Daniel Lawrence Taylor show about poor black kids going to an elite private school

Timewasters creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor has written a new comedy-drama about five underprivileged black students from inner-city London who win scholarships to an elite boarding school.

BBC Three has commissioned the six episodes of the  coming-of age show, Boarders, from production company.

The blurb for the show says: ‘From fun and independence to pressure and competition, first crushes, forging friendships and making enemies, Boarders will look at the experience of going to a top public school from a unique perspective. These kids may be outsiders but they’re determined to prove themselves - and shake things up along the way. The new boarders have arrived.

Taylor, who previously performed on the live circuit as half of the Ginger & Black musical comedy duo, said: ’As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to grow momentum, and the world is becoming more aware of black struggles in white institutions, a show like Boarders has never been more relevant or ripe for comedy.

‘Working with Studio Lambert and the BBC has been an absolute joy, and I’ve also bagged myself some of the most exciting black British voices to help me bring this show to the screen.’

He will be joined in the writers' room by Emma Dennis-Edwards, Yemi Oyefuwa and Ryan Calais Cameron and the series will be script edited by Missy Howard – but no cast has yet been announced.

Susan Hogg, head of drama and Studio Lambert added: ‘Daniel has the courage to tackle a tough premise through the lens of comedy. Boarders is at once heartfelt and hilarious.'

And BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell said: ‘He is an incredible talent and, like the best series do, we know this one will make audiences laugh and will leave them thinking.’

Published: 2 Aug 2022