The fascinating origin story of one of the world's most iconic confectioners is set to take centre stage in the upcoming new six-part period drama, The Cadburys.
Set to launch on the free streaming service U in 2027, the series follows the visionary family on their extraordinary journey towards revolutionising the chocolate industry and creating the legendary Cadbury bar.
First look images offer a glimpse at the Cadbury family in 1860s Birmingham, from "George's obsession to create the first solid eating cocoa, to the romance between Richard and Elizabeth Adlington (Poppy Gilbert) and the irresistible attraction between Maria and Francis Fry (Ben Hardy)".
© Nicola Young/Fable Pictures/SonyThe new photos also show Pearce Quigley as John Cadbury, Joanna Scanlan as Elizabeth's mother, Dorothy, and Mathew Baynton as fellow inventor, Joseph Rowntree.
As a huge period drama fan, I am already counting down the days until the official release date. Between a stellar ensemble cast and a script penned by Chloë Mi Lin Ewart – whose previous credits include Channel 5's beloved hit All Creatures Great and Small – The Cadburys is shaping up to be an unmissable watch.
© Nicola Young/Fable Pictures/SonyIntrigued? Here's all we know about the series so far.
What is The Cadburys about?
Inspired by Deborah Cadbury's book Chocolate Wars, the series follows brothers Richard and George Cadbury as they try to rescue their family's struggling cocoa business before creating one of the world's most iconic confectionery brands in Bournville, Birmingham.
The synopsis reads: "In 1860s Birmingham, when chocolate as we know it doesn't yet exist, two very different brothers, Richard and George Cadbury, find themselves in charge of their family’s failing cocoa business. Together, they have the radical genius and burning ambition to turn Cadbury into one of the world’s most beloved confectioners – if they can only learn to trust and rely on each other.
© Nicola Young"Their sister Maria is navigating her own role within the family and the business, but things become even more complicated when she falls in love with Cadbury’s biggest rival, Francis Fry and is forced to question where her true loyalties really lie. Infused with historical delights and magical invention, The Cadburys is about how we build, break and rebuild the bonds of family - and how the sweetest things in life are rarely simple."
Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning at UKTV, described the series as "a brilliant new feel-good drama inspired by one of Birmingham's most iconic stories".
Who stars in The Cadburys?
Harry Gilby (Boarders, The Last Kingdom) leads the cast as George, alongside Toby Regbo (Outrageous, A Woman of Substance) as Richard.
© Kevin Baker/Fable Pictures/SonyThey're joined by Jessica Barden (Dune: Prophecy) as Maria and Pearce Quigley (Small Prophets, The Gentlemen) as John, alongside Ben Hardy (The Conjuring: Last Rites, Unicorns) as Francis Fry, Joanna Scanlan (Riot Women, Missed Call) as Dorothy Adlington, and Poppy Gilbert (The Other Bennett Sister, My Oxford Year) as Elizabeth Adlington.
Rounding out the cast are Felicity Montagu (Beyond Paradise, I'm Alan Partridge) as Mary Brown, Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, Wonka) as Joseph Rowntree, Adam Hashmi (Joseph of Egypt, Bridgerton) as William Singh, Oli Green (The Gray House, Lift) as Howard Lloyd and Alexander Butler (Fackham Hall, Piglet) as Frank Sheldon.
