BBC Worldwide, Masterpiece Co-Producing Victorian-Era Mini, Adaptation of 1930s Thriller

BBC Worldwide and Masterpiece have partnered up once again, this time to co-produce a Victorian-era miniseries and a movie adaptation of a 1930s thriller, both of which will air in the U.S. on PBS.

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The mini, dubbed The Paradise, is a rags-to-riches tale about a young girl who starts working as a shopgirl at Britain’s first department store. But she must navigate her way through power struggles, intrigues and affairs on her way up.

The Paradise stars Joanna Vanderham (What Maisie Knew), Emun Elliott (Prometheus), Elaine Cassidy (Harper’s Island), Sarah Lancashire (Upstairs Downstairs) and Patrick Malahide (Game of Thrones). It was written and created by Bill Gallagher, with Susan Hogg executive producing and Simon Lewis producing.

Meanwhile, The Lady Vanishes is an adaptation of the classic thriller about a beautiful woman who is traveling across Europe by train when she unwittingly becomes embroiled in a menacing plot. She wakes one morning to discover that the woman sharing her carriage has vanished, only to have her fellow passengers claim the lady never existed.

The movie stars Tuppence Middleton (Sinbad), Tom Hughes (Page Eight), Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Stephanie Cole (Doc Martin), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale) and Keeley Hawes (Upstairs Downstairs). It was written by Fiona Seres and directed by Diarmuid Lawrence. Anne Pivcevic is executive producer, while Annie Tricklebank is producer.

“The Paradise and The Lady Vanishes offer unique and thrilling stories that are a terrific compliment to the popular programming lineup on Masterpiece on PBS," said Matt Forde, executive vp sales and co-productions at BBC Worldwide America. "They are both superbly crafted with sky-high production values which are sure to enthrall and mesmerize audiences in the U.S."

Added Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton: "These programs are the latest in a long line of beautifully-made, award-winning co-productions. The BBC has been our trusted partner, and fellow public-broadcaster, for over 40 years."

The deal was brokered by Jemma Adkins, senior vp sales and co-productions at BBC Worldwide America.