Funland

I remember this show being advertised on BBC3 last year and thought it looked interesting, but wasn't too sure about David Mays (Carter) being in this serious, gangster like role. He just looked a bit too babyfaced for the role.

Anyway...

it pops up on bbc2 and i caught 1 or 2 episodes and was better that i had first thought, so, on returning from my holiday and bought the series and watched everyone back to back.....it was money well spent.

11 Episodes of quality, dark humour and drama. The best way to describe this show is The League Of Gentlemen meets Twin Peaks set in Blackpool. I love the idea of it being set in Blackpool. It captured the Dull, Englishness and Melancholy feel that i think every English person (especially North Western people) can relate to.

The cast were terrific, almost like each was born to play that role (especially Connie, Lola, Shirley & to my surprize, Carter, who were all fantastic). Though the Mayor will always be Alec Gilroy from Corry to me.

I rated this as 10/10 on IMDb out of sheer enthusiasm but in reality i give this a solid 9/10.

Go Buy, Go watch, Go Love...

Jordan

I've just returned from a four-night break in Blackpool. No - this isn't a 1-star review of our dreadful 'hotel' that makes Funland's 'Shangri-La' look like the Savoy; that's just been posted on TripAdvisor. What this is, is a nod to the 'art imitates life' principle that applies so fundamentally to Funland, but from the perspective that what was once (in 2005) an over-the-top, bombastic surrealist comedy series that seemed to amplify the worst sleaze and excesses of Blackpool, has now become matched by Blackpool's accession (or maybe recession) to that once fictitious seaside town portrayed in Funland. My fourth visit to Blackpool since Funland first aired, and Blackpool has now become that place.

The series itself has to be recommended. It's hard to describe - it's a black comedy for sure, has multiple story layers and side plots, but with the central core story arc coming back to the relationship between the brilliant Ian Puleston-Davies' Shirley Woolfe, and his mother Mercy played by Judy Parfitt. The locations are pure Blackpool - the Tower features prominently, but acts both as a reference point for the story, and an allegory about the state of Dudley and Lola's sexless relationship (the scene in Ep1 where Lola gazes fixedly on a cabinet of huge dildos whilst Dudley asks her 'is there anything you want?' sticks in the mind).

Funland must be seen, but should be treated with caution for its grotesque characters, references, and sexual imagery. Funnily enough, the same could pretty much now be said for it's life inspiration: Blackpool.

I am currently watching Funland on BBC2 after having missed it when it was originally shown on BBC3. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed it, the comedy element appeals to my sense of humour perfectly. The cast of grotesques that populate this production are uniformly excellent and the shadowy lighting / sets convey the seedy atmosphere perfectly. I love Blackpool and am a regular visitor but I must say that this programme does not serve as a very good advert for it! It does however capture the darker side/underbelly of this unique town. It is also extremely near the knuckle both visually and verbally! Anyone who enjoys comedy such as that performed by the League of Gentlemen will enjoy this series.

Bought this on DVD for the price (five quid) and the writing/cast credits (half of The League of Gentlemen) - I wasn't disappointed.

This is a dark, twisted, comedy that also works as a compelling, enthralling and gripping thriller. At times, the tension makes it almost unbearable to watch, and then suddenly there's a scene or a shot that makes you laugh aloud.

I watched this in one sitting, all six hours of it, such is its power to draw you in and captivate you.

Beautifully written and well-acted by all involved, this is a darkly funny series that is well worth checking out. Most of the cast are familiar faces, seasoned pros giving excellent performances. Simon Greenall (Michael The "Work Geordie" in I'm Alan Partridge) is almost unrecognisable as the local newspaper reporter.

If you like your comedy with a deeper, dramatic storyline, or your mystery with a sense of humour, check this series out.

BBC3 has been an excellent vehicle for new ventures that, due to their 'different' approach, wouldn't be picked up by either BBC1 or BBC2. Admittedly there have been some lumps of crap and a whole load of averageness, but amongst that have been some glimpses of pure brilliance.

And Funland is one of the highlights.

Set amongst the downmarket seediness that is Blackpool, the characters are almost all deliberately grotesque exaggerations. One can't fail to see the obvious comparisons with the League of Gentlemen.

The acting is good enough to compliment the script, with some well-known faces turning up in roles - and situations - you wouldn't expect to see them in.

I loved it.