Desmonds
- Published: 31 October 2007 14:47
- Last Updated: 31 October 2007 18:53
Desmond’s producer Charlie Hanson on how a glance from a train window became a 1990s comedy hit
Where did the idea come from?
Channel 4 commissioning editor Farrukh Dhondy asked Humphrey Barclay to find a sitcom that would fill the gap left by C4’s first sitcom, No Problem!. To generate ideas, the young playwright Trix Worrell was invited to a meeting. He left his Peckham home with no idea of what he might pitch, but as his train slowed on a bridge, he looked down and saw his barbershop. Trix’s eureka moment came as memories flooded in of all the characters he had encountered there.
What did you think made it stand out?
This world had not been seen on British TV: a local neighbourhood barbershop-cum-social hang-out, where all generations of the Afro-Caribbean community would drop in for a gossip, a game of dominoes, or even a haircut. It was rare, as it still is today, to see a wide range of black characters in relationships and situations being presented from a black writer’s perspective.
How did you pitch it?
Trix arrived at the meeting with his head buzzing with characters and a strong sense of the world he could depict. Of course that wasn’t enough - but once he delivered a strong first script, that clinched it.
What was the reaction?
Farrukh, being a writer himself, knew this could work. Humphrey secured the talented Norman Beaton to play Desmond, and I finally made the permanent transition from theatre director to TV producer.
How did the idea evolve?
After two series we slowly built a team of black writers to supplement Trix’s own output. But the core idea of a family with its own generational clashes, running a business in the heart of a vibrant local community, kept the stories flowing.
Any major challenges to overcome?
The usual challenge convincing -executives that a black written show with a predom-inantly black cast could appeal to a wide -audience. But in its second series, it hit 5.2 million viewers and was regularly in Channel 4’s top 10 shows.
Why did it work?
Its very specific locale combined with strong characters, led by Norman Beaton’s central performance, gave it a universal appeal for all ages and types across the globe. It’s currently airing on Trouble and is out on DVD.
What was your Eureka moment?
Contact liz.thomas@emap.com
