Novel about 1960s comedy scene adapted for Sky

Gemma Arterton is to play a groundbreaking 1960s comedy star in a new TV adaptation of Nick Hornby’s bestselling novel, Funny Girl.

The show, which is being made for Sky, revolves about a Blackpool beauty queen who heads to the London of the Swinging Sixties to join a pioneering sitcom, where ‘her uncompromising northern wit proves to be the X factor that the show has been missing’.

The broadcaster says: ‘Being a woman in a largely male environment has its own challenges, but as Barbara finds her funny she re-defines the prevailing attitude to funny women and in the process, reinvents herself.’

Arterton said: ‘It’s a heart-warming story of an ambitious woman with a dream of making people laugh – it’s going to be something special.’

The novel was adapted by Morwenna Banks and the series is directed by Oliver Parker, whose credits include the Dad's Army reboot, Johnny English Reborn and St Trinians, which gave Arterton her first break.

The cast also includes Clare-Hope Ashitey, Arsher Ali  and Alexa Davies with others  to be confirmed.

Sky Studios’ director of comedy Jon Mountague called the show ‘funny, smart and revealing,’ adding: ‘With Morwenna Banks’ brilliant script, this was the perfect opportunity to bring a contemporary take on this inspiring story.’

Published: 26 Aug 2021