see Mathew Baynton appearing as the legendary fellow inventor Joseph Rowntree.
The production also features an impressive supporting roster, including Felicity Montagu of Beyond Paradise and I’m Alan Partridge fame as Mary Brown. Adam Hashmi, known for his work in Bridgerton and Joseph of Egypt, appears as William Singh. Other notable cast members include Oli Green from The Gray House as Howard Lloyd and Alexander Butler of Fackham Hall as Frank Sheldon. The series also introduces fresh faces Leah Swain-Heath as Mabel Froggatt, Maisie Britton as Aoife Fitzpatrick, and Emma Montrochet as Winnie Smith.
A Collaborative Vision for a 2027 Premiere
The Cadburys is a significant international collaboration, commissioned by BritBox in North America alongside UKTV. The project is produced by Fable Pictures in partnership with Alfresco Pictures. The scripts are led by Chloë Mi Lin Ewart, whose previous writing credits include All Creatures Great and Small, Beyond Paradise, and Curfew. Joining Ewart in the writers’ room are Eve Hedderwick Turner and Karim Khan.
The production boasts a heavy-hitting executive team, including Faye Ward, Freddie Highmore, Hannah Price, and Claire Londy. Directorial duties are shared by Tom McKay, known for After the Flood and Ten Pound Poms, and Jill Robertson, who recently directed A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Ludwig.
With Sony Pictures Television managing global distribution and support from the West Midlands Production Fund, The Cadburys is poised to be a major television event. It is a story of how family bonds are forged, broken, and eventually mended through the shared pursuit of a dream—reminding us all that the sweetest achievements are often the most difficult to attain.
Also Read:
From Humble Roots to Chocolate Royalty: Filming Begins for BritBox’s “The Cadburys”
