17th March 2006

A true story about an extraordinary friendship

KEELEY HAWES (Spooks, Under The Greenwood Tree, Tipping The Velvet) and BEN MILES (Coupling, Prime Suspect, The Forsyte Saga) star in After Thomas, a true story of one couple's struggle to meet the challenges of their child's autism.

Kyle Graham is scared. Not of monsters under the bed like any average six-year-old, but of just about everything. And he can't communicate his fears. His mother Nicola (Hawes) knows that Kyle wants to be left alone, safe and secure in his autistic world. But she also fears for his future if he continues to reject all emotional interaction. Her fierce determination to break into Kyle's world has placed an intolerable strain on her marriage, as her husband Rob (Miles), although equally devoted to his son, is frustrated by Nicola's relentless challenging of Kyle's condition.

Into this maelstrom of conflict comes Thomas, a golden retriever puppy. Nothing could prepare Nicola and Rob for how Thomas unlocks the door to a personality they never knew their son had. What follows is a fascinating and moving tale of two parents who, at breaking point, find hope they never dared to dream of. Gritty and real, funny and heart-warming, After Thomas is an uplifting and moving true story.

Following a six month search and over 150 auditions, six-year-old ANDREW BYRNE makes his acting debut as Kyle. After Thomas will be filmed on location in London and Kent throughout March.

After Thomas is written by Lindsey Hill, directed by Simon Shore (Things To Do Before You're 30) and produced by Elaine Cameron (Wonderful You, Border Cafe). The Executive Producer is Beryl Vertue.

With an award-winning portfolio of drama, light entertainment and documentary films, Hartswood provides programmes for ITV, BBC and Channel 4. Hartswood's drama and comedy credits include Coupling, Men Behaving Badly, Supernova, Carrie & Barry, The Savages, Is It Legal?, My Good Friend, Border Café, Wonderful You, The English Wife, A Woman's Guide To Adultery and Code Name Kyril. Hartswood have also produced several critically acclaimed documentaries including Going To Chelsea, Officers and Gentlemen, The War Behind The Wire and In Love With Elizabeth.