A Night of Freedom Turns Mysterious
“The Gathering” starts off with a bang at an exciting, secret beach party where teenagers are having the time of their lives. But not far from the fun, a scary situation unfolds as a girl is found being pushed underwater by someone we can’t see. This shocking beginning sends us back six months to find out how things got to this point.
From the Beach to the Balance Beam: The Story Unfolds
Set in the tough yet vibrant area of Merseyside and crafted by the makers of “Line of Duty” and “Bodyguard,” this series dives deep into the lives of young elite athletes. The focus is on Kelly, played by Eva Morgan, a gymnast who’s torn between her strict training schedule and her love for free-running—a thrilling sport where athletes jump and flip over city obstacles.
Kelly (right, played by Eva Morgan) is a promising gymnast who tries dangerous parkour stunts outside of school
Balancing Act: Gymnastics and Free-Running
Kelly’s world is all about discipline and perfecting her gymnastic routines, but her heart races for the freedom and thrill of free-running with her friends, led by the daring Adam (Sonny Walker).
“Kelly is always on the edge, trying to be the best in the gym and still catch every bit of fun with her friends,” Eva Morgan explains about her character. But every flip and jump outside the gym could put her gymnastics career at risk, a risk her coach keeps warning her about.
Family Pressures and Personal Challenges
The show doesn’t just follow Kelly but also her gymnast friend Jessica, played by Sadie Soverall, who comes from a wealthy family. Unlike Kelly, Jessica deals with a lot of pressure from her mom, who has big dreams for her. Jessica’s mom, played by Vinette Robinson, is all about winning, even if it means playing dirty.
Boiling Point star Vinette Robinson, who portrays arguably the show’s most objectionable parent, Natalie, says the role was “brilliant fun to play because she behaves so outrageously, playing Natalie was intense; she stops at nothing to make sure Jessica is on top, even if it means pushing everyone else out of the way”
Twists, Turns, and Tumbles
As the series moves forward, the drama inside the gym is just as intense as the mystery outside. Secrets, dreams, and fears all come into play, making every episode a puzzle that slowly comes together. The athletes not only face rivals in competitions but also have to handle tricky situations brought on by their own families and friends.
Actor Sonny Walker says social media places “unnecessary pressure” on young people“Young people can present themselves however they like on social media, things can go viral, get sent around, people can be pressured into doing things,” he says.“I also think a lot of young people watch how other young people live, and that can put unnecessary pressure on them. I think this show presents that very well through different characters.”
Capturing the Spirit of Youth
Despite the deep drama, “The Gathering” beautifully captures the spirit and energy of being young. Scenes filled with breathtaking gymnastics and bold free-running stunts remind us of the freedom and power of youth.
“Seeing these young athletes soar through the air, you can’t help but feel the rush of life they experience,” shares director Gareth Bryn.
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Novelist and screenwriter Helen Walsh says she “finds the rise of surveillance parenting fascinating”
Helen Walsh was inspired to explore the issue of parents who impose their agendas and problems on their children after revisiting Philip Larkin’s This Be The Verse. “The last time I’d read it was as a teenager, and I was aware of how different my response was,” she says.
Larkin’s poem is famous in particular for its striking opening line, which we can’t fully reproduce here due to its explicit language:
They [mess] you up, your mum and dad / They may not mean to, but they do / They fill you with the faults they had / And add some extra, just for you.
The Mystery Unfolds
Towards the end, as the mystery of the girl at the beach starts to clear up, the series also shows how tough the world of competitive sports can be. It’s not just about physical strength but also mental toughness, as these young athletes navigate through challenges both in and out of the gym.
A Must-Watch Drama: Youth, Dreams, and Drama
“The Gathering” is a gripping show that mixes the excitement of teenage life with the intense world of competitive gymnastics. It takes viewers on a journey through the highs and lows of chasing dreams and dealing with family pressures. This series is a thrilling ride that shows just how complicated and exciting growing up can be, especially when you’re aiming to be the best.
“I’m thrilled to have a brilliant cast on board led by such established talent.
Our young actors, many of whom are newcomers,
have wowed us with their raw and heartfelt depictions of
teenagers having to navigate adult problems in morally ambiguous worlds.”
Helen Walsh
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Filming for the drama is being supported by Liverpool Film Office.
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