Daniel Lawrence Taylor is transcending and blending cultures with 'Boarders'

BOARDERS IS a high energy, coming of age comedy drama written and created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor.

Following a problematic viral video involving a student, the lead characters are offered sixth form scholarships to St Gilbert’s, in an attempt to rehabilitate the image of one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious schools.

They soon find themselves in a world they can only describe as something out of Harry Potter, surrounded by lush playing fields, cloistered grandeur and complex social rules which they must decipher quickly in order to survive.

They will go on a journey as they learn about themselves, their identity and what it’s like to live alongside the one percent – which they discover is nothing like life as they knew it.

Led by a cast of young rising talent, Boarders stars Josh Tedeku, Jodie Campbell, Myles Kamwendo alongside Sekou Diaby and Aruna Jalloh, both making their screen debuts.

Additional cast include Derek Riddell and Niky Wardley and Boarders writer Taylor himself who stars as Gus – a mentor

Seaking to the Voice, Taylor explained how the concept became his latest creation.

“I’d want to say like (it’s been) probably about three years in the making and it was all based on An article I was shown, and which was about five young black boys from East London, who were given scholarships to Rugby Rugby private school, and when I read the article, there was like so many similarities about my experience from when I went to university.

“I didn’t go to private school or anything like that. But the university I went to was predominantly white, predominantly middle class, and some of the challenges that I was up against resonated with the piece and the piece resonated with me, and I just thought that it was great grounds for for writing a TV show around it.”

Touching on very serious issues with a sugar coating of contemporary humour that will be relatable to a wide audience, Boarders represents a fresh take on cultural assimilation and what that looks like for all involved.

On what he would like people to take away from the series, he enthused: “I suppose first and foremost, it’s a piece of entertainment.

“I want you to enjoy it.

“The cast is so brilliant. and I think, even though it deals with a lot of hard-hitting themes, it feels like it’s a joyful piece, an uplifting piece.

“And so I kind of want people to go away with a sense of enjoyment. But to learn a little as well. To kind of learn how these institutions operate. Learn a little about these black experiences.

“And hopefully, get people talking.”

Watch the full interview with Taylor below.