First look at Aidan Gillen as Dave Allen

And when is the new drama on BBC Two?

Here is the first picture of Aidan Gillen as Dave Allen in the forthcoming BBC Two drama about the legendary Irish comedian, Dave Allen At Peace.

The film – which has now been given an air date of 9pm on April 2 – will cover the comedian’s 40-year career, from performing alongside his brother as a Butlin’s Redcoat to becoming one of the UK and Ireland’s comedy greats.

The BBC say it is ‘structured in affectionate homage to Dave’s original television format,’ adding: ‘From his famous bar stool, the comic will reflect on his formative years and showbiz career. Flashbacks, some visualised as comedy sketches, will intercut his bar stool repartee bringing significant moments to life.

‘It will explore how Dave’s comedy genius was shaped by the tragic loss of his father, his brother… and his finger. How he survived decades of the Roman Catholic Church’s wrath, death threats from the IRA and a ban by Irish and Australian TV, only to have his television career end in controversy when he used the f-word in an innocuous joke.’

Dave Allen At Peace is written by Stephen Russell who previously explored other comic icons in We’re Doomed: The Dad’s Army Story and Hattie, and Peaky Blinders.

As well as Peaky Blinders and Game of Thrones star Gillen, the cast also includes Conleth Hill as Allen’s brother, John. Stand-up Tommy Tiernan – recently seen in Derry Girls – plays his father and Joanne Crawford is his mother.

The film also boasts a line-up of impressive cameos, including Robert Bathurst Pauline McLynn, Ian McElhinney, Simon Day and Julian Rhind-Tutt.

Here is the real Dave Allen, tho see how Gillen compares.