The BBC have decided on five one-off comedy drama shows to be shown in the
autumn, forming a new short season to showcase some ideas and possible run into
a full series.
BBC1 controller Peter Fincham said: "They won't all work, but I'd rather be
trying something new than shying away from the challenge."
Lenny Henry and Kim Fuller have written Slings and Arrows, a comedy about a
frustrated dry cleaner who finds love and an Open University English Literature
course.
David Nicholls contributes Aftersun, a stage play adaptation about two
couples who meet on holiday.
Dave Spikey (he of Phoenix Nights fame) adds Magnolia, a comedy about a group
of painters and decorators.
The writer of Hustle, Tony Basgallop, has created Housekeeping, about a man
forced to turn his home into a brothel after a divorce.
And lastly Angel Cake from Keith Temple, telling the story of a cake maker on
a grim estate who bakes a batch of buns that mould themselves into the image of
the Virgin Mary.
A good line-up from well known writers - exactly what British TV
needs!
