Blackpool (TV series)

The series employed pop music in the course of the narrative. The original recordings are played, and are sung along with and accompanied by slightly surreal dance routines acted out by the characters, in a manner reminiscent of the work of Dennis Potter. A soundtrack was also released to accompany the series, in which a six-page booklet explained why each song used was included in the series. ==Reception==

Critical reception to the series was positive. Viewing figures averaged between four and five million per episode. In 2005, the series was nominated in the Best Drama Serial category at the British Academy Television Awards, eventually losing out to Channel 4's Sex Traffic. It did, however, win the "Best Miniseries" and Grand Prize accolades at Canada's Banff Television Festival. In December 2005, it was announced that it had been nominated, under its American title, Viva Blackpool, in the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film category at the 2006 Golden Globe Awards. ==Distribution==

The series was sold to several countries, broadcasting on Television New Zealand's TV One, BBC America in the United States, BBC Canada and TVOntario in Canada, ABC in Australia, Canvas in Belgium, YLE in Finland and VPRO in the Netherlands. The series was also on DVD in the UK, Australia and the Netherlands. In October 2007, American network CBS aired a series based on the same premise called Viva Laughlin, adapted by Bob Lowry and the creator of Blackpool, Peter Bowker, coproduced by BBC Worldwide, CBS Paramount Network Television, Sony Pictures Television, and Seed Productions; however, the series was cancelled after two episodes due to low ratings. ==Cast==

• David Morrissey as Ripley Holden, an ambitious, arrogant arcade owner who believes strongly in luck, and who is planning to turn his arcade into a Las Vegas-style casino hotel and thus revive Blackpool's fortunes. • Georgia Taylor as Shyanne Holden, Ripley and Natalie's spoiled daughter, who worships her doting father but is cruel and distant to her mother. Blackpool • Sarah Parish as Natalie Holden, Ripley's shy, frustrated and lonely wife, whom Ripley takes for granted and to whom Carlisle takes a shine. • David Tennant as D.I. Peter Carlisle, the detective assigned to investigate the murder. A charming, good-natured and gluttonous, although extremely manipulative, police officer, who dislikes Ripley almost on sight. • Thomas Morrison as Danny Holden, Ripley and Natalie's troubled and awkward son, who is constantly belittled by his father. • Steve Pemberton as Adrian Marr, Ripley's accountant. • David Bradley as Hallworth, a devout Christian who opposes and campaigns against Ripley's plans to establish a casino hotel. • Bryan Dick as D.C. Blythe, Carlisle's junior partner. • Kevin Doyle as Steve, Shyanne's older boyfriend, who has a bad relationship with Ripley after an incident in their school days. • John Thomson as Terry Corlette. • David Hounslow as D.C.I. Jim Allbright, Carlisle's senior officer and mate of Ripley's. Viva Blackpool • Annette Crosbie as Mrs. Berry, mother of Ripley's now-deceased business partner, Patrick. • Mark Williams as Tommy "The Motor" Vesty, owner of a local car showroom. • Megan Dodds as Kitty De-Luxe, a showgirl and convicted fraudster whom Ripley falls in love with. • Al Weaver as Darrell aka 'Vibe', a runner working for Pollard who falls in love with Shyanne. • Keith Allen as Steve Pollard, a local entrepreneur and sporting agent. • Paul Ritter as Billy Pope, Ripley's right-hand-man in the Chapel of Love. • Hayley Carmichael as D.S. Coogan, the officer investigating the theft. ==Episodes==

Blackpool (2004) Viva Blackpool (2006) ==Further reading==