Cradle to Grave

Speaking of BBC bio-programmes - the early life of Danny Baker has recently been given a series for us to watch and enjoy. Whilst I have enjoyed seeing and hearing the work of radio host and raconteur Danny Baker, I have to admit that I did wonder if his life would be colorful enough (and the series written well enough) to come across well on TV. Happily it was by and large; based on Danny Baker's autobiography, and being penned by the man himself, alongside Jeff Pope - the result was a warm, witty and well executed programme.


Not as well executed or free-flowing as a true sitcom mind, nor as emotively packed as a hard hitting bio-drama; the end result is an odd but often pleasing mishmash of the two.
The period feel and detail is immediate and actually quite fresh feeling, the soundtrack is brilliant and pitched perfectly. Whilst the story and elongated narrative is relatively simple, with no massive ups and downs and not much you couldn't see coming, it is written well, with sparkling dialogue at times and quite a charm to it.

Of course, there are laughs and they mostly come in the form of the headliner to join the cast of this one - the living legend that is Peter Kay. He is unquestionably a comedy god, and has proven his acting ability before, and I feel casting him as Frank 'Spud' Baker (Danny's dad) was inspired. Despite the possibly far-fetched cockney accent, Peter Kay gives us a great character instantly, with lots of lovable rogue qualities, oodles of charisma and a lot of hilarious moments and one-liners. To me Peter Kay is the star of this show with ease.
Joining him on-screen wife Lucy Speed, who whilst not as emotive, funny or impactful in terms of screen presence, does have another quite unique vulnerability, teamed with a quintessential beauty that actually goes well (in a chalk and cheese sort of way) with Peter Kay's Spud. Kay and Speed, along with more mature members of the cast (including a brilliant guest appearance from John Henshaw and a delicious turn from Julie Dray) are definitely ruling the roost, and having the best time it looks like, on this one. Sadly the younger members of the cast seem to be fading in their shadow. Young newcomer Laurie Kynaston plays the main role of young Danny Baker, and he is just memorable enough and compelling enough, but I do think, especially towards the end of the series, he seems to be blundering through the motions a bit. Plus his on-screen elder siblings played by Frankie Wilson and Alice Sykes just fade into obscurity altogether.

Yes it ain't perfect, but it is good watching. I'm glad the BBC have recognized Danny Baker in this way, and I'm also more importantly glad that, barring a few lacking elements, they have just managed to pull it off.