The U.K.’s Saffron Cherry Productions (SCP) has optioned “Meet Me at Rainbow Corner,” the latest novel from acclaimed actor and bestselling author Celia Imrie. The 2024 release, which is set for paperback publication by Bloomsbury on Aug. 14, will be adapted for television.
The novel follows a group of extraordinary women working at the American GI Club in Piccadilly, London, during World War II. Set against the backdrop of bombings and departures, the story chronicles how these women form lasting friendships while facing danger, heartbreak and unexpected romance. The narrative celebrates the courage and spirit of those who came together to end the war, weaving together elements of lies, spies and GIs.
Joanna Lumley praised the book as “utterly charming and engrossing.”
Sally Lindsay, creative director at SCP, said: “Celia has created a thrilling world of high stakes, spies and romance all set against the backdrop of World War Two. We look forward to adapting it for television and bringing this extraordinary story to life.”
Imrie added: “I am so excited that Saffron Cherry Productions have picked up ‘Meet Me At Rainbow Corner.’ They have an impeccable track record for bingeable TV.”
The actor has built a formidable second career as a novelist, with her debut “Not Quite Nice” (2015) spending six weeks in the Sunday Times Top Ten. It reached number five on the Apple iBook chart and number eight on Amazon’s book chart. Her subsequent novels include “Nice Work (If You Can Get It)” (2016), “Sail Away” (2018), “A Nice Cup of Tea” (2019), and “Orphans of the Storm” (2021).
Saffron Cherry Productions is currently developing the project with a creative team focused on honoring the novel’s historical depth and emotional resonance. The company has produced the multi-award-winning series “The World According to Grandpa” (Milkshake!) starring Don Warrington, the film “King Lear” for BBC 4 and multiple female-led documentaries. SCP also co-produces “The Madame Blanc Mysteries” (Channel 5, Acorn, Netflix), which was created, co-written by and stars Lindsay.
Caroline Roberts-Cherry, founder and managing director of Saffron Cherry Productions, is a Grierson award-winning director and BAFTA-winning producer.
Imrie is represented by Curtis Brown Group, Magnolia Entertainment and Personal PR. Next up for her as an actor is Chris Columbus’ adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel “The Thursday Murder Club,” alongside Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley.