David Farnor | On 06, Oct 2017

Idris Elba is dashing back to the 1980s for a new Sky 1 comedy, loosely based on his own childhood.

In the Long Run, which is created by and will star the Luther actor, is a comedy about family, community and what home really means. It’s the latest in a line of British comedies announced for Sky 1 that also includes two other semi-autobiographical shows; Sick of It from Karl Pilkington and The Reluctant Landlord from Romesh Ranganathan. They join a slate of shows that will all air at 10pm on Sky 1 – the later slot giving them a license to be a little more daring.

Set in London 1985, In the Long Run is about the Easmon family. Amid the tower blocks and shell suits, life for Walter (Idris Elba) and Evelyn Easmon is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and are happy earning enough to pay the bills with a bit left over to send back home. Walter works hard alongside his mate and neighbour Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) at the local factory while Evelyn patrols the estate selling make-up door-to-door. Their British born son Akuna and his best mate Scott hang out on the estate playing football and doing their best to dodge the local thugs.

But when Walter’s brother Valentine arrives to the UK, his energy and lust for life changes everything. He crashes into their lives bringing laughter and chaos and igniting a passion for music in Akuna. And though he frustrates Evelyn and tests Walter’s patience, Akuna adores his ‘funcle’ Valentine because after all, he’s family.

The Exec Producers are Idris Elba and Gina Carter (Moone Boy), with Charlie Hanson (Extras) on board as producer. Director Declan Lowney (Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa), and Writers Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis & Stuart Lane (The Job Lot) and Grace Ofori-Attah complete the talent behind the camera.

The series is a co-production between Green Door and Sprout Pictures. It was ordered by Adam MacDonald, Director Sky 1, and Jon Mountague, Head of Comedy at Sky.

Jon says: “We’re honoured to be working with Idris in what is an authentic, perceptive and deeply funny show. In the Long Run will surprise and delight viewers.”

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