Happiness (BBC-2 2001-2002, Paul Whitehouse, Mark Heap)

In sitcom Happiness recently widowed and creator of a smash hit cartoon character (Dexter the plasticine bear) Danny Spencer is heading for a mid-life crisis. Feeling his creation is more important than he is, he determines to discover for himself a sense of happiness.

When his young wife is knocked down and killed by an ice-cream van and, instead of feeling devastated, he feels suddenly liberated.

Helping or hindering Danny on his quest are old girlfriend Rachel, best mate Terry (now married to Rachel) and the perpetually drunk Sid and Charlie.

A strong downbeat comedy from the always excellent Paul Whitehouse.

production details
UK / BBC Two – Tiger Aspect / 12×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 20 March 2001 – 18 February 2004

Writers: Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings / Producers: Rosemary McGowan, Paul Whitehouse / Director: Declan Lowney

cast
Paul Whitehouse as Danny
Mark Heap as Terry
Fiona Allen as Rachel
Clive Russell as Angus
Johnny Vegas as Charlie
Pearce Quigley as Sid
Amita Dhiri as Neela (Season 2)
Maria McErlane as Shirley
Michael Wildman as Toby X
Tim Plester as Toby C

• This Life (BBC-2 1996-1997, Andrew Lincoln, Jack Davenport)

• The Franchise Affair (BBC 1962, Rosalie Crutchley, Michael Aldridge)

• Hamlet at Elsinore (BBC 1964, Christopher Plummer, Robert Shaw)

• A Handful of Thieves (BBC One 1969, Helen Worth, Martin Ratcliffe)

• Hands Across the Sea (BBC, 1938, Nadine March, Nicholas Phipps)

• My Son Reuben (Thames 1975, Bernard Spear, Lila Kaye,)

• The Galactic Garden

• The Sentimental Agent (ATV 1963)