Trespasses brings together a compelling ensemble of established and rising performers to tell a story set against the turbulent backdrop of 1970s Belfast. The cast draws together talent from across British and Irish screen productions, offering viewers a mix of acclaimed actors and emerging voices.
The series, a four-part Northern Irish drama that premiered on Channel 4 in November 2025, features performers whose combined credits span period dramas, crime thrillers, and literary adaptations. From its lead roles to supporting cast members, the production assembles a roster that reflects both the intimate family dynamics at the heart of the story and the broader sectarian tensions surrounding it.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the cast and key details about the production, including where to watch, episode information, and confirmed facts about the series.
Who is in the cast of Trespasses TV series season 1?
- Lola Petticrew, known for roles in Dating Amber, Bloodlands, and Say Nothing, leads the series as Cushla Lavery, a Catholic schoolteacher navigating a forbidden romance.
- Tom Cullen, recognizable from Downton Abbey, The Gold, and Becoming Elizabeth, co-stars as the married Protestant barrister Michael Agnew.
- Gillian Anderson brings depth to the role of Gina Lavery, Cushla’s emotionally volatile mother.
- The supporting cast includes Martin McCann as Eamonn (Cushla’s brother), Oisín Thompson as colleague Gerry Harkin, and Barry Ward as Victor McIntyre.
- Production filmed in Finaghy, Ballymena, and Holywood, County Down, in November 2024.
- The series comprises four episodes, airing weekly on Channel 4 from 9 November 2025.
- Cast details are confirmed across IMDb, Wikipedia, and Rotten Tomatoes listings.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series Premiere | 9 November 2025, Channel 4 (9pm) |
| Total Episodes | Four-part drama |
| Genre | Northern Irish Drama |
| Setting | 1975 Belfast, The Troubles |
| Platform | Channel 4 and on-demand service (UK) |
| Filming Locations | Finaghy, Ballymena, Holywood (County Down) |
Who plays key characters like Michael, Gerry, and Victor in Trespasses?
The romantic leads: Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen
Lola Petticrew takes on the central role of Cushla Lavery, a 24-year-old Catholic teacher who works part-time as a barmaid in her family’s pub. Her casting aligns with the character’s position at the intersection of family obligation and personal desire. Petticrew’s previous work in Dating Amber and Bloodlands demonstrates her ability to portray complex emotional journeys.
Tom Cullen portrays Michael Agnew, the older married Protestant barrister who defends Catholic youths caught up in sectarian violence. Cullen’s experience in period pieces like Downton Abbey and historical dramas provides a foundation for the character’s layered existence between community expectations and personal ethics.
Supporting roles: Gerry, Victor, and the Lavery family
Oisín Thompson (also listed as Oisin or Michael Gerry in various sources) plays Gerry Harkin, Cushla’s platonic colleague and friend at school. Thompson’s background includes My Left Nut, suggesting an ability to handle emotionally demanding material. Barry Ward takes the role of Victor McIntyre, Michael’s friend whose presence adds complexity to the story’s interpersonal dynamics.
Martin McCann portrays Eamonn Lavery, Cushla’s brother who operates the family pub. Emily Taaffe plays Betty McGeown, known for Little Disasters and The Rising. Additional cast members include Conlaoch Gough-Cunningham as Tommy McGeown, Daithí Ó Haragáin as Davy McGeown, Gerard McCarthy as Jim Scott, Lorcan Cranitch as Police Sergeant Reid, and Theo Hyland as Sean.
The cast listings have been cross-referenced across IMDb, Wikipedia, and Rotten Tomatoes. Some actors appear under variant name spellings in different databases, which is common in Irish naming conventions.
Where to watch Trespasses TV series and what are the episode details?
Trespasses aired on Channel 4 starting 9 November 2025 at 9pm. The series consists of four episodes released weekly, exploring the escalating dangers that arise from the central forbidden romance. Viewers in the UK can access episodes through Channel 4’s live broadcast and on-demand service.
The production is available via Channel 4’s streaming platform, allowing audiences to watch at their convenience. As of the current information available, there has been no confirmation of international streaming availability through platforms such as Netflix. The series is described as a continuous four-part narrative, and no per-episode cast breakdowns have been published.
Those interested in related drama coverage might find our Much Ado About Nothing London cast page useful for comparing ensemble period pieces. For updates on channel availability, our Sky Q Channel Changes article tracks platform modifications.
