After a successful theatre stint portraying Jude St. Francis in the harrowing A Little Life play in London, James Norton has returned to the world of television in a brand new thriller called Playing Nice on ITV.
The ITV drama is based on the bestselling book of the same name by author JP Delaney and follows the lives of two couples whose worlds are turned upside down when they find out that their toddlers were in fact switched at birth.
What is Playing Nice about?
The official synopsis for the new drama is as follows: "Living a waking nightmare, Pete (James Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar) are jettisoned into the world of the other couple; Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay). At first it seems all four are agreed on a solution, but it soon becomes clear that hidden motives are at play. How far can each couple trust the real parents of their child – or even each other? As Pete and Maddie are stretched to breaking point, they realise they will stop at nothing to keep their family together."
Playing Nice trailer
When is Playing Nice on TV?
Playing Nice had a release date of Sunday, 5th of January, 2025 at 9pm. It was launched on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Playing Nice cast
The main casting for the Playing Nice drama adaptation is as follows:
• James Norton (Happy Valley, Grantchester) as Pete, Maddie's partner
• Niamh Algar (Malpractice, Deceit) as Maddie, Pete's partner
• James McCardle (Ammonite, Mare of Easttown) as Miles, Lucy's husband
• Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Harlots) as Lucy, Miles' wife
Playing Nice production
As well as taking on a lead role, James Norton has been busy behind the camera, as his new production company, Rabbit Track Pictures, (founded by Norton and co-founder and Managing Director, Kitty Kaletsky, who's known for her work on Rogue Agent) is producing the series along with STUDIOCANAL.
“Playing Nice was the first book we optioned after launching Rabbit Track and we feel immensely proud of the project it has become. To be working with ITV, STUDIOCANAL, wonderful Grace Ofori-Attah, visionary Kate Hewitt, our unbelievable cast and the whole rest of the production team is a huge privilege. We’re thrilled and very excited.”
Is Playing Nice based on a book?
As mentioned, the drama has been adapted from a popular phycological thriller book of the same name by JP Delaney. During its transfer from page to screen, a few changes have been made, including the setting.
AmazonWhere is Playing Nice filmed
The novel was set in London, but the series was predominately filmed in Cornwall, with the rugged coastline, cliffs and roaring waves adding to the atmosphere and intensity of the drama.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about theatre, TV and film. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.