Smoggie Queens: A New Dawn for Queer Representation in UK Comedy
The landscape of British television is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is the upcoming BBC comedy series, Smoggie Queens. Creatively spearheaded by Phil Dunning, who also stars in the show, Smoggie Queens is a vibrant exploration of queer life in Middlesbrough, a town often overlooked in the broader cultural narrative. Dunning and his team credit the groundbreaking success of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as a catalyst for this shift, paving the way for more diverse stories about queer communities across the nation.
The Impact of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Since its debut in 2019, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has become a cultural phenomenon, consistently ranking among BBC Three’s top-rated shows. With its sixth season currently airing, the series has not only elevated the careers of contestants like The Vivienne and Baga Chipz but has also sparked a national conversation about drag culture. Dunning notes that a decade ago, a show like Smoggie Queens might have struggled to find a platform.
“Drag Race has done amazing things for the queer community,” Dunning remarked in an interview. “It’s shone such a spotlight on drag and made us think that these people are interesting and fun. And 10 years ago, there wasn’t such a focus on regional locations.” This newfound visibility has allowed for a broader representation of queer narratives, particularly those that originate outside of London.
A Glimpse into Smoggie Queens
Smoggie Queens follows the life of Dickie, played by Dunning, and his eclectic group of friends, including drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe), and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young). Together, they navigate the complexities of love, life, and pride in a town that often feels neglected. The series promises to be a heartfelt and humorous portrayal of queer life in Middlesbrough, showcasing the unique challenges and triumphs of its characters.
The casting of Charlotte Riley, known for her role in Peaky Blinders, alongside Michelle Visage, a beloved figure in the drag community, adds a significant star power to the show. Visage plays Elaine, a “dowdy” office assistant, and Dunning praised her willingness to embrace the comedic elements of the role, stating, “She was totally up for anything we threw at her.”
A Statement to Queer Spaces
Chris Jones, a producer for Hat Trick Productions, emphasizes that the existence of Smoggie Queens itself is a powerful statement about queer representation. He reflects on the past when UK television seemed to adopt a ‘one in, one out’ approach to queer shows. However, with the success of programs like Mawaan Rizwan’s Juice, which explores the life of a gay man navigating relationships and work, the landscape is changing.
“Queers are not this niche group to tap into anymore but have entered the mainstream,” Jones asserts. He believes that the success of Drag Race has opened doors for shows like Smoggie Queens, allowing them to thrive in a more accepting environment.
Writing from Experience
Dunning’s journey to creating Smoggie Queens began during the pandemic when live comedy was put on hold. Initially, he envisioned a character who was a wealthy, narcissistic former child star. However, under Jones’s guidance, he shifted the focus to a narrative that resonated more with his own experiences. “It was a bit weird before; it wasn’t very relatable,” Dunning admitted.
By setting the show in a location closer to his hometown and crafting characters that reflect his lived experiences, Dunning created a more authentic narrative. He felt confident in portraying Dickie, as he was accustomed to embodying characters in his stand-up routines.
A Global Vision
As Smoggie Queens prepares for its launch, Hat Trick International is already eyeing potential sales at MIPCOM, with hopes of attracting interest from the U.S., Australia, and various European territories. Jones humorously noted the challenge of dubbing the distinctive Middlesbrough accent into other languages but remains optimistic about the show’s universal appeal.
Moreover, he envisions Smoggie Queens as a scripted format that could be adapted for other regional queer communities worldwide. “We loved how this wasn’t a metrocentric place,” he explained. “It’s a small queer community in a seemingly out-of-the-way town. I’d love it to transfer to those kinds of places in Europe.”
Conclusion
Smoggie Queens stands as a testament to the evolving narrative of queer representation in British media. With the influence of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and the dedication of its creators, the show promises to deliver a fresh, relatable, and humorous perspective on queer life in Middlesbrough. As audiences eagerly await its premiere, Smoggie Queens is poised to carve out its own space in the rich tapestry of UK comedy, celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of queer communities across the nation.