BBC Comedy has commissioned a new comedy from Hat Trick Productions.
Smoggie Queens is centred around a gang of friends who are fiercely proud of their Middlesbrough roots and their small pocket of the LGBTQ+ community.
It’s been written by Middlesbrough native, Phil Dunning and is about the volatile Dickie (Dunning) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young) as they navigate love, life and “their pride for a town that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK.”
“I’m absolutely buzzing that the BBC are taking Smoggie Queens to series and I’m so grateful to them for allowing me to write such stupid and weird characters,” said Dunning.
“It’s been a beautiful dream working with Hat Trick, and the incredible cast already feel like my new chosen family. I can’t wait to introduce the sights, sounds and smells of Middlesbrough to the world.”
The 6 x 30 series is for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, with funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen.
“Phil has a brilliantly funny, energetic and well-observed style to his writing. It’s been extremely special to develop this fiercely proud chosen family sitcom with him along with exceptional support from BBC Comedy. We’re so excited to bring these characters to life through our very talented cast and crew,” added Chris Jones, Producer (Kate & Koji, Whistle Through The Shamrocks).
It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The director is Andrew Chaplin (Alma’s Not Normal, The Full Monty). The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.
“Smoggie Queens is a joy. Phil has created and stars in a show which is introducing us to our new best friends. They‘re the kind of people who look adversity in the eye and laugh! It’s just the tonic we need right now,” said Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions.
TX date has yet to be announced.
