Exclusive: Iconic British comedian Harry Enfield has stepped down as director of his production company after 12 years.
The Harry & Paul star founded Balloon Entertainment in 2012 alongside Skins writer Bryan Elsley, with a focus on “nurturing emerging talent.” Its first commission was Channel 4 comedy Dates.
Enfield was terminated as director of Balloon Entertainment on January 12, according to Companies House. The remaining three directors are Elsley, development boss Dave Evans and company manager Lindsay Taggart. Deadline understands Enfield could still make shows for Balloon and he remains on good terms with the company. Balloon declined comment and reps for Enfield did not respond to requests for comment.
Balloon has been a consistent player in UK TV over the past dozen years, making numerous shows with and without Enfield.
Past shows include An Evening With Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse, Channel 4/Netflix cyber-thriller Kiss Me First and BBC Three drama Clique, the...
The Harry & Paul star founded Balloon Entertainment in 2012 alongside Skins writer Bryan Elsley, with a focus on “nurturing emerging talent.” Its first commission was Channel 4 comedy Dates.
Enfield was terminated as director of Balloon Entertainment on January 12, according to Companies House. The remaining three directors are Elsley, development boss Dave Evans and company manager Lindsay Taggart. Deadline understands Enfield could still make shows for Balloon and he remains on good terms with the company. Balloon declined comment and reps for Enfield did not respond to requests for comment.
Balloon has been a consistent player in UK TV over the past dozen years, making numerous shows with and without Enfield.
Past shows include An Evening With Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse, Channel 4/Netflix cyber-thriller Kiss Me First and BBC Three drama Clique, the...
- 3/1/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Queen Elizabeth has been played by numerous actors over the years — three in Netflix’s The Crown alone. But tracking not far behind when it comes to onscreen depictions of major British figures is former prime minister Tony Blair. Among the names to have stepped into the shiny brogues of the divisive politician are the likes of Damien Lewis, Robert Lindsay, Toby Stephens, James Larkin, Ioan Gruffudd, Stephen Mangan, Harry Enfield and Pierce Brosnan (as a version of Blair in Roman Polanski’s The Ghost Writer). Michael Sheen has also famously played Blair three times.
Joining this illustrious list is Bertie Carvel, the star of stage and screen who joined The Crown for its final outings in seasons five and six. While he’s mostly a supporting bystander in season five, the sixth and final season of Netflix’s hit royal drama — which centered its first four episodes, now streaming,...
Joining this illustrious list is Bertie Carvel, the star of stage and screen who joined The Crown for its final outings in seasons five and six. While he’s mostly a supporting bystander in season five, the sixth and final season of Netflix’s hit royal drama — which centered its first four episodes, now streaming,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for “Saltburn,” in theaters now.
In 2006, I was an English major at Oxford alongside “Saltburn” director Emerald Fennell. While there was a peripheral overlap in our social circles, as far as I remember we never officially met. Like the protagonists in her new film, we existed in the same orbit but our experiences at Oxford could not have been further apart.
So I wasn’t entirely surprised to see Fennell’s dark satire get some flack since its release, particularly in the U.K., for failing to adequately skewer the upper classes while depicting scholarship kid Oliver Quick (played by Barry Keoghan) as a vampiric con artist. His mark, the blue-blooded Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), is kind-hearted and guileless, a cross between Princess Diana and Harry Enfield’s comic creation Tim Nice But Dim.
Even when he realizes he’s been deceived, Felix behaves...
In 2006, I was an English major at Oxford alongside “Saltburn” director Emerald Fennell. While there was a peripheral overlap in our social circles, as far as I remember we never officially met. Like the protagonists in her new film, we existed in the same orbit but our experiences at Oxford could not have been further apart.
So I wasn’t entirely surprised to see Fennell’s dark satire get some flack since its release, particularly in the U.K., for failing to adequately skewer the upper classes while depicting scholarship kid Oliver Quick (played by Barry Keoghan) as a vampiric con artist. His mark, the blue-blooded Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), is kind-hearted and guileless, a cross between Princess Diana and Harry Enfield’s comic creation Tim Nice But Dim.
Even when he realizes he’s been deceived, Felix behaves...
- 12/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Elite is a Spanish teen drama created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona. The Netflix original series has been hugely popular amongst the teen audience. Elite is choke full of teenage drama, murder mystery, erotic scenes, and everything you want out of a soap opera. The teen drama recently concluded its seventh season and has been renewed for its eighth and final season. So, if you love the Netflix series, here are some similar shows you could watch while waiting for Season 8.
Skins UK (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Channel4
Synopsis: The smash hit drama series following the lives and loves of a group of raucous friends in Bristol. Tony, Nicholas Hoult, is a smart 17-year-old. He undermines his dad, Harry Enfield, on a daily basis and effortlessly covers up for his little sister’s, Kaya Scodelario, covert delinquency.
Dare Me (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – USA Network...
Skins UK (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Channel4
Synopsis: The smash hit drama series following the lives and loves of a group of raucous friends in Bristol. Tony, Nicholas Hoult, is a smart 17-year-old. He undermines his dad, Harry Enfield, on a daily basis and effortlessly covers up for his little sister’s, Kaya Scodelario, covert delinquency.
Dare Me (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – USA Network...
- 11/1/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Everything Now is a British comedy-drama series created by Ripley Parker. The Netflix series follows the story of Mia, a 16-year-old London girl who joins the Sixth form (UK’s equivalent to high school), after a lengthy battle with anorexia. Everything Now stars Sophie Wilde in the lead role with Niamh McCormack and Lauryn Ajufo in supporting roles. So, if you loved the Netflix series here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Feel Good (Netflix) Credit – Netflix
Synopsis: Mae & George’s complicated love story continues as Mae struggles to come to terms with the ghosts from her past and George tries to reinvent her present. Can they grow together or will they grow apart?
Dietland (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – AMC
Synopsis: Dietland is a wickedly funny and extraordinarily timed satire about Plum Kettle, a ghostwriter for the editor of one of New York’s hottest fashion magazines.
Feel Good (Netflix) Credit – Netflix
Synopsis: Mae & George’s complicated love story continues as Mae struggles to come to terms with the ghosts from her past and George tries to reinvent her present. Can they grow together or will they grow apart?
Dietland (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – AMC
Synopsis: Dietland is a wickedly funny and extraordinarily timed satire about Plum Kettle, a ghostwriter for the editor of one of New York’s hottest fashion magazines.
- 10/6/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Think of a British TV series about the royal family that launched in 2016 and features some of Britain’s best writing and acting talent. No, not “The Crown” but “The Windsors,” the royal comedy show from Channel 4 that is poised to steal “The Crown’s” well, crown. A soap opera-style sitcom, it shows Charles, William, Harry and the rest of the royals as they’ve never been seen before.
Where “The Crown” offers a sober, historical take on the royals, winning both critical plaudits and awards in the process, “The Windsors” is a cheeky younger sibling that has spent its life in the shadows. A spare to the heir, if you will. Created by writers Bert Tyler-Moore and George Jeffrie, “The Windsors” launched seven years ago with comedy king Harry Enfield in the lead as a vain and infantilized Charles while Gwynne (who has also appeared in “The Crown...
Where “The Crown” offers a sober, historical take on the royals, winning both critical plaudits and awards in the process, “The Windsors” is a cheeky younger sibling that has spent its life in the shadows. A spare to the heir, if you will. Created by writers Bert Tyler-Moore and George Jeffrie, “The Windsors” launched seven years ago with comedy king Harry Enfield in the lead as a vain and infantilized Charles while Gwynne (who has also appeared in “The Crown...
- 4/25/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
A documentary on the legal woes between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard headlines the new spring lineup from U.K. broadcaster Channel 4.
At the channel’s Content Showcase in London, chief content officer Ian Katz unveiled a slate of “purposeful, provocative but never predictable” programming that he hopes will get people “thinking, arguing and asking questions about the world in which we live.”
“Depp vs Heard” will be a three-part series by BAFTA-nominated series director Emma Cooper, investigating the notorious defamation trial that captivated global audiences for three straight months last year. The case — dubbed the world’s first ‘Tik Tok trial’ — was a global media event and raised significant issues regarding violence, gender and the nature of justice in the post-truth era.
Other titles announced include “Partygate: The True Story,” from the makers of BAFTA-winning “Killed By My Debt.” The docudrama promises a deep dive into the political...
