Colin’s Sandwich (BBC-2 1988-1990, Mel Smith, Louisa Rix)

In excellent Hancock-esque sitcom Colin’s Sandwich frustrated British Rail clerk Colin Watkins tries to make it as a professional horror writer.

Despite being his own worst enemy he eventually takes a step towards achieving his ambition when one of his short stories is accepted for publication in “The Langley Book of Horror”.

Later, in season two, a famous film producer offers Colin the chance of adapting his short story for a film. Colin jumps at the chance and, after many mishaps en route, finally leaves his job at British Rail to embark on a writing career.

production details
UK / BBC2 / 12x30m-e / 1988/90 / Season One: 18 October – 22 November 19 1988 and Season Two: 12 January – 16 February 1990

Writers: Paul Smith, Terry Kyan / Producers: John Kilby, Jamie Rix / Director: Jamie Rix

cast
MEL SMITH as Colin Watkins
LOUISA RIX as Jenny Anderson
MIKE GRADY as Des
MICHAEL MEDWIN as John Langley (season 1)
NICHOLAS BALL as Alan Hunter (season 2)
ANDREW ROBERTSON as Mr Travers

THE EPISODES
SEASON ONE
6 Episodes / Tuesdays 9.00pm / 18 October – 22 November 1988

1. FLAUNT IT
Colin tries to justify his incredibly tedious job in the complaints department of British Rail and also meet publisher John Langley at a party.
With:- KIM CLIFFORD as Mandy / TONY HAASE as Trevor / KEN CAMPBELL as Ted

2. TIME OUT
Colin is desperate to impress his writing talents on John Langley so that he gain a spot in the forthcoming Langley book of horror anthology.

3. ENOUGH
Colin has been told to lay off the booze for a couple of weeks by his doctor but has a hard time convincing his workmates Trevor and Graham.
With:- IAN POLLIER as Doctor / TONY HAASE as Trevor / LEE CORNES as Graham / DAVID HATTON as Man in Pub / LINDSAY DUNCAN as Rosemary / JONATHAN COY as Stuart

4. PUSSYFOOT
John Langley commissions Colin to write a short story for the Langley book of horror but will Colin be able to meet the deadline.
With:- TONY HAASE as Trevor / LEE CORNES as Graham / KIM CLIFFORD as Mandy / GWEN TAYLOR as Mrs D’Arcy / ROY HEATHER as Workman

5. BACK FROM BENGAL
Colin spends an anxious time waiting to find out if John Langley will accept his short story.
With:- NICHOLAS PRITCHARD as Richard / ROBIN DRISCOLL as Postman / NICK WILTON as Postman / TONY HAASE as Trevor / KIM CLIFFORD as Mandy / CLAIRE TOEMAN as Langley’s Secretary

6. NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Colin’s boss Travers spoils his plans for attending a launch for party in honour of the Eurotunnel; then he learns his story has been accepted by Langley but has no one to celebrate with.
With:- TONY HAASE as Trevor / LEE CORNES as Graham / CLAIRE TOEMAN as Langley’s Secretary / PAUL B. DAVIES as Waiter / SYLVIA BARTER as Elderly Lady / MARK BURDIS as Yob / ADAM FRENCH as Yob / RAYMOND MASON as City Gent / KEVIN ALLEN as Smoker / MMOLOKI CHRYSTIE as Smoker

SEASON TWO
6 Episodes / Fridays 9.00pm / 12 January – 16 February 1990

(7) 1. A BIT WHIFFY
Colin’s story after having been published in the Langley book of horror has attracted the attention of film maker Alan Hunter.
With:- TONY HAASE as Trevor / LEE CORNES as Graham / ALPHONISA EMMANUEL as Vicky / CLAIRE TOEMAN as Secretary / DAVID LYON as Edison / NICK MALONEY as Man at Party / PATRICK EDWARDS as 2nd Man at Party

(8) 2. A PIECE OF CAKE
Colin makes a vow never to attend another wedding but is persuaded to be best man at work mat Trevor’s wedding and as usual things don’t go swimmingly for Colin especially when his drunken speech end up insulting everyone from the bride to the vicar.
With:- TONY HAASE as Trevor / LEE CORNES as Graham / ANDY TAYLOR as Barry / DOMINIQUE BARNES as The Stripper / JENNY JAY as Waitress / ARTHUR WHITE as Man at Wedding / BERNARD KAY as Catering Manager / ROBERT LLEWELLYN as Priest / EDDIE YEOH as Waiter

(9) 3. ZANZIBAR
Colin gets the chance to write script for a possible TV series by Alan Hunter.
With:- TONY HAASE as Trevor / LEE CORNES as Graham / KIM CLIFFORD as Mandy / LINDSAY DUNCAN as Rosemary / JONATHAN COY as Stuart / GEOFFREY McGIVERN as 1st Writer / BERWICK KALER as 2nd Writer

(10) 4. NIGHT THOUGHTS
Colin discovers that the body actually needs sleep but first needs to come up with an acceptable draft script for Hunter.
With:- ROY NORTH as Radio Presenter

(11) 5. FRANK
After having, yet again, his latest draft sent back by Hunter Colin is desperate to rejig the ending of his thriller, but he has trouble coping with anything when his father falls ill.
With:- ANNETTE CROSBIE as Joyce / JANE BOOKER as Sarah / NICHOLAS PRITCHARD as Richard / GEOFFREY WHITEHEAD as Consultant / NEIL MULLARKEY as Undertaker

(12) 6. OUT TO LUNCH
On a trip to France Jenny persuades Colin that he should hand in his notice at work to concentrate on writing full time.
With:- ANNETTE CROSBIE as Joyce / TONY HAASE as Trevor / LEE CORNES as Graham / ALPHONSIA EMMANUEL as Vicky / KIM CLIFFORD as Mandy / ANDRE MARANNE as French Man / PHILIPPE GIRAUDEAU as French Waiter