The Way is a new BBC drama starring Michael Sheen as a steelworker who leads a community uprising in a small Welsh town. But is the show based on a true story, or is it a fictional tale? The answer is a bit of both. The Way is inspired by real events and people, but it also takes some creative liberties and adds some fictional elements. Here is everything you need to know about The Way, its cast, plot, and real-life connections.
The Way: Cast, Plot, and Filming Locations
The Way features a stellar cast of Welsh actors, led by Michael Sheen as Martin Jones, a steelworker who becomes a reluctant leader of a protest movement against the closure of the local steelworks. Sheen is best known for his roles in The Queen, Frost/Nixon, and Good Omens. He is also an activist and a supporter of various causes in Wales.
Other cast members include Steffan Rhodri as Martin’s best friend and fellow steelworker Dai, who is also a local councillor. Rhodri has appeared in Gavin & Stacey, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Wonder Woman. Sian Phillips plays Martin’s mother Olwen, who suffers from dementia and has a mysterious past. Phillips is a veteran actress who has starred in I, Claudius, Dune, and The Crown.
The plot of The Way follows Martin and his community as they try to save their steelworks from being shut down by a multinational corporation. Along the way, they face various challenges and conflicts, such as corruption, betrayal, violence, and family drama. Martin also discovers some secrets about his mother and his own identity that change his life forever.
The show was filmed in various locations in Wales, such as Port Talbot, Neath, Swansea, and Cardiff. The steelworks scenes were shot at the Tata Steelworks in Port Talbot, which is the largest steel plant in the UK and employs over 4,000 people. The show also features some stunning scenery and landscapes of the Welsh countryside and coast.
Real Life Connections and Inspiration for The Way
The Way is not a true story, but it is based on some real events and people that influenced the creators and the actors of the show. One of the main inspirations for the show was the Tata Steelworks crisis in 2016, when the Indian-owned company announced plans to sell its UK operations, putting thousands of jobs at risk. The crisis sparked a wave of protests and campaigns to save the steel industry and the communities that depended on it.
Michael Sheen, who grew up in Port Talbot and whose father worked at the steelworks, was one of the prominent voices that spoke out against the closure and supported the workers. He also helped to organize a cultural festival called The Passion of Port Talbot in 2011, which involved a 72-hour performance of a modern passion play that involved the whole town. Sheen said that his experience of The Passion and the steelworks crisis inspired him to create The Way, which he co-wrote and co-produced with Jack Thorne, the writer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and His Dark Materials.
Another inspiration for the show was the Welsh culture and history, which are woven into the story and the characters. The show explores themes such as Welsh identity, language, heritage, and mythology, and references some historical figures and events, such as Owain Glyndŵr, the last native Welsh prince who led a rebellion against English rule in the 15th century, and the Rebecca Riots, a series of protests by Welsh farmers against unfair taxes and tolls in the 19th century. The show also features some Welsh music and poetry, such as the hymn Calon Lân and the works of Dylan Thomas, the famous poet who was born in Swansea.
What Viewers Can Expect from The Way
The Way is a show that aims to entertain and engage viewers with its compelling story, characters, and themes. The show is a drama, but it also has elements of comedy, thriller, and mystery. The show tackles some serious and relevant issues, such as the impact of globalization, deindustrialization, and austerity on working-class communities, but it also celebrates the resilience, solidarity, and spirit of the Welsh people.
The show is also an emotional and thought-provoking journey, as it explores the personal lives and relationships of the characters, and their struggles with identity, family, and faith. The show asks some big questions, such as what does it mean to be Welsh, what is the value of community, and what is the role of art and culture in society.
The show also boasts some strong performances and production value, as the cast and crew deliver a realistic and authentic portrayal of the Welsh setting and culture. The show also features some impressive cinematography and sound design, as well as some original music composed by David Arnold, who has worked on films such as Casino Royale, Independence Day, and Sherlock.
Can Viewers Expect a Season 2 and What’s Next for the Cast?
The Way is a six-part series that premiered on BBC One on February 11, 2024. The show has received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its writing, acting, and relevance. The show has also been nominated for several awards, such as the BAFTA Cymru and the Celtic Media Festival.
However, there is no official confirmation yet on whether the show will be renewed for a second season. The creators and the actors have expressed their interest and willingness to continue the story, but they also said that it depends on the ratings and the feedback from the viewers. The show has also been sold to other countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which could boost its popularity and chances of renewal.
In the meantime, the cast of The Way are busy with other projects and roles. Michael Sheen will be seen in the upcoming film The King’s Man, a prequel to the Kingsman franchise, and the Netflix series The Sandman, based on the comic book by Neil Gaiman. Steffan Rhodri will appear in the film The Fantastic Flitcrofts, a comedy about a golfer who faked his way into the British Open, and the TV series The Offenders, a comedy-drama by Stephen Merchant. Sian Phillips will star in the film The Last Bus, a road movie about an elderly couple who travel across Britain on a bus, and the TV series The Larkins, a remake of the classic comedy The Darling Buds of May.
The Way is available to watch on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on various streaming platforms in other countries.
Conclusion
The Way is a new BBC drama that tells the story of a steelworker who leads a community uprising in a small Welsh town. The show is not a true story, but it is inspired by real events and people, such as the Tata Steelworks crisis, the Passion of Port Talbot, and the Welsh culture and history. The show is a drama, but it also has elements of comedy, thriller, and mystery. The show is an emotional and thought-provoking journey, as it explores themes such as identity, family, and community. The show also boasts some strong performances and production value, as the cast and crew deliver a realistic and authentic portrayal of the Welsh setting and culture. The show is a six-part series that premiered on BBC One on February 11, 2024, and it is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms. The show has received positive reviews and nominations, but there is no official confirmation yet on whether it will be renewed for a second season.