What is the production and release timeline for Trespasses?
The production timeline for Trespasses spans from initial announcement through to broadcast:
- Pre-2025 — Series officially announced by Channel 4
- November 2024 — Filming takes place in Finaghy, Ballymena, and Holywood, County Down
- 2024–2025 — Cast confirmed across industry databases including IMDb
- 2025 — Promotion and press coverage intensifies ahead of premiere
- 9 November 2025 — Series premieres on Channel 4 at 9pm
- November–December 2025 — Four-week broadcast concludes with episode four
What information is confirmed and what remains unclear about Trespasses?
Established information
- Four-part drama premiering November 2025 on Channel 4
- Lead cast confirmed: Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, Gillian Anderson
- Based on Louise Kennedy’s novel
- Set in 1975 Belfast during The Troubles
- Filming completed November 2024 in Northern Ireland
- Available on Channel 4 on-demand service
Information requiring further confirmation
- Exact episode count and individual runtimes
- Netflix or international streaming availability
- Potential for second season
- Specific broadcast dates for episodes 2–4
- Individual episode titles or synopses
- Precise release outside the UK
What is the background and plot context of Trespasses?
Trespasses draws from Louise Kennedy’s novel, adapting her story of forbidden romance set during one of Northern Ireland’s most turbulent periods. The narrative centers on Cushla Lavery, a young Catholic teacher whose life becomes intertwined with Michael Agnew, a Protestant barrister defending Catholic youths amid escalating sectarian violence. The story unfolds in 1975 Belfast, capturing the daily dangers and moral compromises imposed by The Troubles.
Cushla lives with her alcoholic mother Gina and works part-time in the family’s pub, creating a setting where community life and private struggles coexist. Her relationship with Michael places her at the center of a romance that crosses religious and political boundaries, drawing judgment from her surroundings and placing those she loves at risk. The series explores how personal desire navigates a landscape shaped by violence, community pressure, and familial obligation.
What sources confirm the cast and production details?
“Gillian Anderson plays Gina Lavery, Cushla’s mother, in the four-part drama.”
— Elle, November 2025
Primary sources for cast information include IMDb’s full credits database, Wikipedia’s dedicated television series page, and Rotten Tomatoes’ season overview. Press coverage from outlets including Elle, Cosmopolitan, and RadioTimes provides additional confirmation and context. Channel 4’s official press materials serve as the primary production source.
What to know about the Trespasses TV series cast
The cast of Trespasses brings together performers whose collective work spans British and Irish television drama, offering audiences a roster that balances established names with emerging talent. With Lola Petticrew leading as Cushla and support from Gillian Anderson, Tom Cullen, and a ensemble of carefully cast performers, the series presents characters whose lives intersect with one of history’s most complex conflicts. The production is available now on Channel 4 for viewers in the UK, with future international availability remaining unconfirmed at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trespasses available on Netflix?
As of current information, Trespasses has not been confirmed for Netflix or other international platforms. It streams exclusively on Channel 4 and its on-demand service within the UK.
When does Trespasses TV series premiere?
The series premiered on Channel 4 on 9 November 2025 at 9pm, with subsequent episodes airing weekly through December 2025.
What is the plot of Trespasses?
The story follows Cushla Lavery, a Catholic teacher in 1975 Belfast, who begins a forbidden affair with Protestant barrister Michael Agnew, placing her family and community at risk during The Troubles.
Who plays Cushla in Trespasses?
Lola Petticrew portrays Cushla Lavery. She is known for roles in Dating Amber, Bloodlands, and Say Nothing.
How many episodes does Trespasses have?
Trespasses comprises four episodes as a limited series, with each installment exploring escalating dangers from the central romance.
Who plays Michael Agnew in Trespasses?
Tom Cullen plays Michael Agnew. His previous work includes Downton Abbey, The Gold, and Becoming Elizabeth.
Where was Trespasses filmed?
Production took place in Finaghy, Ballymena, and Holywood, County Down, during November 2024.
Who plays Gina Lavery in Trespasses?
Gillian Anderson portrays Gina Lavery, Cushla’s emotionally volatile mother who struggles with alcoholism.
Related stories
Thomas Whitmore covers Westminster, councils, policy and government affairs across the UK.