The Syndicate was a family affair long before it blasted onto the TV in 2012 with a host of famous faces amongst the cast. Written and produced by “titan of TV” Kay Mellor, her daughter Gaynor Faye was the series script editor.
“My mum writes for people, not accolades,” says Gaynor “The people who watch her shows, those are the people she relates to, the people she champions and admires. She encapsulates them and shows what it is to be a normal every day person. At times it’s funny, at times it’s dramatic or moving, but the key thing is that everyone can see themselves in her characters and that’s why people love her work.
“I just knew that it was going to be a hit because she captured the brothers, the family, the whole arena of what winning the lottery and such a substantial amount of money brings to people – both the good and the not so good!”
With a cast including stars like Timothy Spall and Joanna Page, The Syndicate was a huge hit when it aired on BBC One and went on to enjoy success with three more series.
The first series has now been adapted for the stage by Kay in what was her final venture into theatre before her untimely death two years ago. She had already asked Gaynor to co-direct the project with her, and now the actress is going it alone in a move that she confesses has been rather daunting.
Gaynor says: “Mum’s shoes are big ones to fill, but I understand what her vision was for this production because I have been by her side from the very beginning. I’m excited for everyone to see it.”
Adding to the family feel of The Syndicate is the news that Gaynor’s son, Oliver Anthony, has joined the cast in the role of Jamie.
He believes having three generations of one family involved in the show brings a unique experience for audiences: “There’s real heart to this show, there’s a lot of love for it, it just feels special.
“Kay had been mentoring me for the last four years, she knew how hard the industry can be and said she saw potential in me. She took me under her wing and really helped me learn the business both in front of the camera and behind.
“To now be involved with the stage show, and Gaynor, my mum directing it too, it just feels special.
“I have so many wonderful memories of my grandmother, every day beside her was a dream.”
The Syndicate tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. The show star cast also features Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles and Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent.
Will a share of the jackpot make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality?
One thing’s for certain, the win of a lifetime will change the lives, loves and relationships of the syndicate members forever.
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