At the channel’s Content Showcase in London, chief content officer Ian Katz unveiled a slate of “purposeful, provocative but never predictable” programming that he hopes will get people “thinking, arguing and asking questions about the world in which we live.”
“Depp vs Heard” will be a three-part series by BAFTA-nominated series director Emma Cooper, investigating the notorious defamation trial that captivated global audiences for three straight months last year. The case — dubbed the world’s first ‘Tik Tok trial’ — was a global media event and raised significant issues regarding violence, gender and the nature of justice in the post-truth era.
Other titles announced include “Partygate: The True Story,” from the makers of BAFTA-winning “Killed By My Debt.” The docudrama promises a deep dive into the political...
- 4/18/2023
- by Hannah Abraham
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 has announced plans to air a documentary about the “problem” with Prince Andrew as part of their “alternative schedule” around King Charles III’s forthcoming coronation.
Airing as part of the channel’s coronation programming around the coronation, Andrew – The Problem Prince will see Emily Maitlis speak in detail about her infamous Newsnight interview with the Duke of York in 2019.
Following the 2019 interview, in which the former BBC journalist grilled Andrew about his relationship with the late billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the duke stepped down from public life.
The two-part series will also feature archive footage, an interview with former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister and access to palace insiders, Channel 4 has announced.
The programme is being executively produced by Maitlis along with James Goldston, Sheldon Lazarus and Nina Davies.
It will be broadcast as part of Channel 4’s “alternative schedule”, which the broadcaster said “will provide an...
Airing as part of the channel’s coronation programming around the coronation, Andrew – The Problem Prince will see Emily Maitlis speak in detail about her infamous Newsnight interview with the Duke of York in 2019.
Following the 2019 interview, in which the former BBC journalist grilled Andrew about his relationship with the late billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the duke stepped down from public life.
The two-part series will also feature archive footage, an interview with former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister and access to palace insiders, Channel 4 has announced.
The programme is being executively produced by Maitlis along with James Goldston, Sheldon Lazarus and Nina Davies.
It will be broadcast as part of Channel 4’s “alternative schedule”, which the broadcaster said “will provide an...
- 4/17/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Commissions
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has commissioned a documentary on Prince Andrew as part of its programming around the coronation of his brother, King Charles III. Andrew’s disastrous 2019 interview with then “Newsnight” anchor Emily Maitlis was widely mocked and condemned and proved to be the catalyst in Andrew’s banishment from public life. In the new two-part documentary “Andrew – The Problem Prince” (working title) from Channel 4 and A&e, Maitlis speaks in detail about the interview. The documentary uses archive footage, interviews with BBC producer Sam McAlister and exclusive access to palace insiders, to uncover the inside story of the interview and unravel the scandal that led to his fall from grace.
Among Channel 4’s other coronation programming, “Frankie Boyle’s Farewell to the Monarchy” airs in the build up to the event and will provide the comedian’s perspective on the history of the royal family and its modern-day goings on.
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has commissioned a documentary on Prince Andrew as part of its programming around the coronation of his brother, King Charles III. Andrew’s disastrous 2019 interview with then “Newsnight” anchor Emily Maitlis was widely mocked and condemned and proved to be the catalyst in Andrew’s banishment from public life. In the new two-part documentary “Andrew – The Problem Prince” (working title) from Channel 4 and A&e, Maitlis speaks in detail about the interview. The documentary uses archive footage, interviews with BBC producer Sam McAlister and exclusive access to palace insiders, to uncover the inside story of the interview and unravel the scandal that led to his fall from grace.
Among Channel 4’s other coronation programming, “Frankie Boyle’s Farewell to the Monarchy” airs in the build up to the event and will provide the comedian’s perspective on the history of the royal family and its modern-day goings on.
- 4/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
King Charles might want to look away. “The Windsors” – Channel 4’s satirical comedy series about the British royal family – is returning for a fourth season, with comedian Harry Enfield set to reprise his role as the hapless Charles.
Variety understands work got underway on a fourth season last May but the creative team were sidetracked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September and her son Prince Charles’s succession to the throne. “The Windsors” team are set to mark Charles’s coronation next month with a feature-length special, which recently wrapped.
A rep for Channel 4 said a fourth season hadn’t yet been confirmed but Variety understands that the team are planning to start shooting later this year or early 2024. And while the show will not feature the latest generation of royals, which include William and Kate’s children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, some...
Variety understands work got underway on a fourth season last May but the creative team were sidetracked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September and her son Prince Charles’s succession to the throne. “The Windsors” team are set to mark Charles’s coronation next month with a feature-length special, which recently wrapped.
A rep for Channel 4 said a fourth season hadn’t yet been confirmed but Variety understands that the team are planning to start shooting later this year or early 2024. And while the show will not feature the latest generation of royals, which include William and Kate’s children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, some...
- 4/12/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4’s ‘The Windsors’ To Return With King Charles Coronation Parody
Channel 4 Harry Enfield comedy The Windsors is to return after three years to parody King Charles’ Coronation later this year. Enfield’s King Charles character will take center stage as the UK’s first coronation in 70 years approaches. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are concentrating on life in California but pondering whether to fly over for the big day, while Prince William is focusing on the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. Produced by Noho Film & TV, The Windsors aired for three seasons on Channel 4 from 2016 to 2020. “Any channel worth its salt has a landmark show with the word coronation in the title,” said Joe Hullait, Channel 4 Comedy Commissioning Executive. “For the BBC it was the world’s first televised Coronation in 1953. For ITV it’s the world’s longest running soap Coronation Street. We at Channel 4 are delighted to announce...
Channel 4 Harry Enfield comedy The Windsors is to return after three years to parody King Charles’ Coronation later this year. Enfield’s King Charles character will take center stage as the UK’s first coronation in 70 years approaches. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are concentrating on life in California but pondering whether to fly over for the big day, while Prince William is focusing on the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. Produced by Noho Film & TV, The Windsors aired for three seasons on Channel 4 from 2016 to 2020. “Any channel worth its salt has a landmark show with the word coronation in the title,” said Joe Hullait, Channel 4 Comedy Commissioning Executive. “For the BBC it was the world’s first televised Coronation in 1953. For ITV it’s the world’s longest running soap Coronation Street. We at Channel 4 are delighted to announce...
- 3/6/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
As if King Charles III didn’t already have enough drama in his life, between his logorrheic son Prince Harry and disgraced brother Prince Andrew, comedian Harry Enfield is set to unleash a little more chaos ahead of the coronation in May.
Enfield’s Channel 4 comedy “The Windsors” is returning for a coronation special, with the comedian set to reprise his role as the monarch.
“Charles’ whole life has been building up to this moment and he wants the U.K.’s first coronation in seventy years to be a spectacular affair with all the pomp and circumstance he deserves,” reads the logline. “As does his Queen Consort Camilla (Haydn Gwynne), who can’t wait to drape herself in diamonds and fur. Sadly, the U.K. is in the middle of a cost of living crisis and Wills (Hugh Skinner) thinks the coronation should reflect these more straitened times.”
The...
Enfield’s Channel 4 comedy “The Windsors” is returning for a coronation special, with the comedian set to reprise his role as the monarch.
“Charles’ whole life has been building up to this moment and he wants the U.K.’s first coronation in seventy years to be a spectacular affair with all the pomp and circumstance he deserves,” reads the logline. “As does his Queen Consort Camilla (Haydn Gwynne), who can’t wait to drape herself in diamonds and fur. Sadly, the U.K. is in the middle of a cost of living crisis and Wills (Hugh Skinner) thinks the coronation should reflect these more straitened times.”
The...
- 3/6/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
On paper, it was never going to work. Yesterday, Channel 4 aired Prince Andrew: The Musical, an original 50-minute musical based on the life of Queen Elizabeth’s third child. Prince Andrew tunefully reenacts the highlights of the royal’s Wikipedia page – his military service, his youth as a media darling, his marriage to and divorce from Sarah Ferguson, and his cushy diplomatic role under Blair’s government. It also touches on the later scandals surrounding his relationship with convicted paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, and a civil lawsuit alleging that he sexually assaulted a woman, Virginia Giuffre, when she was 17 years old.
Written by and starring Kieran Hodgson, the programme has predictably kicked up a stink among viewers. Naturally, many royalists have taken issue with the tongue-in-cheek lampooning of the disgraced Duke of York. But even for those who detest Prince Andrew, there’s no getting around the fundamental tastelessness of its premise.
