Idris Elba Has a New Comedy Drawn From His Childhood Dropping Soon and We're Here For It
The 1980s comedy series, "In the Long Run" premieres on Sky One in March.
February 26, 2018
Idris Elba is on a roll.
On the cusp of dropping the trailer for his directorial debut film, Yardie, Elba is about to have a solid spot in the U.K.'s sitcom lineup come March 29 on Sky One.
In the Long Run is a comedy set in 1980s London and loosely draws inspiration from his childhood. Elba plays the family patriarch, Walter Easmon.
Here's the synopsis from Shadow and Act:
"Set in London 1985, In the Long Run is about the Easmon family. Amid the tower blocks and shell suits, life for Walter (Elba) and Evelyn Easmon is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and are happy earning enough to pay the bills with a bit left over to send back home. Walter works hard alongside his mate and neighbor Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) at the local factory while Evelyn patrols the estate selling make-up door-to-door. Their British born son Akuna and his best mate Scott hang out on the estate playing football and doing their best to dodge the local thugs.
But when Walter's brother Valentine arrives to the UK, his energy and lust for life changes everything. He crashes into their lives bringing laughter and chaos and igniting a passion for music in Akuna. And though he frustrates Evelyn and tests Walter's patience, Akuna adores his 'funcle' Valentine because after all, he is family."
The comedy's credits include executive producers Elba and Gina Carter, producer Declan Lowney and writers Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, Stuart Lane and Grace Ofori-Attah. It is a co-production between Sprout Pictures and Elba's production company, Green Door.