Scarborough, the new BBC comedy/drama by the writer behind the mega-hit TV Benidorm hit our TV screens last Friday. Reviews have been mixed but in my view, it is a huge thumbs up in every department.
As soon as Benidorm was axed there was an outcry from its huge legion of fans, and following the stage show it left writer Derren Litten with time to plan his next move into TV land, and the result doesn’t disappoint.
Based around the stories of several main characters working in a hair salon, a bar and amusement arcades in the seaside resort of Scarborough it has similarities to Benidorm, but the humour is somewhat different. Instead of seaside frolics, it has more of a soap opera feel with added comedy.
A love triangle, bad karaoke, a dodgy foreign ice cream business owner and the odd unusual character make this a show hard not to love.
In the first episode we are treated to a pensioner dying on the toilet, a handbag loaded with cash, mafia-style threats by a character played by the brilliant Jake Canuso, a cameo by Derren Litten himself and a sly kiss behind the fish stall, all the ingredients that would normally make people stand up and say, “you are kidding me, that sounds like nonsense.” But they couldn’t be more wrong. The show moves along nicely with some of the UK’s top comedic talent, the comedy timing is brilliant and fans of quality sitcoms will not be disappointed.
In the same way that ‘Only Fools and Horses’ managed to mix emotion with comedy, Scarborough does exactly the same, it doesn’t take long to feel like you know the characters and that is down to the brilliant writing talent that is Derren Litten. For those who tuned in expecting a British version of Benidorm will be disappointed to find that it really isn’t, but if they persevere they’ll find a whole new show to love.
The casting is brilliant, the scripts are excellent, the cross over between comedy and drama is second to none. Is it likely to be as successful as Benidorm? Who knows, only time will tell. All I know is that it’s started well and if it continues as it began Derren Litten will have another hit on his hands.
As a side note, it certainly won’t do the Scarborough tourism industry any harm, and if you do visit just don’t strain too hard when you need a poo.
From Benidorm to Scarborough
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
