Category: TV Drama; Daytime
Date: 13.12.2005
Printable version
Film and television actor Stephen Tompkinson will be turning his talents to the other side of the camera as part of an exciting line-up of new quality drama for 91Èȱ¬ Daytime.
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Jay Hunt, Controller for 91Èȱ¬ Daytime, today revealed that Tompkinson will be the first famous actor to share his emotional journey of getting to grips with the art of directing in Director's Debut, a new occasional two-part series for 91Èȱ¬ ONE.
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The first programme in the series will be a documentary following the challenges he faces along the way, in making this brave and dramatic move; the second will be the play itself, The Mild Bunch (working title).
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Speaking about the project, Stephen Tompkinson said: "I was thrilled to get the call - it has opened up a new direction for me and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to direct.
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"It's going to be a real delight to come up with something special for the daytime audience which so appreciates drama on the 91Èȱ¬."
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The series will be joined by more high-quality drama for 91Èȱ¬ Daytime, which has gained a reputation for attracting top talent and delivering fantastically engaging plays.
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The critically acclaimed and award-winning Afternoon Play returns to 91Èȱ¬ Daytime for a fourth series, which will include a celebration of English eccentricity in Alan Plater's Last Will and Testament of Billy Two-Sheds, starring James Bolam.
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The other plays continue to attract a wealth of high-calibre talent, including Angela Lonsdale, Rosemary Leech, Noah Huntley and Georgia Taylor.
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91Èȱ¬ Daytime will also give be giving a platform to up and coming writers with Brief Encounters, a series of ten short dramas - starring, amongst others, Ralf Little, Keith Barron, Frances Barber and Imogen Stubbs.
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These new writers have developed their scripts with well-known mentors including Willy Russell, Tony Jordan, Russell T Davies, William Ivory and Andrew Davies.
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Jay Hunt said: "I'm so pleased that Stephen has agreed to share with us his first, tentative steps into the art of directing - which is a brave thing for anyone to do. It's going to be a real treat to see the play when it's finished.
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"91Èȱ¬ Daytime has rightly earned an impressive reputation for bringing high-quality drama to its audience, who we know absolutely love it.
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"The Afternoon Play returns early next year with another strong run, and I'm glad we're able to give new talent a break with our short plays, Brief Encounters."
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Notes to Editors
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The Mild Bunch (working title)
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Terry is forty years old and just hasn't grown up. His family deteriorates when his obsession with the Wild West threatens to overtake his life.
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His young son - caught between two parents unable to swallow their pride - runs away.
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With his son's life in danger, Terry will have to overcome his fears to become a father to his son and rediscover his love for his wife.
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Daytime Publicity
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