Lily Allen is set to portray the spirited suffragette Mary Datchet in the forthcoming film adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s classic 1919 novel, 'Night And Day'. A newly released clip from the film features Allen's character actively organising a protest in support of women's suffrage, offering an early glimpse into the period drama.
Set against the backdrop of Edwardian England, 'Virginia Woolf's Night And Day' delves into the lives of two distinct women: Mary Datchet, played by Allen, described as fearless and witty, and Katherine Hilbery, portrayed by Haley Bennet, a passionate astronomer. The narrative explores their contrasting perspectives on romance and personal success, with the recent clip highlighting their collaboration in advocating for women's rights.
Directed by Tina Gharavi, the film boasts a notable ensemble cast. Alongside Allen and Bennet, Jack Whitehall features as the frustrated poet William Rodney, and Elyas M’Barek as the radical book editor Ralph Denham. Veteran actors Jennifer Saunders and Timothy Spall take on the roles of Katherine Hilbery's parents, adding further depth to the production.
The official synopsis describes the plot as an 'un-romantic comedy' set in London in 1910. It focuses on Katharine Hilbery's resistance to her parents' marital plans, as she prioritises her passion for astronomy. Her carefully guarded independence is challenged when she is compelled into an engagement with a family friend. Her world begins to broaden through her friendship with Mary Datchet and an encounter with working-class editor Ralph Denham, leading her to re-evaluate her understanding of love, ambition, and self-assertion.
This role marks Lily Allen's first major film appearance, following her successful stints in West End theatre productions like '2:22 A Ghost Story' and 'The Pillowman', and previous acting credits in the 2023 comedy 'Dreamland' and the 2019 drama 'How To Build A Girl'. The film is slated for release in UK and Irish cinemas on June 19, offering audiences a fresh interpretation of Woolf's enduring work.
Separately, Allen is also preparing for the UK leg of her tour supporting her fifth album, 'West End Girl', which she has described as exploring the 'complexities of relationships' and being inspired by her 'deep-rooted issues with rejection and abandonment' following her divorce.