Written by and starring Kieran Hodgson, the programme has predictably kicked up a stink among viewers. Naturally, many royalists have taken issue with the tongue-in-cheek lampooning of the disgraced Duke of York. But even for those who detest Prince Andrew, there’s no getting around the fundamental tastelessness of its premise.
- 12/30/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
When a drag queen called Baga Chipz is selected to play Margaret Thatcher in a TV show, and that’s not even the most delicious bit of casting, you know you’re onto a winner. In Channel 4’s Prince Andrew: The Musical, Prince Charles, will be played by none other than Munya Chawawa – the British-Zimbabwean comedian who has made a career, in part, out of mocking the royal family’s colonial connections.
Earlier this year, the comic shared a skit on Instagram in which he plays the gilded trio of Prince William, Prince Andrew and Prince Charles, all reminiscing fondly on colonial times. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because we colonised it,” his Prince Charles says at one point, giving a spot of fatherly advice to his son.
In another video, he skewers Prince William and Kate Middleton over their controversial trip to Jamaica in March.
Earlier this year, the comic shared a skit on Instagram in which he plays the gilded trio of Prince William, Prince Andrew and Prince Charles, all reminiscing fondly on colonial times. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because we colonised it,” his Prince Charles says at one point, giving a spot of fatherly advice to his son.
In another video, he skewers Prince William and Kate Middleton over their controversial trip to Jamaica in March.
- 11/25/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
As if Prince Andrew wasn’t already disgraced enough, a musical TV special is set to satirize the embattled British royal still further.
Featuring Harry Enfield, one of Britain’s best-known impressionists, “Prince Andrew: The Musical” will focus “on the key events, relationships and controversies of Andrew’s life, including a reimagining of the former-hrh’s bombshell interview with Emily Maitlis,” according to the logline.
Andrew’s disastrous 2019 interview with then “Newsnight” anchor Maitlis was widely mocked and condemned and proved to be the catalyst in Andrew’s banishment from public life.
The musical was written by Kieran Hodgson, who will also play Andrew.
“Kevin & Perry Go Large” star Enfield has been cast as former Prime Minister Tony Blair while Emily Maitlis will be played by “Starstruck’s” Emma Sidi.
Joining them are Munya Chawawa (“Taskmaster”) as Prince Charles, Jenny Bede (“Catastrophe”) as Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (nicknamed Fergie...
Featuring Harry Enfield, one of Britain’s best-known impressionists, “Prince Andrew: The Musical” will focus “on the key events, relationships and controversies of Andrew’s life, including a reimagining of the former-hrh’s bombshell interview with Emily Maitlis,” according to the logline.
Andrew’s disastrous 2019 interview with then “Newsnight” anchor Maitlis was widely mocked and condemned and proved to be the catalyst in Andrew’s banishment from public life.
The musical was written by Kieran Hodgson, who will also play Andrew.
“Kevin & Perry Go Large” star Enfield has been cast as former Prime Minister Tony Blair while Emily Maitlis will be played by “Starstruck’s” Emma Sidi.
Joining them are Munya Chawawa (“Taskmaster”) as Prince Charles, Jenny Bede (“Catastrophe”) as Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (nicknamed Fergie...
- 11/24/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Emma Sidi has landed the role of broadcaster and MacTaggart Lecture giver Emily Maitlis in Channel 4’s upcoming satire Prince Andrew: The Musical.
Maitlis’ bombshell BBC interview on Newsnight with Prince Andrew, in which the royal denied a friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and made several eyebrow-raising statements, led to cascade of events that saw him step back from royal duty.
Maitlis has since left the BBC and was credited for delivering a barnstorming MacTaggart at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival. The musical special will feature a reimagining of her interview with Prince Andrew, with emerging British comedy star Sidi playing the journalist.
Kieran Hodgson (Two Doors Down), who has written the show to a musical score along with Freddie Tapner, plays the royal and will focus on events, relationships and controversies in his life.
Further central cast announced today are Munya Chawawa as Prince Charles and Jenny Bede as Prince Andrew’s former wife Sarah Ferguson.
Also cast are Joe Wilkinson as a newspaper vendor; Harry Enfield (Harry Enfield and Friends) as Prime Minister Tony Blair and Baga Chipz (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Hat Trick Productions is making Prince Andrew: The Musical, with Adam Reeve producing and Stu Mather and Jimmy Mulville the executive producers. Hodgson is an associate producer.
The program was first unveiled in August at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Maitlis’ bombshell BBC interview on Newsnight with Prince Andrew, in which the royal denied a friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and made several eyebrow-raising statements, led to cascade of events that saw him step back from royal duty.
Maitlis has since left the BBC and was credited for delivering a barnstorming MacTaggart at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival. The musical special will feature a reimagining of her interview with Prince Andrew, with emerging British comedy star Sidi playing the journalist.
Kieran Hodgson (Two Doors Down), who has written the show to a musical score along with Freddie Tapner, plays the royal and will focus on events, relationships and controversies in his life.
Further central cast announced today are Munya Chawawa as Prince Charles and Jenny Bede as Prince Andrew’s former wife Sarah Ferguson.
Also cast are Joe Wilkinson as a newspaper vendor; Harry Enfield (Harry Enfield and Friends) as Prime Minister Tony Blair and Baga Chipz (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Hat Trick Productions is making Prince Andrew: The Musical, with Adam Reeve producing and Stu Mather and Jimmy Mulville the executive producers. Hodgson is an associate producer.
The program was first unveiled in August at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
- 11/24/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedian Jordan Gray has responded to the viewers who complained to Ofcom after she stripped naked on Channel 4 as part of the revival of Friday Night Live.
The Eighties comedy series returned for a one-off episode on 21 October as part of the channel’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Ben Elton was back as the host, along with former Friday Night Live cast members Harry Enfield, Jo Brand and Julian Clary.
A number of new comedians also appeared on the show, including Gray.
Gray, who is trans, performed a rendition of the song “Better than You” from her hit Edinburgh Fringe show Is It A Bird?.
At the end of the song, Gray shouted out: “The best thing about live TV is I can do stupid stuff like this…”
After improvising on the keyboard, she then ran across the stage and stripped completely naked to applause and cheers from the audience,...
The Eighties comedy series returned for a one-off episode on 21 October as part of the channel’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Ben Elton was back as the host, along with former Friday Night Live cast members Harry Enfield, Jo Brand and Julian Clary.
A number of new comedians also appeared on the show, including Gray.
Gray, who is trans, performed a rendition of the song “Better than You” from her hit Edinburgh Fringe show Is It A Bird?.
At the end of the song, Gray shouted out: “The best thing about live TV is I can do stupid stuff like this…”
After improvising on the keyboard, she then ran across the stage and stripped completely naked to applause and cheers from the audience,...
- 10/27/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Ben Elton is bringing back Friday Night Live for a one-off special.
Airing from 1985 to 1988, the Channel 4 series – originally called Saturday Live – was known for catapulting comedians such as Harry Enfield, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to stardom.
Jo Brand’s first ever TV appearance came on the show, which featured a mix of stand-up comedy and topical sketches. Episodes were broadcast live, but featured a small amount of pre-recorded material as well.
On Thursday 6 October, Channel 4 announced that the show would be returning in October for a special episode as part of the channel’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Elton will be back at the helm, along with former cast members Enfield, Brand and Julian Clary.
They will be joined by comics including Rosie Jones, Mawaan Rizwan, Jordan Gray, Ronni Ancona and Sam Campbell. Self Esteem will also perform.
Friday Night Live originally aired on a Saturday, but moved...
Airing from 1985 to 1988, the Channel 4 series – originally called Saturday Live – was known for catapulting comedians such as Harry Enfield, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to stardom.
Jo Brand’s first ever TV appearance came on the show, which featured a mix of stand-up comedy and topical sketches. Episodes were broadcast live, but featured a small amount of pre-recorded material as well.
On Thursday 6 October, Channel 4 announced that the show would be returning in October for a special episode as part of the channel’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Elton will be back at the helm, along with former cast members Enfield, Brand and Julian Clary.
They will be joined by comics including Rosie Jones, Mawaan Rizwan, Jordan Gray, Ronni Ancona and Sam Campbell. Self Esteem will also perform.
Friday Night Live originally aired on a Saturday, but moved...
