Channel 5’s revival of the acclaimed Play for Today drama strand is set to return with its latest series, premiering on Friday, September 25, at 9pm with the film titled Wild. This new standalone drama features Amit Shah, Joel Fry, and Daniel Mays as three university friends whose annual wild camping trip in the Scottish Highlands takes an unexpected turn, according to The Guardian.
Channel 5 Continues Commitment to Original Drama
The return of Play for Today marks the second series since Channel 5 relaunched the programme, which originally aired on the BBC during the 1970s and 80s. The broadcaster is set to present six original films in this latest series, upholding its dedication to nurturing emerging talent both in front of and behind the camera. The initiative aims to create opportunities for first-time writers, directors, and crew members, facilitating pathways for those traditionally underrepresented within the television sector, reports the Daily Express.
‘Wild’: A Survival Dramedy in the Scottish Highlands
The inaugural film of the new series, Wild, is characterised as a survival dramedy set against the stunning yet challenging backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. The story follows old friends Lou, Dev, and Alistair as they embark on their traditional wild camping trip. What begins with light-hearted banter, nostalgia, and amateur vlogging soon escalates into a clash of egos, secrets, and a struggle for survival as they become lost, provisions diminish, and their friendships begin to fracture.
Channel 5 describes Wild as a narrative that is “at once funny, poignant, and unsettling,” exploring the fine line between adventure and recklessness. The film also delves into how toxic masculinity contributes to the decline in men’s mental health. Wild was written by Lewis Wren and directed by BRICK.
Meet the Cast and Their Characters
- Daniel Mays as Lou: Known for roles in Line of Duty and Happy Valley, Daniel Mays portrays Lou, a character described as being “stuck in a rut” and mentally clinging to his university days. Mays noted Lou’s “David Brent-esque, Alan Partridge quality,” highlighting his enthusiasm for vlogging with a GoPro despite not being particularly skilled at it. Lou deliberately attempts to lead his friends astray, pushing the audience to the “brink of annoyance” before revealing the emotion of his situation.
- Joel Fry as Alistair: Audiences will recognise Joel Fry from Alice and Steve, Inside No. 9, and his role as Hizdahr zo Loraq in Game of Thrones. Fry’s character, Alistair, is generally balanced but becomes unsettled when he tries to recapture his youth with his friends. Having recently become a father, Alistair reflects on how friendships and people evolve, feeling a degree of pity for Lou’s desperation to remain in the past.
- Amit Shah as Dev: Amit Shah, who has appeared in Murder Before Evensong, Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, and as Faisal Bhatti in Happy Valley, plays Dev. Dev finds himself torn between his loyalty to his friends and a significant life change: moving to another country with his girlfriend. Shah explained that Dev is scared about this step and the impact it will have, embarking on a “huge journey” of self-discovery through the drama.
Filming Challenges in the Highlands
The cast members shared insights into the challenging yet beautiful experience of filming in the Scottish Highlands. Daniel Mays found the prospect of shooting around Loch Lomond “really enticing,” praising the “absolutely epic” landscape and “incredible vista” regardless of the camera’s direction. However, Mays also recounted persistent rain during filming, recalling “I’d never seen rain like it.”
A scene requiring the actors to enter the loch proved particularly memorable. Amit Shah admitted that the cast was initially “very fearful” of the cold water, as none of them were accustomed to outdoor swimming. Despite their apprehension, Shah noted that once they were in the water, it felt “quite energising and invigorating rather than frightening.” Joel Fry acknowledged the unpredictable nature of outdoor filming, stating, “you’re at the mercy of whatever’s going on with the weather.” He added that despite the inclement conditions, the beauty of the Highlands made them feel “super lucky” to have completed the shoot, as reported by Wales Online.