Period drama Not Like That, Like This told of the last 20 years or so in the life of legendary comedian magician Tommy Cooper focusing on the dilemma he faced when he fell in love with his stage manager Mary despite being happily married to Gwen, the woman he called Dove.
With Tommy’s fame and constant touring on the road Dove, who mostly accompanied him on tour, decided that she needed to concentrate on restoring their home life. Tommy though, unable to face the lonely of a touring comedian by himself roped in stage manager Mary to be his companion on the road. As their relationship grew, it turned into love. Tommy though was unable to make the choice between which of the women he wanted to be with.
David Threllfall might seem an unlikely choice to play Cooper but he does a fabulous job of really inhabiting the soul of Cooper. Another great addition to the growing roster of biopics of TV stars from the golden age, there is also great fun to be had in playing spot the comedian as various actors tackle such greats as Eric Morecambe and Eric Sykes.
production details
UK / ITV – Left Bank Pictures / 1×120 minute episode / Broadcast Monday 21 April 2014 @ 9.00pm
Writer: Simon Nye / Consultant: John Fisher / Executive Producer: Andy Harries / Producer: Lucy Dyke / Director: Benjamin Caron
cast
David Threlfall as Tommy Cooper
Helen McCrory as Mary Kay
Amanda Redman as Dove Cooper
Gregor Fisher as Miff Ferrie
Andy Rush as Tom Jr
Paul Ritter as Eric Sykes
Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe
Jordan Metcalfe as Les Dennis
Jason Manford as Ken Brooke
Albie Marber as Young Tom Jr
Charlotte Beaumont as Vicky Cooper
Lucy Conley as Young Vicky Cooper
Tilly Vosburgh as Sheila
David Sterne as Billy Mayo
Michael Mueller as Producer Philip Jones
Andrew Harrison as Producer David Bell
Jacinta Mulcahy as The Queen
James Carcaterra as Dustin Gee
Marene Miller as Dutch journalist
Chris Ryman as Stallholder
John Biggins as Boring barman
Phil Yarrow as Injured fan
David Doyle as Fan on train
Hamish Hamilton as Voice of director