- 10/6/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
If you didn’t already know it, Jeremy Kyle is a horrible man. If you weren’t sure, there’s a two part documentary on All4 called Jeremy Kyle Show: Death on Daytime that details this and makes it abundantly clear that the show he fronted for 14 years took a negative toll on many of the thousands of guests it ushered onto the stage only to bully, badger and beat them down. These were people that were almost always vulnerable and at the bottom end of the economic spectrum, and almost always had serious problems, often related to family, relationships, finance and drug and alcohol abuse. The show was canceled after one of his guests, Steve Dymond, took his own life days after filming an episode of the show.
The documentary gives an insight into the culture of bullying on the show which took place behind the camera too, with...
The documentary gives an insight into the culture of bullying on the show which took place behind the camera too, with...
- 3/19/2022
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Saturday Night Live is heading to the UK.
Deadline understands that a British version of the long-running NBC comedy variety series is in the works at Sky. The project is in the early stages of development.
This would mark the most high-profile international adaptation of the Lorne Michaels-created series, which has been remade in a number of territories around the world including in China, Germany, Italy and South Korea.
SNL reps are understood to be in London at the moment discussing the deal with Sky, which is owned by Comcast, the media conglomerate that also owns NBC. SNL is produced by Broadway Video and SNL Studios with Michaels as creator and exec producer.
The move is the talk of British entertainment and talent circles with comedians lining up to be involved.
Casting, both in front of and behind the camera will be key to the project’s success...
Deadline understands that a British version of the long-running NBC comedy variety series is in the works at Sky. The project is in the early stages of development.
This would mark the most high-profile international adaptation of the Lorne Michaels-created series, which has been remade in a number of territories around the world including in China, Germany, Italy and South Korea.
SNL reps are understood to be in London at the moment discussing the deal with Sky, which is owned by Comcast, the media conglomerate that also owns NBC. SNL is produced by Broadway Video and SNL Studios with Michaels as creator and exec producer.
The move is the talk of British entertainment and talent circles with comedians lining up to be involved.
Casting, both in front of and behind the camera will be key to the project’s success...
- 12/10/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has commissioned history series from David Dimbleby and Konnie Huq, a Harry Enfield/Paul Whitehouse comedy and a Horrible Histories one-off, along with special episodes of some of its biggest hits, to commemorate its 100th year.
Under the BBC 100 banner, the corporation will air the likes of the former Question Time host’s David Dimbleby’s BBC: A Very British History from BBC Studios, tracing the impact of the national institution in recent decades across three parts on BBC2.
Separately, The BBC’s First 50 Years (working title) from Crux Productions/ITV Studios-owned The Garden will spotlight its earlier years via two feature-length BBC2 documentaries, while Here’s One I Made Earlier (working title) will see former Blue Peter host Huq examine the history of BBC kids’ programming on BBC1.
Enfield and Whitehouse have created Balloon Entertainment’s The Love Box In Your Living Room, a one-off comedy...
Under the BBC 100 banner, the corporation will air the likes of the former Question Time host’s David Dimbleby’s BBC: A Very British History from BBC Studios, tracing the impact of the national institution in recent decades across three parts on BBC2.
Separately, The BBC’s First 50 Years (working title) from Crux Productions/ITV Studios-owned The Garden will spotlight its earlier years via two feature-length BBC2 documentaries, while Here’s One I Made Earlier (working title) will see former Blue Peter host Huq examine the history of BBC kids’ programming on BBC1.
Enfield and Whitehouse have created Balloon Entertainment’s The Love Box In Your Living Room, a one-off comedy...
- 11/18/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster the BBC turns 100 in 2022 and to mark the occasion, the corporation has unveiled a raft of special programming across genres and platforms under the banner BBC 100.
The content will include the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations, soccer via the Women’s Euros and the World Cup, and the Commonwealth Games.
The BBC will also broadcast specials of its biggest shows around its 100th birthday, including “Strictly Come Dancing,” “Doctor Who,” “Top Gear,” “MasterChef,” “The Apprentice” and “Antiques Roadshow.”
BBC Three will return as a broadcast channel with a focus on British drama with series including an adaptation of “Normal People” writer Sally Rooney’s novel “Conversations with Friends”; “Superhoe,” written by and starring Nicôle Lecky; a contemporary horror series from the Clarkson Twins set in Bolton titled “Red Rose”; and emerging writer Ryan J. Brown’s thriller “Wrecked.”
Three-part series “David Dimbleby’s BBC: A Very British...
The content will include the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations, soccer via the Women’s Euros and the World Cup, and the Commonwealth Games.
The BBC will also broadcast specials of its biggest shows around its 100th birthday, including “Strictly Come Dancing,” “Doctor Who,” “Top Gear,” “MasterChef,” “The Apprentice” and “Antiques Roadshow.”
BBC Three will return as a broadcast channel with a focus on British drama with series including an adaptation of “Normal People” writer Sally Rooney’s novel “Conversations with Friends”; “Superhoe,” written by and starring Nicôle Lecky; a contemporary horror series from the Clarkson Twins set in Bolton titled “Red Rose”; and emerging writer Ryan J. Brown’s thriller “Wrecked.”
Three-part series “David Dimbleby’s BBC: A Very British...
- 11/18/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
‘Bump.’
Stan today unveiled five Stan Original productions – two drama series, a true crime docuseries, a film and a comedy special – as part of an ambitious plan to ramp up local commissions.
The Nine-owned streamer said it plans to invest in more than 30 productions per year within five years, drawing on Nine’s production facilities and via co-productions with international partners including Hollywood studios and international networks.
It will continue to build on relationships with state and national screen agencies including initiatives such as the Stan and Film Victoria Development Fund and the Screen Queensland and Stan Premium Drama Development Fund.
The slate announced today includes Every Cloud Productions and Balloon Entertainment’s eight-part murder mystery Eden; Claudia Karvan, Kelsey Munro and Roadshow Rough Diamond’s 10-part half-hour drama Bump; and After the Night, a four-part true crime docuseries from Eq Media Group and Salon Pictures, created and directed by Thomas Meadmore.
Stan today unveiled five Stan Original productions – two drama series, a true crime docuseries, a film and a comedy special – as part of an ambitious plan to ramp up local commissions.
The Nine-owned streamer said it plans to invest in more than 30 productions per year within five years, drawing on Nine’s production facilities and via co-productions with international partners including Hollywood studios and international networks.
It will continue to build on relationships with state and national screen agencies including initiatives such as the Stan and Film Victoria Development Fund and the Screen Queensland and Stan Premium Drama Development Fund.
The slate announced today includes Every Cloud Productions and Balloon Entertainment’s eight-part murder mystery Eden; Claudia Karvan, Kelsey Munro and Roadshow Rough Diamond’s 10-part half-hour drama Bump; and After the Night, a four-part true crime docuseries from Eq Media Group and Salon Pictures, created and directed by Thomas Meadmore.
- 8/23/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
BAFTA-winning British comedy star and The Windsors actor Harry Enfield has waded into the growing debate about white comedians performing in blackface, saying he doesn’t regret doing it in the past.
Interviewed on the Today show on BBC Radio 4, Enfield discussed performing as Nelson Mandela and an Indian man in past sketches and said: “I wouldn’t do it now, but I don’t think I regret it.”
He added that there should be a “conversation” about applying black or brown makeup for a comedy role, particularly when it comes to satirizing public figures. Enfiled said if British chancellor Rishi Sunak became prime minister, he would “find it difficult that I would not be allowed to play him because of the color of his skin.”
He added, however, that some blackface portrayals are far from appropriate. “Obviously, Al Johnson or G H Elliot, who played the Chocolate Coloured...
Interviewed on the Today show on BBC Radio 4, Enfield discussed performing as Nelson Mandela and an Indian man in past sketches and said: “I wouldn’t do it now, but I don’t think I regret it.”
He added that there should be a “conversation” about applying black or brown makeup for a comedy role, particularly when it comes to satirizing public figures. Enfiled said if British chancellor Rishi Sunak became prime minister, he would “find it difficult that I would not be allowed to play him because of the color of his skin.”
He added, however, that some blackface portrayals are far from appropriate. “Obviously, Al Johnson or G H Elliot, who played the Chocolate Coloured...
- 6/11/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Audible is launching free podcast Locked Together, which will see well known comedic duos discuss how they’re handling the lockdown and share moments of levity from the last few weeks spent shut indoors.
