Review of Adjani Salmon's BBC Three comedy

The wheels of the British television industry turn very slowly. Adjani Salmon launched his web series, Dreaming Whilst Black, in 2018 and in ‘just’ five years, it’s now become a full BBC Three series.

His demoralising climb to get anything made is only grist for the mill for this funny, charming and sometimes quite heartbreaking autobiographical comedy that tracks aspiring film-maker Kwabena’s dreams to break into the creative industry.

Going against the usual sitcom trope of hapless hero, Kwabena is hugely talented but has to hustle to make even the smallest of baby steps towards getting a short film made. Working as a food delivery driver only takes him further from his ambitions – especially when he encounters an industry exec more concerned by a misplaced Fanta order than hearing a pitch.

Such relentless setbacks come before even considering the everyday racism Kwabena has to deal with from the white folk who dominate the industry who found progress easier despite being notably less talented. 

This satirical element is deftly handled, highlighting the clumsy prejudices even – nay especially – found among the middle-class creative types trying so hard to be seen as liberal. Giving mere lip service to inclusivity, these characters are a rich source of wry, satirical and heartfelt scorn – scratch their slick veneer, and there’s a David Brent beneath them all. 

It’s not all one-way. Salmon, who co-wrote the show with Ali Hughes isn’t afraid to subvert some of the already inverted stereotypes – such as his character’s exasperation at being mistaken for a drug dealer suddenly turning to realisation as to why. This scene plays out with the tightness and purpose of a sketch – as do so many of the comic moments in the rich script. Some advance the narrative; some, especially Kwabena’s daydreams or surreal asides, are stand-alone laughs.

For these strange interludes, Kwabena’s struggles in his career – and in his tentative relationship with Vanessa (Babirye Bukilwa) – are real, and Salmon is a hugely empathetic actor whom audiences will root for, and feel the numbing pain of every rejection and setback

His friend Amy (Dani Moseley) seems to be doing a bit better than him, with her foot in the door of a production company – but her low level job only serves to highlight how patronising her colleagues – primarily executive Howard (the ever-dependable Peter Serafinowicz). Other cameos over the series include Jessica Hynes and Isy Suttie, all spotting an excellent project when it presents itself in all its authentic, witty glory.

• All six episodes of Dreaming Whilst Black, including the 2021 pilot, are streaming on iPlayer now.

Review date: 25 Jul 2023
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett