Lockdown Comedy 'Staged' to Return for a Second Season
In a surprise twist, the BBC lockdown comedy Staged will return for a second season.
The series which stars real-life friends David Tennant and Michael Sheen, sees the two play slightly exaggerated versions of themselves, who happen to be starring in a play together. But, given the restrictions and shutdowns due to the still-ongoing coronavirus pandemic - and the closures of all Broadway and most West End theaters - they're forced to get creative when it comes to how they'll put their production of Six Characters in Search of an Author off.
The pair - motivated by their director Simon Evans - decide to attempt to conduct rehearsals online, via video call. But most of what they end up discussing on Zoom has nothing to do with the show, given how unmotivated and bored everyone generally is, with generally hilarious results.
Parks and Recreation star Ben Schwartz will be joining the cast for Staged's second outing, alongside Sheen and Tennant's real-life partners Georgia Tennant and Anna Lundberg, and West's sister Lucy Eaton.
#DavidTennant and @MichaelSheen return with more #Staged for @BBCOne: https://t.co/2wVydhm8vM pic.twitter.com/ZVUEjpRTUe
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) October 22, 2020
According to the BBC, the new season "sees the pair attempt to navigate their ‘new normal’ at home with their increasingly exasperated families whilst simultaneously trying to tackle the world of ‘virtual Hollywood’ and their ever more fragile egos." And, following on from the surprise appearances in series one of Judi Dench and Samuel L Jackson this series sees the regulars joined in their virtual hell by a whole host of unexpected guests.
“It’s been so great to see how much people enjoyed the first series," Sheen said in a statement. "Seemed like the laughs were much appreciated. It made us really excited about taking it further and going in some surprising and hopefully enjoyable directions this time.”
Per the official press release, the series hopes to capture our shared feelings of frustration and confusion at a world not quite ready to re-open. Moments that promise normality dashed before they can take hold. Or the tantalizing prospect of comfort kept at bay.
The first season of Staged is now streaming on Hulu.
Are you looking forward to more Staged? Let us know in the comments!