Guests will include: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost; Jimmy Carr and Katherine Ryan; Sarah Millican and Jason Manford; Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French; Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney; Tez Ilyas and Sindhu Vee; Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield; and People Just Do Nothing‘s Mc Grindah, DJ Beats, DJ Steves and Chabuddy G.
More from DeadlineLily Collins-Simon Pegg Thriller 'Inheritance' Acquired By Vertical & DirecTV Ahead Of Tribeca PremiereColin Kaepernick, Ex-NFL Star Turned Symbol Of Defiance, To Release Memoir; Inks Multi-Project Deal With AudiblePaul Rudd, Jack McBrayer, Amber Ruffin, Paula Pell Lead Cast Of Audible Comedy 'Escape From Virtual Island' From 'SNL' Team
Audible is donating a fixed fee to a different...
Guests will include: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost; Jimmy Carr and Katherine Ryan; Sarah Millican and Jason Manford; Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French; Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney; Tez Ilyas and Sindhu Vee; Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield; and People Just Do Nothing‘s Mc Grindah, DJ Beats, DJ Steves and Chabuddy G.
More from DeadlineLily Collins-Simon Pegg Thriller 'Inheritance' Acquired By Vertical & DirecTV Ahead Of Tribeca PremiereColin Kaepernick, Ex-NFL Star Turned Symbol Of Defiance, To Release Memoir; Inks Multi-Project Deal With AudiblePaul Rudd, Jack McBrayer, Amber Ruffin, Paula Pell Lead Cast Of Audible Comedy 'Escape From Virtual Island' From 'SNL' Team
Audible is donating a fixed fee to a different...
- 4/16/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Charlie Higson, British writer and actor, known for his “Young Bond” novel series, has boarded “Curse of the Kohinoor,” a recently announced Anglo-Indian heist series, as its co-writer. He will join Farrukh Dhondy (“Mangal Pandey: The Rising”), screenwriter and former Channel 4 commissioning editor for multicultural programming, on the project.
The thriller recounts a plot to steal the Kohinoor diamond, centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. Featuring many of the biggest names from the Indian entertainment industry, “Curse” intertwines the history of the iconic diamond with the story of an incredible robbery attempt.
The series will be directed by Colin Teague, director of the BAFTA-winning BBC series “Dr Who” and ITV’s “Beowulf.” “Curse” will be shot on location in India and the U.K. from March 2020. Executive producers are Padma Galla for Amara Raja Media & Entertainment, Rahul Aggarwal for Star Entertainment Worldwide, and Bobby Bedi for Contentflow Studios.
Charles Thompson,...
The thriller recounts a plot to steal the Kohinoor diamond, centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. Featuring many of the biggest names from the Indian entertainment industry, “Curse” intertwines the history of the iconic diamond with the story of an incredible robbery attempt.
The series will be directed by Colin Teague, director of the BAFTA-winning BBC series “Dr Who” and ITV’s “Beowulf.” “Curse” will be shot on location in India and the U.K. from March 2020. Executive producers are Padma Galla for Amara Raja Media & Entertainment, Rahul Aggarwal for Star Entertainment Worldwide, and Bobby Bedi for Contentflow Studios.
Charles Thompson,...
- 11/9/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The team behind hit British mockumentary People Just Do Nothing have teamed with Skins creator Bryan Elsley and Entertainment One (eOne) for a new comedy.
Steve Stamp and Allan Mustafa, two of the creators and stars of the BBC Three series, which follows a group of DJs in London, and director Jack Clough, are working with the Designated Survivor studio as well as Kiss Me First producer Elsley on Gary1987 (w/t).
The comedy, which is set in the world of virtual reality, tells the story of unemployed Gary, a Vr novice, who enters the Vr world initially to make money and ends up way over his head. Stamp and Mustafa are also in talks to star in Gary1987 as well as work behind the scenes.
It will be produced by eOne and Elsley’s Balloon Entertainment with eOne’s Polly Williams and Elsley exec producing. It is one of...
Steve Stamp and Allan Mustafa, two of the creators and stars of the BBC Three series, which follows a group of DJs in London, and director Jack Clough, are working with the Designated Survivor studio as well as Kiss Me First producer Elsley on Gary1987 (w/t).
The comedy, which is set in the world of virtual reality, tells the story of unemployed Gary, a Vr novice, who enters the Vr world initially to make money and ends up way over his head. Stamp and Mustafa are also in talks to star in Gary1987 as well as work behind the scenes.
It will be produced by eOne and Elsley’s Balloon Entertainment with eOne’s Polly Williams and Elsley exec producing. It is one of...
- 7/3/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Entertainment One is partnering with Skins creator Bryan Elsley and the BAFTA-winning team behind BBC/Netflix hit People Just Do Nothing, Steve Stamp, Allan Mustafa and Jack Clough, to develop a new comedy series.
With the working title Gary1987, the project follows an unemployed man named Gary who enters the world of virtual reality, initially to make money, but ends up in way over his head.
"Bryan is a brilliant force in the creative landscape, which is why we couldn’t be more excited to be teaming up with his production company Balloon Entertainment, co-owned with Harry Enfield, as well as ...
With the working title Gary1987, the project follows an unemployed man named Gary who enters the world of virtual reality, initially to make money, but ends up in way over his head.
"Bryan is a brilliant force in the creative landscape, which is why we couldn’t be more excited to be teaming up with his production company Balloon Entertainment, co-owned with Harry Enfield, as well as ...
Mackenzie Crook is a triple threat at the Emmys as the writer, director and star of the critically acclaimed comedy “Detectorists.” He’s already won a BAFTA as the creator of this character study, in which he plays Andy, a would-be archaeologist, who spends his free time with his pal Lance (Toby Jones) in search of buried treasure.
This gentle half hour explores the friendship of two men who are misfits as well as the women in their life played by Rachael Stirling and Rebecca Callard respectively. Stirling’s mother, Diana Rigg, plays her on-screen mother in season three of this Britcom. The Emmy favorite could well reap her first bid on the comedy side for her scene-stealing supporting role.
See 2018 Emmys calendar: Two-week voting starts June 11, nominations on July 12, ceremony on September 17
The first season of “Detectorists” won Best Scripted Comedy at the BAFTAs in 2015 against three strong competitors:...
This gentle half hour explores the friendship of two men who are misfits as well as the women in their life played by Rachael Stirling and Rebecca Callard respectively. Stirling’s mother, Diana Rigg, plays her on-screen mother in season three of this Britcom. The Emmy favorite could well reap her first bid on the comedy side for her scene-stealing supporting role.
See 2018 Emmys calendar: Two-week voting starts June 11, nominations on July 12, ceremony on September 17
The first season of “Detectorists” won Best Scripted Comedy at the BAFTAs in 2015 against three strong competitors:...
- 6/21/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Mackenzie Crook pulls triple duty on the comedy series “Detecorists.” Besides writing and directing each of the 19 episodes, he stars as Andy, a would-be archaeologist, who spends his free time with his pal Lance (Toby Jones) in search of buried treasure. As he explained in our recent interview (watch above), he didn’t intend to wear so many hats. Rather it was his pal Ricky Gervais, with whom he’d co-starred in “The Office,” who told him that he just had to direct his scripts. “He was right. The idea of handing this over to someone else to direct after I had poured so much into it became unthinkable.”
Despite the overwhelming critical acclaim for the show (it merits a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes), Crook was content to make just two seasons of the show, as Gervais had done with “The Office.” But he thought there was more story...
Despite the overwhelming critical acclaim for the show (it merits a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes), Crook was content to make just two seasons of the show, as Gervais had done with “The Office.” But he thought there was more story...
- 6/15/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Hot on the heels of last week's celebrity recordings announcement, more stars have jumped on board to perform their own versions of songs from the West End's newest British musical, The Grinning Man. Matt Lucas, Kelsey Grammer and Hannah Waddingham have now joined Harry Enfield, Alexander Armstrong and Louise Dearman in a star-studded line-up of celebrities releasing unique versions of their favourite tracks from The Grinning Man.
- 12/13/2017
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Outrageous satirical comedy The Windsors starring Harry Enfield arrives on DVD from 28th August. Series 1 and 2 are packaged in a two-disc set along with the Christmas special and to celebrate we have 2 copies to giveaway!
It’s the royal family as you’ve never seen them before featuring an all-star comedy cast including Enfield as Prince Charles, Haydn Gwynne as Camilla, Morgana Robinson as Pippa, Hugh Skinner as William, Louise Ford as Kate and Richard Goulding as Harry, with Katy Wix as Fergie.
