Double act ain’t Bard...
In the old, slow news days my colleagues and I would invent silly TV detective duos. Roastbeef & Yorkshires was a favourite, run very close by the likes of Cod & Chips, Big Mac & Frys (Dave and Tony Fry were identical twins) and Penn & Paper.
The BBC now appears to have finally caught up with the game.
Shakespeare & Hathaway not only has a pair of PIs named after the Bard and his wife but it is set in Stratford-upon-Avon. You may have guessed it’s something of a comedy drama. It’s also pretty wonderful.
No disrespect to the land of Phil & Holly, Doctors and Loose Women but this show is far too good for daytime.
In fact, the BBC should reconsider the way it fills prime-time with violent, over-complicated dramas. There’s a reason millions still watch repeats of Midsomer Murders on ITV3.
Shakespeare & Hathaway caters for that audience. The mysteries are gently taxing and the setting is as cosy as a country pub. Best of all is the chemistry of Mark Benton (ex-cop Frank Hathaway) and Jo Joyner (ex-hairdresser Luella Shakespeare).
If you’re snowbound today, check them out at 2.15pm.