Domino Day (British TV series)

Lore & Background

Domino Day was commissioned by the BBC in March 2021 as a six-part series from new writer Lauren Sequeira, who had been a Writer in Residence at Dancing Ledge Productions. Sequeira was joined in the writers' room by Charlene James and Haleema Mirza, with Eva Sigurdardottir and Nadira Amrani attached to direct. In March 2023, it was announced that Siena Kelly would lead the series as the titular character Domino, with additional cast members including Babirye Bukilwa, Poppy Lee Friar, Alisha Bailey, Molly Harris, Sam Howard-Sneyd, Percelle Ascott, Christopher Jeffers, Jonah Rzeskiewicz, Maimuna Memon, and Kris Hitchen. Principal photography took place in and around Manchester.

Reader's Guide

Domino Day represents a notable addition to BBC Three's fantasy programming, created by emerging writer Lauren Sequeira. The series received positive critical reception, with Lucy Mangan of The Guardian awarding the first episode four stars out of five, describing it as stylish and energetic. Michael Hogan in The Telegraph also gave it four out of five stars. The series' significance lies in its development from Sequeira's residency at Dancing Ledge Productions and its production in Manchester, contributing to regional television production. The cast features a diverse ensemble, with Siena Kelly in the lead role. The series stands as a contemporary British fantasy entry, though its long-term legacy remains to be seen.

Did You Know?

• Domino Day was created by Lauren Sequeira, who had been a Writer in Residence at Dancing Ledge Productions.
• The series was commissioned by the BBC in March 2021 as a six-part series.
• Principal photography took place in and around Manchester.
• The first episode received four-star reviews from both The Guardian and The Telegraph.

Origins & Creative Team

Domino Day emerged from the creative partnership between writer Lauren Sequeira and the production company Dancing Ledge Productions, which developed the project for BBC Three. The series was formally commissioned in March 2021 as a six-part fantasy drama, marking a significant new-voice commission for the channel. Sequeira, who had previously served as a Writer in Residence at Dancing Ledge, brought the initial vision to life, but the writing process was a collaborative effort. Her writers' room was joined by Charlene James and Haleema Mirza, ensuring the script drew on multiple creative perspectives. On the directing side, Eva Sigurdardottir and Nadira Amrani were attached to bring the episodes to screen. The combination of a relatively new writer, an established independent production house, and a public broadcaster willing to back a fantasy premise made the project a notable entry in British television. The six-episode format gave the team a contained narrative arc while still allowing room for character development across the ensemble.

The Ensemble Cast

The casting announcement in March 2023 revealed a diverse ensemble at the heart of the series. Siena Kelly was confirmed to lead as the titular Domino, anchoring the fantasy narrative. Surrounding her was a rich supporting cast: Percelle Ascott as Leon, Sam Howard Sneyd as Silas, Babirye Bukilwa as Sammie, Poppy Lee Friar as Geri, Maimuna Memon as Verdita, Christopher Jeffers as Mike, Jonah Rzeskiewicz as Jason, Alisha Bailey as Kat, Molly Harris as Jules, and Lucy Cohu as Esme. The breadth of the cast suggests a story that weaves multiple character threads rather than relying on a single protagonist's journey. The inclusion of actors from varied backgrounds and career stages hints at a show committed to representing a wide spectrum of voices within its fantasy world. Kris Hitchen also joined the cast, rounding out the group. For a six-part series, the size of the ensemble indicates an ambitious scope, with each character likely serving a distinct narrative function that collectively builds the world of Domino Day.

Filming & Production

The physical production of Domino Day took place in and around Manchester, giving the series a distinctly Northern English backdrop. This location choice grounded the fantasy elements in a recognizable, real-world setting, a technique that often helps audiences connect with speculative fiction. The production was handled by Dancing Ledge Productions, the independent company that had developed the project alongside creator Lauren Sequeira. With two directors attached—Eva Sigurdardottir and Nadira Amrani—the series benefited from varied visual and storytelling approaches across its six episodes. The BBC Three platform provided the broadcast home, a channel known for commissioning bold, character-driven series that push beyond conventional genre boundaries. Filming in Manchester also meant the production could draw on the city's diverse architecture, industrial heritage, and vibrant street life to build out the show's visual identity. The combination of a specific urban setting with fantasy storytelling created a production challenge that the directing team and crew worked through over the shoot period.

Critical Response

Domino Day received notably positive reviews from major British publications upon its release. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian awarded the first episode four stars out of five, praising the show's balance and energy. She described the series as one that navigates complex thematic territory with confidence, calling it incredibly stylish without being self-conscious and full of energy without tipping into frenetic territory. Michael Hogan of The Telegraph echoed this enthusiasm, also granting the series four out of five stars. The consistency of high ratings across two prominent outlets indicates that critics found the show's tone, pacing, and visual presentation to be well-executed. For a debut series from a new writer, this level of critical validation speaks to the strength of the writing, direction, and overall production values that Dancing Ledge Productions and BBC Three brought to the project. The reviews collectively paint a picture of a tightly crafted fantasy drama that found its audience in the critical establishment.