The Windsors are divided: Prince Charles wants his son Will to show a more regal detachment but Wills wants to fly the air ambulance and mingle with the people. Kate is trying to find acceptance in the royal family, and Camilla alarmed at Wills and Kate’s popularity, is plotting to destroy them. Meanwhile, Harry is chasing Pippa Middleton’s famous arse, Prince Edward’s fallen on hard times,...
It’s the royal family as you’ve never seen them before featuring an all-star comedy cast including Enfield as Prince Charles, Haydn Gwynne as Camilla, Morgana Robinson as Pippa, Hugh Skinner as William, Louise Ford as Kate and Richard Goulding as Harry, with Katy Wix as Fergie.
The Windsors are divided: Prince Charles wants his son Will to show a more regal detachment but Wills wants to fly the air ambulance and mingle with the people. Kate is trying to find acceptance in the royal family, and Camilla alarmed at Wills and Kate’s popularity, is plotting to destroy them. Meanwhile, Harry is chasing Pippa Middleton’s famous arse, Prince Edward’s fallen on hard times,...
- 9/1/2017
- by Roobla Team
- The Cultural Post
Louisa Mellor Jun 6, 2017
A few weeks ago, we chatted to Mark Gatiss about his Doctor Who series 10 episode, The Empress Of Mars…
This Saturday evening, Mark Gatiss will take us on a trip to Mars. 1881 Mars, to be precise, where the Doctor and Bill find themselves mystified by the presence of a group of Victorian colonists. Gatiss’ ninth Doctor Who episode is space historical The Empress Of Mars, which features the return of some familiar foes.
See related Fargo season 3 episode 1 review: The Law Of Vacant Places Fargo: how to make great TV from a great film
A few weeks ago, we chatted to Gatiss about the episode, whether it will be his last for Doctor Who, series ten’s satirical side, and his take on the Steven Moffat era…
As a writer, you’re big on research, particularly for your Who historicals - you read up a lot on...
A few weeks ago, we chatted to Mark Gatiss about his Doctor Who series 10 episode, The Empress Of Mars…
This Saturday evening, Mark Gatiss will take us on a trip to Mars. 1881 Mars, to be precise, where the Doctor and Bill find themselves mystified by the presence of a group of Victorian colonists. Gatiss’ ninth Doctor Who episode is space historical The Empress Of Mars, which features the return of some familiar foes.
See related Fargo season 3 episode 1 review: The Law Of Vacant Places Fargo: how to make great TV from a great film
A few weeks ago, we chatted to Gatiss about the episode, whether it will be his last for Doctor Who, series ten’s satirical side, and his take on the Steven Moffat era…
As a writer, you’re big on research, particularly for your Who historicals - you read up a lot on...
- 5/22/2017
- Den of Geek
Louisa Mellor Jan 27, 2017
The glorious Emma Thompson will appear in series two of Ben Elton's Shakespeare sitcom, Upstart Crow...
Ben Elton's BBC Two Shakespeare sitcom starring David Mitchell has scored an enviable guest star for its 2017 Christmas special. Emma Thompson will join the ranks of Dame Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Miranda Richardson when she plays Queen Elizabeth I in the festive episode.
See related Highlander: movie reboot still moving forward Looking back at Highlander III: The Sorcerer What went wrong with Highlander II: The Quickening?
The Mighty Boosh's Noel Fielding will also appear in the second series alongside regulars Mitchell, Liza Tarbuck, Harry Enfield, Gemma Whelan and Helen Monks, playing English composer Thomas Morley.
Here's the official synopsis for the currently filming second series, which continues to follow William Shakespeare's journey to establishment acceptance in London and Stratford-upon-Avon, and is due to air later this year.
The glorious Emma Thompson will appear in series two of Ben Elton's Shakespeare sitcom, Upstart Crow...
Ben Elton's BBC Two Shakespeare sitcom starring David Mitchell has scored an enviable guest star for its 2017 Christmas special. Emma Thompson will join the ranks of Dame Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Miranda Richardson when she plays Queen Elizabeth I in the festive episode.
See related Highlander: movie reboot still moving forward Looking back at Highlander III: The Sorcerer What went wrong with Highlander II: The Quickening?
The Mighty Boosh's Noel Fielding will also appear in the second series alongside regulars Mitchell, Liza Tarbuck, Harry Enfield, Gemma Whelan and Helen Monks, playing English composer Thomas Morley.
Here's the official synopsis for the currently filming second series, which continues to follow William Shakespeare's journey to establishment acceptance in London and Stratford-upon-Avon, and is due to air later this year.
- 1/27/2017
- Den of Geek
Caroline Preece Jan 25, 2017
Skins debuted on E4 10 years ago. We revisit a bold and unique adolescent drama that kick-started countless careers...
It’s been a decade since Skins, E4’s controversial teen drama, premiered. At the time, it was a source of anxiety for parents about what teenagers were getting up to when they weren’t looking, but for television executives it was pure gold. It achieved that rare feat - it got young people to watch and talk about it - and, after seven years of drinking, drugs and general debauchery, it bowed out in 2013.
See related Donnie Darko's perfect study of teenage isolation Looking back at Richard Kelly's Southland Tales
Now it’s simply another teen drama of the past, perhaps remembered by most for the real-world ‘Skins Parties’ it inspired rather than the steps it took or the ground it broke. Whether it was casting complete unknowns,...
Skins debuted on E4 10 years ago. We revisit a bold and unique adolescent drama that kick-started countless careers...
It’s been a decade since Skins, E4’s controversial teen drama, premiered. At the time, it was a source of anxiety for parents about what teenagers were getting up to when they weren’t looking, but for television executives it was pure gold. It achieved that rare feat - it got young people to watch and talk about it - and, after seven years of drinking, drugs and general debauchery, it bowed out in 2013.
See related Donnie Darko's perfect study of teenage isolation Looking back at Richard Kelly's Southland Tales
Now it’s simply another teen drama of the past, perhaps remembered by most for the real-world ‘Skins Parties’ it inspired rather than the steps it took or the ground it broke. Whether it was casting complete unknowns,...
- 1/24/2017
- Den of Geek
Patrick Sproull Dec 15, 2016
Forget that it's an adaptation and this new, overstuffed Dirk Gently series is actually an agreeably daft watch...
Despite the perpetually stuck sofas and the alien ghosts and time travelling, Douglas Adams’ delightfully nutty book Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency somehow completely hangs together. For all its weird digressions and laundry list of characters it was clear there was a method to the madness, and with Adams we were always in safe hands. There was never the sense that either Dirk Gently or the follow-up, The Long Dark Tea-Time Of The Soul was too scattershot and ultimately, Adams more or less pulled his various narrative strands together. Could the latest attempt to adapt the story for TV pull off the same thing?
See related Humans series 2 interview: Gemma Chan, Emily Berrington, Will Tudor Humans series 2 episode 7 review Humans series 2 episode 6 review Humans series 2 episode 5 review
Aside...
Forget that it's an adaptation and this new, overstuffed Dirk Gently series is actually an agreeably daft watch...
Despite the perpetually stuck sofas and the alien ghosts and time travelling, Douglas Adams’ delightfully nutty book Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency somehow completely hangs together. For all its weird digressions and laundry list of characters it was clear there was a method to the madness, and with Adams we were always in safe hands. There was never the sense that either Dirk Gently or the follow-up, The Long Dark Tea-Time Of The Soul was too scattershot and ultimately, Adams more or less pulled his various narrative strands together. Could the latest attempt to adapt the story for TV pull off the same thing?
See related Humans series 2 interview: Gemma Chan, Emily Berrington, Will Tudor Humans series 2 episode 7 review Humans series 2 episode 6 review Humans series 2 episode 5 review
Aside...
- 12/12/2016
- Den of Geek
"Scallops. You've got a bath full of scallops." Check out this quirky trailer for a very odd indie comedy called Scottish Mussel, which is an awkward play on words considering this is a romantic comedy and yet it's also about mussels, meaning molluscs. Scottish Mussel is the directorial debut of actress Talulah Riley, who also stars in the film as the conservationist beauty who falls for an an illegal pearl fisher. Martin Compston plays a "Glaswegian chancer" who head to the Scottish Highlands to make money diving for pearls with his two friends. The romance angle is extremely cliched, with the obvious aspect of the two of them hating each other before she convinces him that mussels are worth saving. The cast includes Morgan Watkins, Joe Thomas, Harry Enfield, Rufus Hound, Camille Coduri & Marianna Palka. Dive in. Here's the official trailer (+ UK poster) for Talulah Riley's Scottish Mussel, direct...
