The production phase for the highly anticipated six-part drama, The Cadburys, has officially kicked off in Birmingham. BritBox has unveiled its stellar ensemble cast for this ambitious project, which draws inspiration from Deborah Cadbury’s historical non-fiction work, Chocolate Wars. The series promises to transport viewers back in time to chronicle the transformation of a struggling family firm into a global confectionery powerhouse.
Bringing a Sweet Legacy to the Screen
The Cadburys is set in the 1860s, a period when the chocolate industry was in its infancy and the iconic treats we enjoy today were not yet a reality. The narrative centers on the rise of the Cadbury dynasty, portraying them as the ultimate underdogs. Tasked with reviving their family’s faltering cocoa operations, brothers Richard and George must overcome their personal differences and learn to collaborate. Their journey is one defined by radical innovation, immense ambition, and the trials of navigating a burgeoning market.
The lead roles see Harry Gilby portraying the visionary George Cadbury, while Toby Regbo steps into the shoes of Richard Cadbury. Jessica Barden completes the core family trio as their sister, Maria. The drama deepens as Maria finds herself caught in a precarious romance with Francis Fry—portrayed by Ben Hardy—who happens to be a member of the family’s greatest business rival. This complicated entanglement forces Maria to choose between her personal desires and her familial responsibilities.
An All-Star Supporting Ensemble
The production has assembled an impressive roster of additional talent to flesh out the world of late 19th-century Birmingham. Joanna Scanlan joins the cast, alongside Poppy Gilbert, who portrays Elizabeth Adlington. The supporting lineup also features Felicity Montagu, Mathew Baynton, Adam Hashmi, Oli Green, and Alexander Butler. Representing new, emerging talent, the series also introduces Leah Swain-Heath, Maisie Britton, and Emma Montrochet.
Behind the Scenes of a Period Masterpiece
Formerly known under the working title Chocolate Wars, the series is a collaborative effort between UKTV and Sony Pictures Television, produced by Fable Pictures in association with Alfresco Pictures. The creative vision is led by writer Chloë Mi Lin Ewart, who penned the script alongside Eve Hedderwick Turner and Karim Khan.
Directing duties for the series are shared by Tom McKay and Jill Robertson. Executive production is handled by Faye Ward, Freddie Highmore, Hannah Price, and Claire Londy, with additional oversight from the commissioning bodies. With support from the West Midlands Production Fund, the series is set to capture the spirit of an era marked by both industrial grit and sugary invention. As the production notes suggest, the story explores the complexities of building and testing family bonds, proving that even the sweetest outcomes are born from hard work and compromise.
