A quick word of praise for the Beautiful People
December 19, 2009 by Martin Hoscik · 5 Comments
Samuel Barnett and Luke Ward-Wilkinson star as Simon Doonan in Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful People. Image: BBC
While much of the show’s success is clearly down to Jonathan Harvey’s witty, inventive scripts, it’s impossible to overstate the brilliance of the performances by Luke Ward-Wilkinson (young Simon), Layton Williams (Kylie) and Samuel Barnett (older Simon).
Each week the show has served up a mini-West End musical packed with character development as well as laughs, while proving that comedy doesn’t have to be a linear procession of prat falls, gurning, predictable gags and re-processed laughter tracks.
It’s a mystery why the BBC has decided to relegate this stand out series to BBC Two while providing a BBC One home to undeserving and far less funny eponymous ‘roadshows’. Not that BBC commissioning often makes much sense to the average viewer.
I’m hoping for a third series, not least because I’m curious to discover why present-day Simon never seems to mention Kylie. As the lads might ask: What’s the story girlfriend?
PS: If you’re in danger of suffering withdrawal symptoms both series can be ordered on DVD from the seenit store as can the soundtrack to series one and the real Simon Doonan’s book on which the series is (loosely) based.
I completely agree, great series, very entertaining and yet still manages to get across a positive image for young gay teenagers. Why on earth the BBC broadcast this on a Friday evening on BBC2 I dont know and it didnt seem to get much advertising as I noticed. Lets hope there is a third series and they manage to broadcast it on BBC1, kick off Strictly and there is plenty of room! Congrats to the cast on a fabulous show.
We’ve really enjoyed the two series so far, however it could probably do with being a little more camp.
Olivia Colman deserves credit too as embarrassing mum Debbie.
Shawn wrote: it didnt seem to get much advertising as I noticed
A point I intended but neglected to make in the article, woefully under promoted to the point of neglect IMO.
Mark C: Olivia Colman deserves credit too as embarrassing mum Debbie.
Isn’t she fab?! Loved her in last night’s episode but consistently great throughout.
The last episode of the 2nd series is brilliant!!!!
There has to be a 3rd series, BBC!!!
Wouldn’t you know it – seems the one episode of series one I missed (How I Got My Tongs) actually features Kylie in a ‘now’ scene. Thanks to Father Christmas for the DVD and solving that question for me.