Sky has announced a new Christmas comedy special, Bad Tidings, starring Chris McCausland and Lee Mack as feuding neighbours. The special is written by the BAFTA-winning team of Laurence Rickard and Martha Howe-Douglas, along with McCausland, and will be directed by Tim Kirkby.
The 90-minute one-off comedy drama will air on Sky and NOW this Christmas and is set to commence production this month at Sky Studios Elstree.
Joining McCausland and Mack on the cast are Rebekah Staton, Sarah Alexander, Ben Crompton, Emily Coates, Josiah Eloi, Millie Kiss, Tupele Dorgu, Sunil Patel, Susan Kyd, and Donna Preston.
Bad Tidings follows the story of two perpetually feuding neighbours in Stockport, Neil (Mack) and Scott (McCausland). Neil is a grumpy home-security expert, while Scott insists on keeping his Christmas lights illuminated all year round, much to Neil’s annoyance. Scott is also blind, but he is well-liked by the other neighbours. When Scott is appointed head of the Neighbourhood Watch, Neil is the only one to question his suitability for the role. Their argument escalates and culminates in Neil triggering a power cut across the entire street on Christmas Eve, forcing everyone to evacuate.
However, Neil and Scott are left alone on guard and must put aside their differences when the local crime family decides to rob every house on the street in a single night. With no lights, cameras, or alarms, and one of them blind, they must rely on unconventional methods to save the day.
McCausland expressed his excitement about the project, saying: “Talk about a back-of-an-envelope idea that has got out of hand. We are now making a Christmas comedy film and it’s going to be awesome. I can’t wait to get up to some hilarious mayhem with Lee and bring some festive spirit into people’s living rooms this Christmas!”
Mack shared his enthusiasm, adding: “I love Chris McCausland, I love the script and I love Christmas. Where do I sign?”
‘Bad Tidings’ is written by Laurence Rickard & Martha Howe-Douglas with Chris McCausland, and is produced by Sky Studios. The film is directed by Tim Kirkby with Adnan Ahmed from Sky Studios producing. Anil Gupta Executive Produces for Sky Studios. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution handles international sales on behalf of Sky Studios.
