Smoggie Queens
BBC Three, 2024
In the heart of Middlesbrough, a quirky bunch of LGBTQ+ pals embrace their identities, finding solace and joy within their community's small but vibrant pocket.
Smoggie Queens is written by Middlesbrough native, Phil Dunning. I worked closely with Phil, developing the series from the seed of an idea about a dysfunctional gay relationship, into this chosen family comedy that’s full of love, life, grit and pride for a town that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK.
Starring Phil Dunning, Mark Benton, Alexandra Mardell, Patsy Lowe, Elijah Young and directed by Andrew Chaplin, Smoggie Queens hit BBC Three and iPlayer in November 2024.
“The idiosyncratic northern dialogue reminded me of Victoria Wood – just with a waft of poppers in the air” ★★★★ The i Paper
“Loud, proud and very, very daft” The Guardian
“A slapstick sitcom with such a big heart it moved me to tears” ★★★★★ The Mail on Sunday
“Silly… big hearted and fun… a really positive representation of the north east” Pilot TV podcast
“Crass dross” The Sun