- 9/6/2016
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Mark Harrison Aug 1, 2016
Fed up of big blockbusters right now? Here are some smaller movie treats to be found in August in UK cinemas...
Around this time of the year, we like to shine a spotlight on the slightly smaller films coming out after most of the box office juggernauts have been and gone. But with each annual feature, we've noticed that the year is filling up with blockbusters more and more. The year's first comic book movie was February's Deadpool, a surprise box office smash and Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice got 2016's blockbuster season started much earlier than usual.
We're late enough in this elongated season that August will find the blockbuster schedule repeating itself - Ben Affleck's Batman will be back on screen for a cameo in DC Movies' Suicide Squad, Disney follows The Jungle Book with a live-action remake of Pete's Dragon, and Ricky Gervais...
Fed up of big blockbusters right now? Here are some smaller movie treats to be found in August in UK cinemas...
Around this time of the year, we like to shine a spotlight on the slightly smaller films coming out after most of the box office juggernauts have been and gone. But with each annual feature, we've noticed that the year is filling up with blockbusters more and more. The year's first comic book movie was February's Deadpool, a surprise box office smash and Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice got 2016's blockbuster season started much earlier than usual.
We're late enough in this elongated season that August will find the blockbuster schedule repeating itself - Ben Affleck's Batman will be back on screen for a cameo in DC Movies' Suicide Squad, Disney follows The Jungle Book with a live-action remake of Pete's Dragon, and Ricky Gervais...
- 7/28/2016
- Den of Geek
With a voice cast made up of some of the finest English comedian of today, including Jack Whitehall, Nick Frost, Matt Berry, and Harry Enfield, everyone’s favourite magic potion swigging, Roman bothering Gaul, Asterix, is on his way back to the big screen with Asterix: Mansions of the Gods. Based on the seventeenth book in Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s long running series of French comic books, the story sees Asterix’s village threatened with being absorbed into Roman culture when a massive estate is built beside it. The first Asterix movie in CG animation, it skews very close to the art style of the original books, while keeping much of the humour intact. For anybody who grew up with Asterix books, myself included, this seems to promise an entertaining hit of nostalgia. Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods hits our shores on August 19th.
- 7/25/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
Filmed on location last summer in the Lake District, Yorkshire and Scotland, Swallows & Amazons will be in cinemas from August 19th.
The team at Shaheen Baig Casting discovered six young newcomers to take on the roles of the Walker and Blackett children in the Lake District set adventure. Dane Hughes plays John Walker, Orla Hill plays Susan Walker, Bobby McColloch as Roger Walker, with Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen as the the youngest, Tatty Walker. The two Blackett sisters are played by Seren Hawkes as Nancy, and Hannah Jayne Thorp as Peggy.
The film also stars Rafe Spall as Captain Flint, Gwendoline Christie and Kelly Macdonald as Mrs Blackett and Mrs Walker respectively, with Jessica Hynes and Harry Enfield as local farmers Mr and Mrs Jackson. Andrew Scott stars as a secret agent Lazlo.
Check out the brand new trailer below!
The team at Shaheen Baig Casting discovered six young newcomers to take on the roles of the Walker and Blackett children in the Lake District set adventure. Dane Hughes plays John Walker, Orla Hill plays Susan Walker, Bobby McColloch as Roger Walker, with Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen as the the youngest, Tatty Walker. The two Blackett sisters are played by Seren Hawkes as Nancy, and Hannah Jayne Thorp as Peggy.
The film also stars Rafe Spall as Captain Flint, Gwendoline Christie and Kelly Macdonald as Mrs Blackett and Mrs Walker respectively, with Jessica Hynes and Harry Enfield as local farmers Mr and Mrs Jackson. Andrew Scott stars as a secret agent Lazlo.
Check out the brand new trailer below!
- 6/18/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
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It's funny, it's moving, it's brilliant: we look back at Brassed Off, starring the late, great Pete Postlethwaite...
This article contains spoilers for Brassed Off and The Full Monty.
“If this lot were seals or whales, you'd all be up in bloody arms. But they're not, are they? No, no they're not. They're just ordinary common-or-garden honest, decent human beings. And not one of them with an ounce of bloody hope left”. – Danny, Brassed Off
One of the things that I love about a certain subset of contemporary British comedies is their core of steel. That, hiding underneath some often very hefty belly laughs, there’s a political story, a foundation of social outrage, and a desire to address through cinema issues that often get swept under the carpet. It’s what keeps such films in my mind, long after the latest R-rated comedy screen filler has...
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It's funny, it's moving, it's brilliant: we look back at Brassed Off, starring the late, great Pete Postlethwaite...
This article contains spoilers for Brassed Off and The Full Monty.
“If this lot were seals or whales, you'd all be up in bloody arms. But they're not, are they? No, no they're not. They're just ordinary common-or-garden honest, decent human beings. And not one of them with an ounce of bloody hope left”. – Danny, Brassed Off
One of the things that I love about a certain subset of contemporary British comedies is their core of steel. That, hiding underneath some often very hefty belly laughs, there’s a political story, a foundation of social outrage, and a desire to address through cinema issues that often get swept under the carpet. It’s what keeps such films in my mind, long after the latest R-rated comedy screen filler has...
- 6/16/2016
- Den of Geek
BBC Two has renewed the Upstart Crow TV show for a second season. Set in the 1590s, the comedy follows William Shakespeare (David Mitchell), early in his career. Upstart Crow features Shakespeare’s life, both personal and professional, including the backstory for some of his stories.
During its first season, the Upstart Crow TV series cast also included: Harry Enfield, Paula Wilcox, Liza Tarbuck, Helen Monks, Gemma Whelan, Mark Heap, Steve Speirs, Tim Downie, Dominic Coleman, Spencer Jones, and Rob Rouse. BBC Two has commissioned Upstart Crow, series two, for six 30-minute episodes, plus a Christmas special; casting to be confirmed.
Read More…...
During its first season, the Upstart Crow TV series cast also included: Harry Enfield, Paula Wilcox, Liza Tarbuck, Helen Monks, Gemma Whelan, Mark Heap, Steve Speirs, Tim Downie, Dominic Coleman, Spencer Jones, and Rob Rouse. BBC Two has commissioned Upstart Crow, series two, for six 30-minute episodes, plus a Christmas special; casting to be confirmed.
Read More…...
- 6/15/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Swallows and Amazons, which was filmed on location last summer in the Lake District, Yorkshire and Scotland, will be in cinemas from August 19th.
The team at Shaheen Baig Casting discovered six young newcomers to take on the roles of the Walker and Blackett children in the Lake District set adventure.
Dane Hughes plays John Walker, Orla Hill plays Susan Walker, Bobby McColloch as Roger Walker, and with Lily and Alfie Allen's half-sister 8 year old Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen, the daughter of actors Keith Allen and Tamzin Malleson playing the the youngest, Tatty Walker.
The two Blackett sisters are to be played by Seren Hawkes as Nancy, and Hannah Jayne Thorp as Peggy.
The film stars Rafe Spall as Captain Flint, Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie and Boardwalk Empire's Kelly Macdonald as Mrs Blackett and Mrs Walker respectively, with Jessica Hynes and Harry Enfield as local farmers Mr and Mrs Jackson.
The team at Shaheen Baig Casting discovered six young newcomers to take on the roles of the Walker and Blackett children in the Lake District set adventure.
Dane Hughes plays John Walker, Orla Hill plays Susan Walker, Bobby McColloch as Roger Walker, and with Lily and Alfie Allen's half-sister 8 year old Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen, the daughter of actors Keith Allen and Tamzin Malleson playing the the youngest, Tatty Walker.
The two Blackett sisters are to be played by Seren Hawkes as Nancy, and Hannah Jayne Thorp as Peggy.
The film stars Rafe Spall as Captain Flint, Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie and Boardwalk Empire's Kelly Macdonald as Mrs Blackett and Mrs Walker respectively, with Jessica Hynes and Harry Enfield as local farmers Mr and Mrs Jackson.
- 5/29/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Rob Leane Aug 22, 2016
BBC America’s ‘holistic detective’ series Dirk Gently, starring Samuel Barnett and Elijah Wood, is heading to Netflix UK...
