Imelda Staunton, Siobhán McSweeney and Hannah Waddingham to shoot comedy film in Kerry

Stars Imelda Staunton (The Crown), Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls), Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and Eileen Walsh (The Magdalene Sisters) have joined the cast of West the Road, a new comedy film shooting in Co. Kerry.

The star-studded cast from the big and small screens are set to travel to the Kingdom to join production later this year. The feature follows the hilarious and heartfelt story of a group of women brought together by the death of a childhood friend.

When the group discovers that their bereaved friend was forced to give her daughter up for adoption at the age of 15, the group embarks on a journey from the west of Ireland up the Wild Atlantic coastline, accompanied by a donkey called Thatcher, in search of the child. What follows is a story about friendship, love and the unstoppable resolve of women as they rediscover the joy of living.

First-time feature writer-director Ita Fitzgerald is set to helm the exciting project. The London Irish director's previous credits an award winning short film TMI, as well as BBC TV’s Doctors.

Fitzgerald said it is a "dream come true to work with these amazing and talented women" and that she's grateful to "bring this story to the screen.”

Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films, executive producers of West the Road,  said the upcoming feature "is a wonderful celebration of life and the indomitable force of female friendship".

"We are thrilled to be able tell this story with such a talented cast and crew who will deliver a film that is full of laughter, joy and a great deal of emotion.”

Extraordinary. (L to R) Mairead Tyers as Jen, Sofia Oxenham as Carrie, Siobhan McSweeney as Mary in Extraordinary. Cr. Natalie Seery/Disney+ © 2021.

Irish star Siobhán McSweeney recently featured in comedy superhero show Extraordinary alongside fellow Irish actress Máiréad Tyers, and has featured in a series of critically acclaimed roles across British television since finishing Derry Girls.

West the Road is produced with production support from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.