UKTV commissions Newark, Newark from writer Nathan Foad

Morgana Robinson and Mathew Horne  are to star in a new comedy series for Gold

The show –  Newark, Newark –  is set in the titular  working-class market town in the East Midlands and follows pugnacious chip shop manager and exhausted matriarch, Maxine, as she tries to ride out her divorce, despite dullard ex-husband Terry trying to win her back

It also stars Nina Wadia as Heather and Jai Hollis as Maxine’s son Leslie, who dramatically comes out as gay to the surprise of no one.

The comedy has been written by Nathan Foad, who also has a supporting role. He said: ‘Making Newark, Newark is my wildest dream come true.

‘If I could go back in time and tell my teenage self anything, I'd look him straight in his chubby little face and I'd say, "Growing up different in this town might not be easy, but one day they're gonna let you make a TV show about it. Also, learn to breathe through your nose." 

‘I'd like to thank [programme-makers] Balloon Entertainment, UKTV and our phenomenal cast and crew - I think we might be making something a bit special.’

The broadcaster says the show ‘captures the goofy, sticky oddness of long English summers and the joyous, comforting and somewhat ridiculous things that go on in a small town’.

Three 40-minute episodes are due to air early next year and also star  Saskia Chana, Jessie Mae Alonzo and  Vahid Gold.

UKTV’s commissioning editor for comedy Sarah Asante said: ‘Nathan has written three incredibly funny scripts and the fact that it's a semi-autobiographical story adds a wonderful warmth, authenticity and distinctive voice to this family sitcom.’

Newark, Newark follows other Gold comedy commissions, including Sandylands, starring Sanjeev Bhaskar and Tracy-Ann Oberman, and The Cockfields, written by Joe Wilkinson and David Earl. The special one-off festive episode of The Cockfields airs next month.

Made by: Balloon Entertainment
Created and written by: Nathan Foad
Commissioned/ordered by: Sarah Asante, UKTV’s commissioning editor for comedy, with Pete Thornton, head of scripted, and Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold.
Produced by: Kenny Tanner
Directed by: Amanda Blue
Executive producers: Dave Evans, Bryan Elsley and Nathan Foad.

Published: 29 Nov 2021