Joking Apart: Difference between revisions
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'''Joking Apart''' was a bittersweet comedy written by [[Steven Moffat]] and broadcast on [[BBC2]]. |
'''Joking Apart''' was a bittersweet comedy written by [[Steven Moffat]] and broadcast on [[BBC2]]. |
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Two series (totalling 12 episodes) abot a divorced couple grew from an episode of Comic Asides (a series of pilot shows) broadcast on 12 |
Two series (totalling 12 episodes) abot a divorced couple grew from an episode of Comic Asides (a series of pilot shows) broadcast on [[12 January]] [[1991]]. The first series began on [[7 January ]] [[1993]] and initially followed a dual structure of Mark ([[Robert Bathurst]]) and Becky (Fiona Gillies) meeting/falling in love, juxtaposed with the break up of their marriage. The theme was [[Chris Rea]]'s Fool If You Think it's Over, arranged and performed by [[Kenny Craddock]]. |
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Most of the first series of six episodes opened with Mark, a sit-com writer, using his relationship as material for stand-up performances. Episodes regularly cut back to Mark's performances, designed as [[fantasy]] sequences. The first episode showed the couple meeting at a funeral, marrying, going through the honeymoon phase, and Becky admitting she was an adultress. Although she inadvertantly admitted this fact before realising that all of her friends were hiding around her living room before the surprise party was started, the performances of Bathurst and Gillies took the scene above mere farce. This episode was basically a re-recorded version of the pilot, utilising a revised set design. |
Most of the first series of six episodes opened with Mark, a sit-com writer, using his relationship as material for stand-up performances. Episodes regularly cut back to Mark's performances, designed as [[fantasy]] sequences. The first episode showed the couple meeting at a funeral, marrying, going through the honeymoon phase, and Becky admitting she was an adultress. Although she inadvertantly admitted this fact before realising that all of her friends were hiding around her living room before the surprise party was started, the performances of Bathurst and Gillies took the scene above mere farce. This episode was basically a re-recorded version of the pilot, utilising a revised set design. |
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After being postponed from the autumn schedules, even though the show had won an award at [[Rose d'Or|Montreux]], the six episodes of the second series begun transmission on [[3 January]] [[1995]]. |
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The second episode continued the narrative of the first, with friends Robert (Paul Raffield) and Tracy (Tracie Bennett) comforting a devastated Mark. Notable sequences include them attempting to accompany him to the toilet to prevent a suicide attempt. The juxtaposed flashback story showed Mark and Becky's first date, by the end of which Robert and Tracy walk in on Mark handcuffed to Becky's bed. The episode ends with a profound half line by Mark in his role as stand up comedian, which I am unsure will transpose well here. It simply ends: "I'd like to thank my wife, without whom..." To which he walks off stage to subdued applause. |
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The show attracted a small amount of viewers, but the internet is helping elevate the show to cult status. |
The show attracted a small amount of viewers, but the internet is helping elevate the show to cult status. |
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== External link == |
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[http://www.jokingapart.co.uk/ Joking Apart Fan Site] |
[http://www.jokingapart.co.uk/ Joking Apart Fan Site] |
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Revision as of 01:50, 11 January 2005
Joking Apart was a bittersweet comedy written by Steven Moffat and broadcast on BBC2.
Two series (totalling 12 episodes) abot a divorced couple grew from an episode of Comic Asides (a series of pilot shows) broadcast on 12 January 1991. The first series began on 7 January 1993 and initially followed a dual structure of Mark (Robert Bathurst) and Becky (Fiona Gillies) meeting/falling in love, juxtaposed with the break up of their marriage. The theme was Chris Rea's Fool If You Think it's Over, arranged and performed by Kenny Craddock.
Most of the first series of six episodes opened with Mark, a sit-com writer, using his relationship as material for stand-up performances. Episodes regularly cut back to Mark's performances, designed as fantasy sequences. The first episode showed the couple meeting at a funeral, marrying, going through the honeymoon phase, and Becky admitting she was an adultress. Although she inadvertantly admitted this fact before realising that all of her friends were hiding around her living room before the surprise party was started, the performances of Bathurst and Gillies took the scene above mere farce. This episode was basically a re-recorded version of the pilot, utilising a revised set design.
After being postponed from the autumn schedules, even though the show had won an award at Montreux, the six episodes of the second series begun transmission on 3 January 1995.
The show attracted a small amount of viewers, but the internet is helping elevate the show to cult status.