Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball are to star in a BBC Two adaptation of Victoria Wood’s musical play That Day We Sang.
The one-off drama, entitled Tubby And Enid, has at its core the iconic recording of Nymphs and Shepherds sung by the Manchester Children’s Choir in 1929.
As story switches between the the great day itself and a reunion of the choir being filmed for a documentary 40 years later.
One of the ex-choir members is Tubby, a middle-aged insurance salesman, now living alone after the death of his mother. Hearing the record for the first time in 40 years he gets a glimpse of the boy he was, and the man he could be, if he has the courage to change.
At the same reunion is Enid, living in a safe narrow world of her own construction. The music stirs powerful memories in both and seems to offer a new direction, a last grab for love.
We interweave their faltering romance with Jimmy’s story, living with his adored but embittered mother in a tiny back-to-back in Depression-hit Manchester.
Wood says: “Tubby And Enid brings together everything I love – singing, dancing, comedy, love and chips.
“A musical set in ’29 and ’69 complete with tap dancing children, singing coal men and possibly a tram, was always going to be a big undertaking, and I’m very appreciative of the way everyone at the BBC has been so encouraging and supportive.
“Imelda and Michael are my dream team, superb professionals at the top of their game. I’m hoping to deliver something that will be a real treat for the audience.”
Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two, says: “With a fantastic cast, and written and directed by the brilliant Victoria Wood, this promises to be a real treat for BBC Two viewers.”