Samuel Barnett will be the new Dirk Gently - following in the footsteps of Steven Mangan and Harry Enfield - in BBC America's upcoming series of the same name. Elijah Wood is playing his assistant, Todd. The show has been penned by Chronicle’s Max Landis, inspired by the Douglas Adams novel Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.
We've now learned that the show will air on Netflix here in the UK (and, according to the Radio Times, 'all non-us territories'). BBC America are broadcasting it in the States.
The trailer is here...
This follows the first official images, which were released by Entertainment Weekly. There's the close-up of Barnett as Dirk at the top of this page, and this group shot of Barnett, a dog, and his co-star Elijah Wood.
BBC America’s ‘holistic detective’ series Dirk Gently, starring Samuel Barnett and Elijah Wood, is heading to Netflix UK...
Samuel Barnett will be the new Dirk Gently - following in the footsteps of Steven Mangan and Harry Enfield - in BBC America's upcoming series of the same name. Elijah Wood is playing his assistant, Todd. The show has been penned by Chronicle’s Max Landis, inspired by the Douglas Adams novel Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.
We've now learned that the show will air on Netflix here in the UK (and, according to the Radio Times, 'all non-us territories'). BBC America are broadcasting it in the States.
The trailer is here...
This follows the first official images, which were released by Entertainment Weekly. There's the close-up of Barnett as Dirk at the top of this page, and this group shot of Barnett, a dog, and his co-star Elijah Wood.
- 3/23/2016
- Den of Geek
An adaptation of Lottie Moggach's best-selling Young Adult novel Kiss Me First is coming to E4 and Netflix.
And the new six-part series has been written by the creator of Skins, Bryan Elsley.
Described as an innovative and emotional thriller, Kiss Me First tells the story of Leila, a lonely 17 year old girl who is addicted to a fictional online gaming site called Agora. While in Agora, Leila meets Tess, a cool and confident party girl who harbours a dark secret. In the real world, the two girls become friends, but after Tess disappears Leila decides to assume her friend’s identity and in doing so is quickly drawn into unravelling the mystery behind her disappearance.
The series will combine live action with computer-generated virtual world sequences to create the parallel worlds of Leila and Tess’ real life and that of their online alteregos ‘Shadowfax’ and ‘Mania’ in the virtual world of Agora.
And the new six-part series has been written by the creator of Skins, Bryan Elsley.
Described as an innovative and emotional thriller, Kiss Me First tells the story of Leila, a lonely 17 year old girl who is addicted to a fictional online gaming site called Agora. While in Agora, Leila meets Tess, a cool and confident party girl who harbours a dark secret. In the real world, the two girls become friends, but after Tess disappears Leila decides to assume her friend’s identity and in doing so is quickly drawn into unravelling the mystery behind her disappearance.
The series will combine live action with computer-generated virtual world sequences to create the parallel worlds of Leila and Tess’ real life and that of their online alteregos ‘Shadowfax’ and ‘Mania’ in the virtual world of Agora.
- 1/14/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
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William Shakespeare will be portrayed by the mighty David Mitchell, in a new BBC Two sitcom from Ben Elton…
Arriving on BBC Two next year, Upstart Crow is a new William Shakespeare-based sitcom from Ben Elton of Blackadder. The 6-part series will star Mr David Mitchell as Britain’s famous Bard. Here’s what he said about nabbing the role:
“I’m delighted to be playing England’s greatest bard at this difficult time for bards everywhere. You just try getting work as a bard these days. It’s virtually impossible.”
Ben Elton added this:
“I have tried very hard to think myself into Shakespeare’s creative world, writing only with a small chicken feather and not changing my underpants for a year.”
And here’s the synopsis for the show, which will also star Harry Enfield (as Shakespeare’s dad):
“It’s 1592 and Will Shakespeare...
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William Shakespeare will be portrayed by the mighty David Mitchell, in a new BBC Two sitcom from Ben Elton…
Arriving on BBC Two next year, Upstart Crow is a new William Shakespeare-based sitcom from Ben Elton of Blackadder. The 6-part series will star Mr David Mitchell as Britain’s famous Bard. Here’s what he said about nabbing the role:
“I’m delighted to be playing England’s greatest bard at this difficult time for bards everywhere. You just try getting work as a bard these days. It’s virtually impossible.”
Ben Elton added this:
“I have tried very hard to think myself into Shakespeare’s creative world, writing only with a small chicken feather and not changing my underpants for a year.”
And here’s the synopsis for the show, which will also star Harry Enfield (as Shakespeare’s dad):
“It’s 1592 and Will Shakespeare...
- 12/14/2015
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
BBC Two confirms it has commissioned the Upstart Crow TV show. Set in 1592, this comedy features William Shakespeare (David Mitchell), at the start of his career. Upstart Crow will focus on Shakespeare's personal and professional lives, and include the backstory for some of his ideas.
Upstart Crow stars Mitchell as Shakespeare. Harry Enfield is his dad, John Shakespeare. Paula Wilcox plays Will’s mum. Liza Tarbuck is Anne Hathaway. Helen Monks plays Will’s daughter, Susannah. The cast also includes Gemma Whelan, Mark Heap, Steve Speirs, Tim Downie, Dominic Coleman, Spencer Jones, and Rob Rouse.
Read More…...
Upstart Crow stars Mitchell as Shakespeare. Harry Enfield is his dad, John Shakespeare. Paula Wilcox plays Will’s mum. Liza Tarbuck is Anne Hathaway. Helen Monks plays Will’s daughter, Susannah. The cast also includes Gemma Whelan, Mark Heap, Steve Speirs, Tim Downie, Dominic Coleman, Spencer Jones, and Rob Rouse.
Read More…...
- 12/9/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
BBC Two has confirmed an order for comedy series Upstart Crow written by Blackadder's Ben Elton. The six-parter about the life of William Shakespeare will air as part of the BBC Shakespeare Festival 2016. David Mitchell (Peep Show) will play the Bard at the beginning of his career. Also featured are Harry Enfield, Paula Wilcox, Liza Tarbuck and Game Of Thrones' Gemma Whelan. Part of the throughline will be the unlikely places from which Shakespeare drew inspiration. Elton…...
- 12/8/2015
- Deadline TV
BBC Two has confirmed an order for comedy series Upstart Crow written by Blackadder's Ben Elton. The six-parter about the life of William Shakespeare will air as part of the BBC Shakespeare Festival 2016. David Mitchell (Peep Show) will play the Bard at the beginning of his career. Also featured are Harry Enfield, Paula Wilcox, Liza Tarbuck and Game Of Thrones' Gemma Whelan. Part of the throughline will be the unlikely places from which Shakespeare drew inspiration. Elton…...
- 12/8/2015
- Deadline
The Comic Strip is set to return with a new spoof focusing on Rebekah Brooks and the phone hacking scandal.
The Comic Strip Presents... The Red Top! - a working title - will star Maxine Peake as the infamous former tabloid editor, alongside Nigel Planer as Rupert Murdoch and Russell Tovey as Andy Coulson.
The show is described as the story of Rebekah, "an innocent and beguiling Northern girl" who through a series of accidental circumstances becomes Chief Executive of News International and gets tied up in a "'70s Watergate-style scandal".
A 75-minute "comic fantasy", the show follows in the footsteps of The Comic Strip's The Hunt for Tony Blair and will see Stephen Mangan reprise his role as the former Labour Prime Minister.
The new special will also star Johnny Vegas, Alexei Sayle, Harry Enfield and John Sessions.
Peter Richardson, who is behind the programme, said: "Like...
The Comic Strip Presents... The Red Top! - a working title - will star Maxine Peake as the infamous former tabloid editor, alongside Nigel Planer as Rupert Murdoch and Russell Tovey as Andy Coulson.
The show is described as the story of Rebekah, "an innocent and beguiling Northern girl" who through a series of accidental circumstances becomes Chief Executive of News International and gets tied up in a "'70s Watergate-style scandal".
A 75-minute "comic fantasy", the show follows in the footsteps of The Comic Strip's The Hunt for Tony Blair and will see Stephen Mangan reprise his role as the former Labour Prime Minister.
The new special will also star Johnny Vegas, Alexei Sayle, Harry Enfield and John Sessions.
Peter Richardson, who is behind the programme, said: "Like...
- 9/7/2015
- Digital Spy
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