BBC2 reveals war sitcom

Taking The Flak, an ‘acerbic comedy-drama’ about journalists in war zones, has been shot on location in Tanzania and Kenya over the past two years.

Filming originally began in the Kenyan city of Nakuru, but the location had to be moved when real violence erupted following elections late in 2007. Shooting involved a crew of 50, of which a third were Kenyans, on some days up to 100 extras were eomploted.

The seven-part series stars Martin Jarvis as a veteran foreign correspondent, Smack The Pony’s Doon Mackichan as a BBC producer and Bruce Mackinnon – who used to be in a double-act with Mathew Horne – as a local stringer.

Guest stars include Mackenzie Crook and Ruby Wax, who plays an obnoxious American reporter; while newsreaders George Alagiah, Sophie Raworth and Dermot Murnaghan also have cameos.

The series was written by journalist Tira Shubart and based on her own experiences as a foreign correspondent covering more than 40 countries over 20 years.

The programme was unveiled as part of BBC Two’s new spring/summer schedule today.

Also in the line-up are Krod Mandoon And The Flaming Sword Of Fire, the fantasy comedy starring Sean Maguire and Matt Lucas; Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s comedy thriller Psychoville, the TV adaptation of Down The Line and the third series of That Mitchell And Webb Look – all of which have been previously announced.

Published: 22 Apr 2009