ON THE EDGE: TELEVISION || VOL. 1
Last Friday I had the absolute pleasure of attending a preview screening of E4's new comedy TV show called Chewing Gum which was created by the incredibly talented and funny Michaela Coel. After seeing episodes 1 and 4, this show has definitely gotten me on the edge of my seat in anticipation for what's to come and today I'm going to tell you why.
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Michaela Coel as Tracey Gordon in Chewing Gum // Source: Courtesy of E4
Michaela Coel... For those of you who may not have heard of this woman, she is an award-winning playwright, poet, actress, singer and now an associate producer of her show Chewing Gum. Hearing what she had to say about her show during the Q&A session of the event, I had a much better idea of just how driven, hilarious, open and down-to-earth she is. And if the episodes I got to see are anything to go by, she is definitely one creator to keep an eye on. The first time I came across her work was round about this time last year when I saw the National Theatre's production of Medea. She played the role of Nurse and her voice was so captivating and alive that it was hard not to pay attention to what she had to say. And I am so happy I got the chance to meet her in person.
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So, what's Chewing Gum? Well, it is a 6 part TV series set to air on the 6th of October on E4 that is based on Michaela Coel's award-winning one-woman play Chewing Gum Dreams. It centres on the life of a girl called Tracey Gordon who is now 24 yrs old, still living in Tower Hamlets in East London unsure of what to do with her life and has much to learn about life, sex and relationships (Note: It does contain strong language and adult themes). Chewing Gum is poised and ready to discuss things that people do not normally talk about in public in such a way that shocks you, makes you cringe and laugh at the same time leading to crashing waves of openness wash over you. It is refreshing, daring, comical and strikes the right balance between telling a story and making its audience laugh. Think Girls and The Inbetweeners but still uniquely original.
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There are several characters in the show that are sure to entertain you and also teach you the value of being in a community. The cast really did deliver great performances and I just love how... real their characters are. Michaela Coel (Aliens; Medea; Top Boy) stars as the innocent, eager-to-learn and audacious Tracey Gordon who is quite a big Beyoncé fan. Candice, Tracy's best friend/confidant/ informal "life coach", is played by Danielle Walters (Some Things; Caught in a Trap). Tracey's fiercely loyal, Ludo extraordinaire sister, Cynthia is played by Susie Wokoma (Horrible Science; Burn Burn Burn; The Inbetweeners 2). Robert Lonsdale (The Interceptor; Walking with the Enemy; Lost Christmas) takes on the role of Connor - a creative, slightly sensitive guy who definitely makes things interesting. And then there is Esther, Candice's grandmother, who is played by Maggie Steed (A Promise; Stella; Jam Jerusalem). She is a character that lets you know that just because you are no longer in your twenties it does not mean you can't still have fun. There are plenty of other interesting and quirky characters for you to learn more about but you'll have to tune in on the 6th of October to meet them. I don't think you will be disappointed.
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Cast of Chewing Gum //Source: Photo courtesy of E4
If you are looking for something new and funny and dramatic and great to watch, then keep an eye out for when Chewing Gum airs on E4 (6th October). There are many laughs and cringeworthy moments to be had. Trust me. Watching it with a room full of people reminded me of the time I watched part of an episode of Skins with my dad. Yeah... good times. Ha!
Mo x