The survival of a struggling Northern seaside town depends on the fate of its local rock candy factory when a developer returns to his roots with plans to replace the heritage site with a modern casino. A whimsical, three part comedy drama that attempts to capture the quirky charm of coastal Britain while leaning into the absurdity of local politics. The premise is traditional enough, focusing on the friction between industrial nostalgia and cold commercial progress, yet the execution takes a sharp turn into the unexpected by introducing competitive dance as a primary plot device.
It is a light, colorful affair that aims for the heart, though the blend of kitchen sink realism and surrealist comedy occasionally feels a bit uneven. The series benefits greatly from a reliable cast of British character actors who find dignity in the eccentricities of the script. While it lacks the biting edge of the satirical works it occasionally resembles, it serves as a pleasant enough diversion.
Its brief run ensures the joke does not wear thin, though it ultimately feels more like a summer experiment than a staple of the broadcasting schedule. The Northern atmosphere is captured with warmth, making the most of the kitsch aesthetic of the traditional sweet making trade.
Production Details
UK / BBC 1 - Shed Media / 3x60 Minute Episodes / 2011
Writers: Jodi Reynolds
Producer: Susie Liggat
Directors: Christine Gernon
Main Cast
Shaun Dooley as Jason
Tom Ellis as Max
Sue Johnston as Margery
Philip Jackson as Ron
Georgia King as Carmen
Miranda Raison as Emily
Sally Dexter as Sam
Paul J. Medford as Michael
Juliet Cowan as Anne
Rob Kendrick as Travis