There are some classic comedies that have called it a day after two series. The Office and Fawlty Towers are the ones that come immediately to mind. Both took British institutions, like the office and a seaside hotel, and played off the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle absurdities and characters that everyday life presented.
Eyes Down cannot be placed in the same category as Ricky Gervais and John Cleese’s much-loved creations. Cleese has actually been in the news about reviving that piece of comedy gold with his daughter. It is unlikely That Eyes Down will ever get a reboot even though its epicentre revolves around another well-loved pastime.
Paul O’Grady’s Debut in a Sitcom
The series, which was written by Liverpudlian Angela Clarke, did give the popular comedian Paul O’Grady a first crack at acting in a sitcom. The Rio bingo hall in the city sees one scene where his character Ray, the manager, “just paid a fortune” on a face peel and can’t call out the numbers. The depiction of life at the Rio bingo hall in the city is hardly on par with free bingo at Paddy’s, but it does shed some light on the lure of the game.
Source: Pexels
O’Grady’s character didn’t exactly see to eye with humanity or anything else come to that. The comedy came from the interactions of his motley crew, including the canteen manager, and the local handyman, and the disdain with which he treated his punters and the minions of his empire. Ray’s frustration is being stuck on the hamster wheel of life when he wishes for more.
The series also featured Sheridan Smith, coming off the back of the immensely popular Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps which was her breakthrough moment. In Eyes Down, Smith played Sandy who was more weighed down with personal problems and boyfriends than the challenge of the full house. In the press release for the programme her character was described as “young, pregnant and not too bright.”
The sitcom ran for 15 episodes, getting its premiere in August 2003 and airing for the final time just after Christmas Day in 2004. While it wasn’t a spectacular success or flop, it was actually found to be one of the worst programmes of all time by a research team commissioned by digital TV channel UKTV Gold to study 20 years of British sitcoms.
Source: Pixabay
Perhaps one of the things that the comedy portrayed pretty well was some of the habits of people that go to bingo halls. They can often have certain routines, like sitting in the same chair, with much of the cast actually sitting with real players to find out what made them tick. The authenticity was important to ensure that the humour hit home.
In the actual show itself, there was some mirth to be had with the casting of the cleaning lady, Edna Dore. Dore played Mo Butcher in EastEnders and was over 80 by the time she got the part. Her deadpan expression was perfect for the role. Eyes Down was not a crown jewel in the pantheon of UK comedy, but at least it made use of some very talented actors.