Judi Dench has signed on to take the title role in Philomena, a British drama about a woman's 50-year search for the son she was forced to give up for adoption. Stephen Frears will direct the production, which begins shooting in Ireland, the UK and US in November.

Philomena tells the story of Philomena Lee, an unmarried teenager in 50s Ireland who was coerced by Roman Catholic nuns into selling her infant child, Anthony, to a wealthy couple in Missouri. The film is based on the 2009 book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee: A Mother, Her Son and a 50 Year Search by the former BBC correspondent and Labour government advisor Martin Sixsmith.

British comedian Steve Coogan will co-star as the journalist who helps Lee in her search, while the film is backed by Pathé UK and BBC Films.

Dench's recent film credits include My Week with Marilyn, J Edgar and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and she will next be seen reprising her role as M in Skyfall, the forthcoming James Bond movie. She previously worked with Frears on the 2005 comedy Mrs Henderson Presents.