AN EXCITING care home comedy drama set in Wrexham is aiming to shine a spotlight on the community - featuring more than one familiar face.

Produced by Rocking Horse Media, 'Henry House' will be a comedy drama set in a Wrexham care home which has yet to be done on modern television, according to writer and director Gareth Thomas.

Gareth is eager to give Wrexham a new narrative while supporting the special educational needs and disability (SEND) community.

Set at Christmas, Henry House explores when, and indeed how, Izzy Orchard is able to strike up an improbable bond with a new Dementia and PTSD resident named Paul; played by television icon, Peter Purves of Blue Peter and Doctor Who fame.

The show will include SEND actors while providing unique work experience opportunities on a professional TV set.

Gareth said: "We want to put Wrexham on the map in a way that's never been done before. We've seen the success of the documentary, but what we haven't seen is a narrative TV drama set and filmed in Wrexham, celebrating its people and community. 

"As a show, Henry House is all about the SEND community. We've filmed scenes at the nearby specialist 'Derwen College' where we met and were inspired by so many of the individuals there and across Wrexham.

"I, myself, as the writer and director have autism and didn't know for years despite researching and writing autistic characters.

"Our company tagline is Including the Excluded and it is not just a tagline but an ethos that we all live by."

The show was always planned to be set in Wrexham with the recent football takeover only confirming the right choice had been made. It will also give opportunities to undiscovered, local talents and young people with untapped potential.

Órla Jones has been cast as the star of the series playing the role of Izzy Orchard who has been likened to 'Wrexham's Bridget Jones.'

Peter Purves (Blue Peter, The Office) will also star in the series alongside Dean Raymond, qualified actor and real-life AFC fan, Annette Badland (Ted Lasso, EastEnders), Mark Benton (Waterloo Road), Ian McNeice (Doc Martin, Doctor Who) and Dean Fagan (Coronation Street). 

The cast and production team will be staying in local hotels and eating in Wrexham to support the local economy as well as promoting the city's area as part of their filming commitments. 

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Filming for the show was delayed when a cast member broke his wrist just three weeks into their production schedule. Local organisations and residents raised an impressive £30,000 allowing the filming process to start over next month.

The team will be re-entering production on Monday, December 11 where Wrexham residents will have the chance to get involved with further details to come soon.

Gareth is keen to get the production underway, especially following the evolution and momentum of the area reaching an entirely different level in recent months.

He is counting on the support and enthusiasm of locals to bring the drama alive.