Step into the smoky, neon-lit underworld of 1920s London with Dope Girls, BBC One’s provocative new crime drama set to premiere on February 22, 2025. Created by acclaimed playwright Polly Stenham, this six-part series explores the birth of Soho’s nightclub scene—a world of jazz, hedonism, and illicit trades—where the lines between rebellion and ruin blur. With a powerhouse cast led by Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown) and rising star Eliza Scanlen (Sharp Objects), Dope Girls uncovers the lives of women navigating a society dominated by crime, addiction, and ambition.
From underground jazz clubs to shadowy back alleys, this series promises a visceral journey through an era of radical social change, where freedom comes at a deadly price.
Network: BBC One
Creator: Polly Stenham
Main Stars: Julianne Nicholson, Eliza Scanlen, Geraldine James
Genres: Crime, Drama
Release Date: February 22, 2025
Episodes: 6 (Season 1)
Also Known As: Dope Girls Series 1, Dope Girls on BBC
Plot: The Dark Heart of London’s Nightclub Revolution
Set in 1925, Dope Girls chronicles the explosive rise of Soho’s nightlife, where jazz music, flapper culture, and underground crime collide. At the center is Kate Galloway (Julianne Nicholson), a tenacious American journalist who arrives in London to investigate the mysterious death of her sister, only to uncover a web of narcotics, corruption, and power struggles tied to the burgeoning club scene.
Her path crosses with Violet Davies (Eliza Scanlen), a sharp-witted, ambitious dancer-turned-club owner determined to carve out her legacy in a male-dominated world. Meanwhile, Isabella Salucci (Geraldine James), the matriarch of a notorious crime family, pulls strings from the shadows, using her nightclubs as fronts for her narcotics empire. As Kate digs deeper, she exposes alliances between police, politicians, and gangsters—including the Salucci family’s ruthless grip on Soho.
The series interweaves the lives of club performers, addicts, and criminals, painting a raw portrait of a society teetering between liberation and self-destruction. With themes of addiction, gender inequality, and moral ambiguity, Dope Girls is as much a social commentary as it is a gripping crime saga.
Cast: A Stellar Ensemble of Outsiders and Power Players
- Julianne Nicholson as Kate Galloway: A relentless journalist chasing truth in a world built on lies.
- Eliza Scanlen as Violet Davies: A daring dancer with dreams of owning her own club.
- Geraldine James as Isabella Salucci: The cunning head of a crime dynasty.
- Dustin Demri-Burns as Damaso Salucci: Isabella’s volatile heir, torn between loyalty and rebellion.
- Nabhaan Rizwan as Silas Huxley: A charismatic jazz musician entangled with Violet.
- Sebastian Croft as Silvio Salucci: The family’s youngest son, drawn to Kate’s investigation.
Notable Supporting Roles:
- Fiona Button and Will Keen as Sophie and Frederick Asquith-Gore, aristocratic benefactors with shady ties.
- Priya Kansara as Lily Lee, a prostitute fighting for autonomy.
- Ian Bonar as Sgt. Frank Turner, a corrupt cop on Isabella’s payroll.
- Umi Myers as Billie Cassidy, a cocaine-addicted singer spiraling in the spotlight.
Behind the Scenes: Polly Stenham’s Vision
Polly Stenham, known for her unflinching explorations of power and identity in plays like That Face, brings her signature intensity to Dope Girls. The series blends historical inspiration with fictionalized drama, highlighting real-life figures like Kate Galloway (based on pioneering journalist Grace Wilson) and the Salucci family, a nod to London’s immigrant crime syndicates of the era. Filming took place in meticulously recreated 1920s sets, with Soho’s alleyways and jazz clubs brought to life through rich cinematography and a haunting original score.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
- Where to Watch Dope Girls Online?
- Stream episodes weekly on BBC iPlayer after their BBC One premiere.
- What Is Dope Girls Like?
- Think Peaky Blinders meets The Nevers, with a feminist twist. It’s gritty, glamorous, and unflinchingly dark.
- Is There a Trailer for Dope Girls?
- Yes! The teaser trailer drops in December 2024 on BBC’s official channels.
- Who Are the Main Stars of Season 1?
- Julianne Nicholson, Eliza Scanlen, and Geraldine James lead the ensemble.
- How Many Episodes Are in Season 1?
- Six hour-long episodes.
- Will There Be a Season 2?
- Yes! BBC One has already greenlit Season 2, set to explore the rise of fascism in 1930s Soho.
Why Dope Girls Is a Must-Watch
With its intoxicating mix of historical intrigue, complex female leads, and a soundtrack dripping with jazz-age authenticity, Dope Girls is poised to become BBC One’s next prestige drama. Whether you’re drawn to crime sagas, feminist narratives, or the allure of the Roaring Twenties, this series delivers a bold, unapologetic punch. Mark your calendars for February 22, 2025—the night the streets of Soho come alive.
