The Likely Lads behind unlikely hits of working-class life up North
THE Likely Lads, a tale of two Geordie working-class mates ‘on the hoy and on the pull’ had introduced us to the pen, wit and down to earth fun of Ian La Frenais and his writing partner Dick Clement.
Rodney Bewes and James Bolam became trail blazers for a new type of sitcom which was to revolutionise TV comedy.
Auf Wiedersehen, Pet was later to launch a brand new set of Geordie telly stars upon our screens.
We were about to be handed Jimmy Nail, Kevin Whately, and Tim Healy, who have gone on to captivate millions down endless years of laughter and warmth thanks to the creative originality of two legendary scriptwriters.
Still going strong from their Hollywood base, the writing duo have just published More Than Likely, a book revealing the secrets of their classic comedies.
Maybe Bob and Terry were groundbreakers and Fletch the best server of Porridge to a captivated nation, but Oz was everyone’s nightmare – a loudmouthed, uncouth, misogynist yob with holes in his vest and sweaty feet. Enter Jimmy Nail.
Le Frenais remembers the day well.
“Dick nudged me and lowered his voice. ‘Please, God, let him be able to act just a little.’
“We were in a rehearsal room in Paddington and the young man he was referring to had arrived to audition after a preliminary casting call in Newcastle had shortlisted a handful of hopefuls.
“His name was Jimmy Nail and he was up for the part of Oz in our new series about migrant construction workers.
“The producer Martin McKeand and director Roger Bamford