Actors Rhys Ifans and Laura Linney star together in the forthcoming BBC film *Onwards and Sideways*, which explores the complex realities of living with Parkinson’s disease. Directed by John Madden, known for *Shakespeare in Love*, the film follows their characters, Tony, a teacher, and Emma, a musician, as they navigate the challenges posed by the neurological condition.
The film underscores both the emotional and physical impact of Parkinson’s, a disorder affecting more than 160,000 people in the UK alone. Symptoms such as involuntary shaking, stiffness of gait, and freezing episodes form a central element of the narrative, portraying the disease with nuance and honesty. The screenplay was written by Paul Mayhew-Archer, a writer and actor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 58. Drawing on his personal experiences, Mayhew-Archer has infused the story with moments of humor and poignancy, aiming to raise awareness while dispelling stigma around the condition.
Ifans, 59, and Linney, 62, approached the roles with considerable preparation, attending dance classes as part of their research. Both actors engaged with Dance for PD programs—Linney in Brooklyn with the Mark Morris Dance Group and Ifans in Bangor, Wales—studying how movement and music can serve as therapeutic tools for those with Parkinson’s. They described these sessions as inspiring and leveling experiences, highlighting the diverse participants united by the diagnosis.
The actors worked closely with specialists, including the Neuro Heroes, a group of women providing physiotherapy for Parkinson’s patients, to authentically represent the condition’s physical manifestations. Linney emphasized the heterogeneous nature of Parkinson’s, noting that no two cases are alike, and symptoms and medication side effects vary widely among individuals.
Casting decisions also balanced authenticity with practicality. Mayhew-Archer acknowledged the decision not to cast actors with Parkinson’s in the lead roles was influenced by the demands of the script, which includes medical procedures and physical actions that would be difficult for those currently living with the disease. Both Ifans and Linney expressed a strong sense of responsibility to portray the condition accurately, knowing that many viewers with Parkinson’s and their families would watch the film.
The production explores not only the medical realities but also the emotional terrain of diagnosis, coping, and relationships. “You learn a lot about each other very quickly,” Ifans said of his experience working with Linney, who added that their shared investment in the project forged a strong bond. The film seeks to balance moments of levity with the weight of the subject matter, reflecting Mayhew-Archer’s own approach of treating Parkinson’s with both honesty and humor.
*Onwards and Sideways* is set to be released in cinemas starting Friday, with a later broadcast on BBC One and availability on the iPlayer platform. The film aims to offer an empowering, insightful portrayal of Parkinson’s disease that resonates with both those directly affected and the broader audience.