First look: Idris Elba’s In the Long Run takes us back to the 80s
David Farnor | On 03, Mar 2018
Idris Elba is going back to the 1980s in his new Sky One series In the Long Run, and new images give us our first look at the period comedy.
Created by and featuring the Luther star, In the Long Run takes a nostalgic look back at life in East London with Elba at the helm as family man Walter Easmon, alongside wife Agnes (Madeline Appiah), son Kobna (Sammy Kamara) and younger brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola).
The comedy, inspired by the childhood memories of Elba, follows the story of Walter and Agnes, whose life is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and work hard to pay the bills, raise son Kobna as well as support their family back home. But when Walter’s brother, Valentine, comes to stay, his exuberance and lust for life changes everything.
Looking to make a life for himself in the UK, he crashes into their lives, bringing laughter, music and chaos. He quickly finds work, falls in love and ignites a passion for music in Kobna. He may frustrate Agnes and test Walter’s patience but Kobna adores his “funcle” Valentine – and, after all, he is family.
As well as Elba, the new images released by Sky also give us a glimpse of the ensemble cast, which includes Bill Bailey as hapless neighbour Bagpipes, Kellie Shirley as his wife, Kirsty, and Mattie Boys as Kobna’s best friend, Dean.
The show forms part of Sky One’s line-up of new British comedy, with Elba Exec-Producing alongside Gina Carter ( Moone Boy), Charlie Hanson (Extras) in producing duties, and directors Declan Lowney (Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa) and Cecile Emeke at the helm. It’s written by Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, Stuart Lane and Grace Ofori-Attah.
It will premiere on Thursday 29th March at 10pm on Sky One and NOW. For more on what’s coming soon to NOW, click here.