Gun crime inspires hit BBC drama Sherwood: How real events shaped the story

The return of the BBC series Sherwood has once again captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of gun crime and gangs in post-industrial Nottingham. The drama, created by Nottinghamshire playwright James Graham, draws from real events, blending fact with fiction in a compelling narrative.

The series opens with a disclaimer stating that while inspired by real stories, all characters and events are fictionalized. The latest series of Sherwood resonates with viewers familiar with Nottingham's past, particularly the early 2000s when the city was dubbed "Shottingham" and "Assassination City" due to rampant gun crime and corruption.

The Murderer: Oliver Huntington portrays Ryan Bottomley, a character whose violent actions echo the real-life case of Michael O'Brien. O'Brien was convicted for the 2003 fatal shooting of Marvyn Bradshaw, intended for a different target, Jamie Gunn, linked to Nottingham crime boss Colin Gunn.

The Revenge Killing: Pam and Dennis Bottomley, played by Sharlene Whyte and David Harewood, represent victims of a revenge killing similar to the real-life murders of Joan and John Stirland. The Stirlands, targeted by Colin Gunn's associates, were killed in 2004 after previously fleeing their home due to gun threats.

The Corrupt Detective: In Sherwood, a fictional officer fails to act on critical concerns, mirroring real events involving Detective Constable Charles Fletcher. Fletcher was found guilty of corruption after feeding information to Colin Gunn and searching for details about the Stirlands.

The Undercover Cop: Lorraine Ashbourne’s character, Daphne Sparrow, as a former undercover officer, reflects real-life undercover cop Mark Kennedy. Kennedy, posing as an environmental activist, infiltrated Nottingham's Sumac Centre before his exposure in 2010.

The Violence Reduction Chief: David Morrissey’s character, Ian St Clair, heads the fictional "Violence Intervention Team". This role is inspired by former Nottinghamshire police officers who have moved on to roles aimed at reducing youth crime and supporting vulnerable communities.

While Sherwood takes creative liberties, it sheds light on Nottingham's troubled past, posing the question: Is truth stranger than fiction? The final episodes of the series air on BBC One at 21:00 on September 8 and 9.