Glasgow Lives: Sarah, Showrunner for Wax Fruit and Executive Producer at Little White Rose Films

Sarah, Showrunner for Wax Fruit and Executive Producer at Little White Rose Films.
-Credit:Elaine Livingstone Photography


I studied Scottish Literature at University of Strathclyde in the 90s and was blown away by the wealth of incredible literature we have here in Scotland.

The course was a game-changer for my career, shaping my storytelling skills and opening doors in theatre, film, and TV. It kickstarted my obsession with shining a light on brilliant Scottish stories.

I’ve had the privilege of working at the forefront of global film production, collaborating with outstanding talent like Cate Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Dougray Scott.

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I remember how I felt the first time I read Guy McCrone’s Wax Fruit trilogy. Published in 1947, this powerful saga of ambition, family, and the dramatic rise of Glasgow during its industrial heyday had me captivated from the get-go. It unapologetically placed Glasgow and its story at the forefront in a way I had never seen before.

I always had in the back of my mind, an ambition to bring Scottish material to life on screen which is why I formed Little White Rose Films. Wax Fruit was top of the list of stories crying out to be made. Now, as the Showrunner and Executive Producer of the forthcoming Wax Fruit TV adaptation, I’m more determined than ever to see this forgotten masterpiece return to the spotlight, where it belongs.

Wax Fruit is no ordinary tale - it’s a sweeping epic, deeply entrenched in the spirit of Victorian Glasgow, a city at the pinnacle of empire-building - a thriving metropolis at the height of its powers. McCrone’s vivid portrayal of the city and its people is electrifying; the sprawling cityscape, with its iconic buildings and riverside vistas, is as much a character in this story as the Moorhouse family itself. Glasgow was transforming, and McCrone’s NY Times bestselling books capture that energy and now, we’re bringing it all to life for the screen.

Our team is crafting a multi-season TV epic that spans generations - a minimum of five seasons, each with 10 episodes. Every season will pull you deeper into the wonderful world of Wax Fruit , and just as viewers will fall in love with Bel and Arthur Moorhouse, they’ll fall for the city itself, brought to life through stunning costume, make-up and hair, set design and breathtaking cinematography. Plus, an original sweeping score inspired and created by some of the world’s finest musical minds.

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We really do have the best in the business on board; BAFTA-winning screenwriter Andrea Gibb, Academy Award-nominated DOP Michael Coulter and BAFTA-winning production designer Andy Harris. These talents are creating the look and feel of this ambitious adaptation, alongside a star-studded cast which features Martin Compston, Ashley Jensen, Shirley Henderson, Elaine C Smith, Bill Paterson, and brilliant newcomer Frankie Corio.

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This project is also about creating jobs and opportunities for homegrown talent and attracting investment into the city, ensuring the production benefits the local workforce and economy. We want to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of this fine city, and we’re making sure the people of Glasgow are at the centre of that story.

The buzz around the Wax Fruit TV adaptation is real - demand for the books has skyrocketed. Second-hand bookshops across the UK have sold out, you can’t buy it online, and libraries have extensive waiting lists. It’s not just a revival of a long-forgotten classic; it’s a global phenomenon in the making. With the return of Wax Fruit to bookshelves and classrooms - thanks to its re-introduction to the University of Strathclyde’s Glasgow Novel module - it’s clear that this is a story whose time has come and is ripe for the picking.

Follow @waxfruittvseries for more information and updates .

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