Funny Woman Series 1, Episode 2 - British Comedy Guide (original) (raw)
Barbara lands a dream role in a new TV comedy, but news from home on the eve of the show threatens to derail her opportunity, forcing her into an impossible decision.
Further details
Barbara is not easily defeated, and she wins the chance to prove herself in a TV sitcom audition.
Barbara bonds with the creative team - producer Dennis Mahindra, writers Tony and Bill - although the star, Clive Richardson, is less certain.
The writers like her natural wit and skewed way of seeing the world and elements of Barbara from Blackpool find their way into the script.
Dennis is delighted - he's always hoped to find someone like her - comedy wise. After a nail-biting wait, they get the green light from boss Ted Sargent to make the pilot and Barbara - or as they know her - Sophie Straw - is poised to perform live in front of a studio audience. But on the eve of the show news from home derails her and she is forced to make an impossible decision. Will she return to Blackpool and her ailing father George - or seize her moment in London?
Broadcast details
Date
Thursday 16th February 2023
Time
9pm
Channel
Length
60 minutes
Catch-up
Cast & crew
Cast
| Gemma Arterton | Barbara Parker / Sophie Straw |
|---|---|
| Rupert Everett | Brian Debehnam |
| David Threlfall | George Parker |
| Tom Bateman | Clive Richardson |
| Arsher Ali | Dennis Mahindra |
| Alexa Davies | Marjorie Harrison |
| Leo Bill | Tony Holmes |
| Matthew Beard | Bill Gardiner |
| Rosie Cavaliero | Aunt Marie Parker |
| Morwenna Banks | Patsy Debenham |
Guest cast
| Kate Crossley | Woman Worker 1 - Pat |
|---|---|
| Kyle Pryor | Aiden Leigh |
| Emma Davies | Beryl |
| Dave Lynn | Beehive |
| Elly Condron | Deirdre |
| Lucy Knight | Posh Ivy |
| Alistair Petrie | Ted Sargent |
| Kenneth Collard | Bert Redwood |
| Clare-Hope Ashitey | Diane Lewis |
| Rosa Coduri Fulford | Polly |
| Gillian Hardie | Mim |
Writing team
| Nick Hornby | Writer |
|---|---|
| Morwenna Banks | Writer (Adapted By) |
| Will Smith | Script Consultant |
Production team
| Oliver Parker | Director |
|---|---|
| Paul Schlesinger | Series Producer |
| Nick Hornby | Executive Producer |
| Gemma Arterton | Executive Producer |
| Morwenna Banks | Executive Producer |
| Andrea Calderwood | Executive Producer |
| Gail Egan | Executive Producer |
| Jessica Parker | Executive Producer |
| Jessica Malik | Executive Producer |
| Tilusha Ghelani | Executive Producer |
| Jon Mountague | Executive Producer |
| Ross Williams | Co-producer |
| Chloë Sizer | Co-executive Producer |
| Jennifer Eriksson | Post Producer |
| Agnieszka Liggett | Editor |
| Jacqueline Smith | Production Designer |
| Kelly Valentine Hendry | Casting Director |
| Matt Wicks | Director of Photography |
| Pam Downe | Costume Designer |
| Sue Michael | Make-up Designer |
| Nainita Desai | Composer |
| Craig Johnson | Graphics |
| Nick Gorman | 1st Assistant Director |