Seriously funny series, exceptional cast. The story of an experimental theatre troupe trying to make it to opening night. Cleverly observed and brilliantly written. This production balances the pathos of being part of an experimental troupe with the comedy of their day to day struggle for survival. The actors know well the world their characters inhabit. What the characters reveal about themselves on their journey is occasionally poignant, but always hilarious. Mabel Aitken as Fiona, the dippy ex-dancer come dippy Arts Council assistant, stands out in a very talented cast, in a production which never fails to entertain. See it if you can.
4 Reviews
Brilliant! Has anybody got a copy??!!
siriusajax28 July 2004
Yes, it's certainly brilliant. This is the sort of high quality stuff that UK TV seems to be able to turn out, almost effortlessly and by the score. Vickie Pepperdine's acting is tight, funny and spot on all the way through. I can't think why we don't see more of her on our screens. It has far more wit and observation of human nature than 95% of feature films. It is about the characters; about character, and skillfully and pacily done. Some of the characters are revolting and some completely lovable, but they are all entirely believable; I've 'met' all of them in Theatre and in film. It was clearly created by those who have been through the entertainment industry mill. If you 'get it', you'll watch it over and over again. Now my pleading to the movie world; DOES ANYBODY HAVE A COMPLETE COPY THAT I CAN BY FROM THEM??!! I've tried almost everywhere -with no luck at all.
Recommended without a second thought.
Recommended without a second thought.
Possibly the most under rated mini-series ever made
lucasrocks19 March 2004
This is the funniest thing i have seen on T.V. for quite some time. It has only been shown twice in Australia and i have taped and watched it over and over. It features a great cast saying some of the best scripted comedy to ever come out of the U.K. and that's saying something. Billy Boyd though only in a minor role shines more than he does even in the Lord of the Rings. This will be very hard to find as it is so sadly unheard of almost everyone. But hunt it down as it is fresh, fun, funny, and surprisingly touching and meaningful at moments. See this. NOW
2 Great TV series by Annie Griffin!
dr_salter3 December 2006
Hey! I have been sitting watching the TV series "The Book Group" (2002) & thinking how much I love their sarcasm & wit.
And now I have found that both "Coming Soon" (1999) and 'The Book Group' have the same wonderful director (Annie Griffin) and also have that same brew of almost reality, where life is acted out through the comedic antics of the winners & losers within the screenplay.
The tone of truly delightful, witty sarcasm and creamy cutting wit is the thing that I unwittingly connected with in both series, and it is the characters in COMING SOON & The Book Group's characters' continuous unveiling of how they try to remain true to themselves, & FAIL GLORIOUSLY that brings out what I love about the two series.
Gradually, we begin to get an idea of what is behind the characters' closed doors and understand that there could be a tenuous connection to what most people consider 'normal' but within these people there are many shades and depth of how we all try to connect with reality, maybe miss the mark, then struggle, but move onwards & upwards.
You know I bless IMDb's wonderful interconnectedness because I did not know till I checked IMDb! that "The Book Group' was connected to my old favourite series "Coming Soon". AND here it is! Sorry about all the exclamation marks !!! but I am SO elated to find Annie Griffin's gooey, blueberry coated finger in both wonderfully told tales of Scottish (Glasgow) extremist, eccentric behaviours.
"Coming Soon" brings us the great work of Omid Djalili as Amir Hassan (seen also in Black Books & as a slave trader in the Gladiator). Annie Griffin plays the befuddled character Julia Roth, and Rory McCann plays Fergus (also the wheelchair bound Kenny in 'Book Group'). Their life is wonderfully wacky and I recommend you all try to find them on DVD & see how great both series really are.
And now I have found that both "Coming Soon" (1999) and 'The Book Group' have the same wonderful director (Annie Griffin) and also have that same brew of almost reality, where life is acted out through the comedic antics of the winners & losers within the screenplay.
The tone of truly delightful, witty sarcasm and creamy cutting wit is the thing that I unwittingly connected with in both series, and it is the characters in COMING SOON & The Book Group's characters' continuous unveiling of how they try to remain true to themselves, & FAIL GLORIOUSLY that brings out what I love about the two series.
Gradually, we begin to get an idea of what is behind the characters' closed doors and understand that there could be a tenuous connection to what most people consider 'normal' but within these people there are many shades and depth of how we all try to connect with reality, maybe miss the mark, then struggle, but move onwards & upwards.
You know I bless IMDb's wonderful interconnectedness because I did not know till I checked IMDb! that "The Book Group' was connected to my old favourite series "Coming Soon". AND here it is! Sorry about all the exclamation marks !!! but I am SO elated to find Annie Griffin's gooey, blueberry coated finger in both wonderfully told tales of Scottish (Glasgow) extremist, eccentric behaviours.
"Coming Soon" brings us the great work of Omid Djalili as Amir Hassan (seen also in Black Books & as a slave trader in the Gladiator). Annie Griffin plays the befuddled character Julia Roth, and Rory McCann plays Fergus (also the wheelchair bound Kenny in 'Book Group'). Their life is wonderfully wacky and I recommend you all try to find them on DVD & see how great both series really are.
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