Step back to the 1980s in first look at new Sky One comedy In the Long Run created by Idris Elba

A return to 1985 is in store as we throwback to the decade of shell suits and turtlenecks in brand new Sky Original Production  In the Long Run, which starts Thursday 29^th March at 10pm on Sky One and streaming service NOW TV.

Created by and featuring Golden Globe® winner Idris Elba with an ensemble cast including comedy favourite Bill Bailey, a first look at the series takes a nostalgic look back at life in 1980s East London with Elba at the helm as family man Walter Easmon, alongside wife Agnes (Madeline Appiah), son Kobna (Sammy Kamara) and younger brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola).

Additional images also released feature Bill Bailey as hapless neighbour Bagpipes with wife Kirsty (Kellie Shirley) and Kobna on the decks alongside best friend Dean (Mattie Boys). 

The comedy, inspired by the childhood memories of Idris Elba follows the story of Walter and Agnes Easmon whose life is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and work hard to pay the bills, raise son Kobna as well as support their family back home. 

But when Walter’s brother, Valentine, comes to stay, his exuberance and lust for life changes everything. Looking to make a life for himself in the UK, he crashes into their lives bringing laughter, music and chaos. He quickly finds work, falls in love and ignites a passion for music in Kobna. He may frustrate Agnes and test Walter’s patience but Kobna adores his “funcle” Valentine and after all, he is family. 

From Executive Producers Idris Elba and Gina Carter ( Moone Boy), Producer Charlie Hanson (Extras), Directors Declan Lowney (Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa) and Cecile Emeke and Writers Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, Stuart Lane and Grace Ofori-Attah, In the Long Run forms part of Sky’s new line-up of original British comedy and will air Thursday 29^th March at 10pm on Sky One and NOW TV.

Images can be found on Sky’s Editorial Asset Centre here.

For more information, please contact:

Nicole.estwick@sky.uk

Notes to editors

In the Long Run is a co-production between Green Door and Sprout Pictures and was commissioned by Adam MacDonald, Director of Sky One, and Jon Mountague, Head of Comedy at Sky.

International Distribution for the series will be handled by Sky Vision- the international production and distribution arm of Sky.

About Sky

Sky is Europe's leading entertainment company, serving 23 million customers across seven countries - UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. The company had annual reported revenues of £12.9 billion in 2016/17, and is Europe’s leading investor in television content with an annual programming spend of around £7 billion.

From exclusive partnerships with HBO, Showtime and Warner Bros. to Sky Original Productions, Sky offers the best and broadest range of content along with the best viewing experience to suit each and every customer. Whether that’s through the multi-award winning next generation box, Sky Q, or Sky’s contract-free online streaming service, NOW TV, customers have access to the latest movies, drama, sports and kids entertainment wherever and whenever they like. This is all supported by Sky’s best in class customer service.

Sky’s success is not just based on what the company does but how it does it. Three new major commitments have been launched for Sky’s corporate campaign Sky Ocean Rescue; the reduction of our own single-use plastics by 2020; an investment fund of £25 million over five years in technology solutions; and support of marine protected areas across our markets.

Sky has over 31,000 employees and is listed as one of The Times Top 50 employers for women, as well as being recognised in the Stonewall list of Top 50 LGBT-inclusive employers. Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SKY).

About Green Door Pictures

Green Door Pictures works with up-and-coming as well as established talent to champion inclusion as well as diversity of thought and ideas.  The slate crosses Scripted and Non-Scripted as well as Television and Film.

Recent credits include short-form drama series 5x5 in collaboration with BBC Studios for BBC3, which was designed to give new writing, directing and acting talent the opportunity to get their work on screen. This formed part of The Idris Takeover on BBC3 which was a week-long takeover of the online channel with content created by new and emerging filmmakers. Green Door also executive produced Guerrilla written by John Ridley in collaboration with Fifty Fathoms Productions, ABC Signature, Sky and Showtime. 

About Sprout Pictures

Gina Carter and Stephen Fry own Sprout Pictures, and have co-produced on both drama series, award-winning documentaries and web-series of UK and international success, including; three series of Kingdom, single film Doors Open, series Stephen Fry: Out There, Perspectives Hugh Laurie: Down by the River, single doc Oil Spill, series Gadget Man, series Stephen Fry in America, series Stephen Fry in Central America, series Life of a Manic Depressive, four seasons of Playhouse Presents for Sky Arts, and three series of Chris O’Dowd’s comedy Moone Boy for Sky One.