BBC puts up its Big Top
Circus sitcom confirmed
Filming has begun on the BBC One sitcom Big Top, set in a travelling circus.As Chortle reported last month, the star-studded cast includes Amanda Holden as the ring mistress alongside John Thomson as a clown with anger issues, Tony Robinson as cynical soundman and Ruth Madoc as the grande dame of the circus.
The BBC has now confirmed that work has begun on the show, created by Not Going Out co-writer Daniel Peak. It will be filmed in front of a live studio audience and on location in and around London.
A corporation spokesman said: ‘Each week a story is unfolded, erected, performed and taken down just like the Big Top itself.’
BBC One controller Jay Hunt said: ‘Big Top is a heart-warming family comedy with real potential to capture the imagination of the BBC One audience.’
And commissioner Lucy Lumsden praised the ‘great ensemble cast and brilliant scripts from the very talented Daniel Peak’.
Other stars include Bruce Mackinnon – who was once in a double act with Gavin & Stacey star Mat Horne – playing an East European acrobat and Emma Thompson’s younger sister Sophie, a former EastEnders actress, playing John Thomson’s wife, also a clown.
Published: 22 Jan 2009
