Boys of the black stuff

ANTHONY BOYLE, LOUIS PARTRIDGE AND FIONN O’SHEA DISCUSS COMPLEX FAMILY DYNAMICS IN THEIR NEW DRAMA. BY LYNN RUSK

- LYNN RUSK

FEW dynasties command as much intrigue as the Guinness family, the force behind turning their dry stout into a household name.

Now, a new series from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight brings to life the real scandals, power struggles and generational secrets of Ireland’s most iconic family.

House of Guinness reimagines the fallout from Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York.

The grandson of Arthur Guinness, who famously signed a 9,000-year lease on St James’s Gate Brewery in 1759, Sir Benjamin is credited with driving the brewery’s extraordinary success.

The show delves into the far-reaching impact of his will on the futures of his four adult children: Arthur, played by Derry Girls actor Anthony Boyle, Edward portrayed by Enola Holmes actor Louis Partridge, Anne played by The Responder star Emily Fairn and Benjamin portrayed by Normal People actor Fionn O’Shea.

The eight-part series also features Happy Valley actor James Norton, Game Of Thrones stars Jack Gleeson and Michael McElhatton and Ballykissangel favourite Dervla Kirwan.

Belfast-born Anthony says the series feels like a Succession-style period drama.

“The reason I was attracted to this show wasn't necessarily the actual pint of Guinness itself, it was more to do with the characters involved,’ explains the 31-year-old.

“Steven's script was what really drew me to this, how layered and complex the characters are and how he has taken licence with real history.