BBC announces new comedy drama Sugartown

Filming has begun on Sugartown, a prime-time three-part comedy drama series for BBC One revolving around a small seaside hamlet in the north of England which once enjoyed a heyday as the “stick-of-rock” capital of Britain.

The series is the story of Burr’s rock factory – owner Jason Burr (Shaun Dooley) is fighting to stay afloat as the community’s last main employer. But then his brother Max (Tom Ellis), the prodigal son returns with big plans for Sugartown’s re-development. However Max isn’t interested in buckets and spades; he wants frappucino’s, boutique hotels and hip bars.

A fan of tradition, the tight-knit community don’t want this and soon enough battle lines are drawn. With the good people of Sugartown under siege, a new dance school run by unpredictable newcomer Carmen, hints at a way to revive the town’s fortunes while maintaining their proud traditions.

Sugartown is created and written by Jodi Reynolds and Sally Dexter and features a high-profile ensemble cast including Sue Johnston, Shaun Dooley, Tom Ellis, Miranda Raison and Philip Jackson.

Commissioning Head of Comedy, Cheryl Taylor says: “Jodi and Sally have created a loveable and unique seaside comedy which portrays the North East coastal community in an engaging and colourful way”.

Sugartown is produced by Shed Media Scotland for the BBC and is being filmed on location in Filey and Scarborough. Executive producers for Shed are Head of Drama Kate Croft, and Jodi Reynolds and executive producer for the BBC is Simon Wilson.

Executive producer, Kate Croft says: “Sugartown is a passion piece, combining wry humour with escapism, in the form of fantastical colourful dance sequences. We are so excited about Chris Gernon, Susie Liggat and the talented team who have joined us to bring the show to life. Sugartown is about a community of people who still care for each other – Filey in January may not be tropical, but the show has a very warm heart!”

Sugartown is directed by Christine Gernon (Gavin And Stacey, Love Soup) and produced by Susie Liggat (Doctor Who, Blood And Oil).