IN THE LONG RUN

Brand new comedy series IN THE LONG RUN starring Bill Bailey and Kellie Shirley is on Sky 1, Thursdays at 10pm

 

This good-natured comedy is based on Elba’s recollections of growing up in 1980s Hackney, and he plays Walter, who emigrated from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and lives with his wife Agnes and son Kobna on a London estate. The family’s quiet routine is disrupted by the arrival of Walter’s charismatic, fun-loving brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola).

 

Bill Bailey plays Bagpipes, Walter’s neighbour and best friend, a bit of a bumbling fool who is also a rather sad character — he’s struggling to cope with bringing up a daughter who was the result of his wife’s (Kellie Shirley) affair. 

 

There’s a warm nostalgia to the comedy and a deft handling of poignant moments amid the laughs.