Actors MartinMichael Sheen and David Tennant return for a second lockdown with more Staged
It’s the second series that we hoped we wouldn’t need. But as the pandemic continues across the world, with many people living under Tier 3 restrictions, Staged is returning to help us see the funny side of lockdown. David Tennant and Michael Sheen, along with co-stars Georgia Tennant and Anna Lundberg, once more play heightened versions of themselves. Filmed in their own homes as a series of video calls, the first series became an immediate hit as the former Doctor Who and his Good Omens co-star bickered their way through quarantine while trying to rehearse a new play remotely.
In Series Two, they attempt to navigate their ‘new normal’ at home with their increasingly exasperated families whilst simultaneously trying to tackle the world of ‘virtual Hollywood’ and their ever more fragile egos. Series co-creator Simon Evans and his real life sister Lucy Eaton also return as versions of themselves. Meanwhile Nina Sosanya (W1A) is back as the impatient producer Jo, alongside the new addition of Primetime Emmy-winner Ben Schwartz, playing the assistant to Michael and David’s American agent.
In Staged David and Georgia Tennant (Doctor Who), deal with the trials and tribulations of home schooling their children (C) GCB Films/Infinity Hill
In Series Two, the friends deal with promises of normality around the corner being constantly dashed
The follow-up is described as capturing people’s feelings of frustration and confusion at a world not quite ready to re-open. Moments that promise normality dashed before they can take hold. The tantalising prospect of comfort kept at bay.
Michael Sheen says: “It’s been so great to see how much people enjoyed the first series. Seemed like the laughs were much appreciated. It made us really excited about taking it further and going in some surprising and hopefully enjoyable directions this time.”
Georgia Tennant adds: “The prospect of getting my husband back into employment alongside the divine Ben Schwartz and the hairy, Welsh legend that is Michael Sheen all makes me very happy to be back for series two!”
Series One included cameos by Judi Dench, Samuel L Jackson and more. And the second series continues to see the regulars joined in their virtual hell by a whole host of unexpected guests.
David Tennant teaches Michael Sheen a traditional haggis summoning scream in Series One of Staged (C) GCB Films/Infinity Hill
A preview scene hints at the new source of pain to play on the actors’ nerves
And the BBC Press Office have already tweeted a preview scene, playing on the ongoing confusion between Michael and a certain other actor…
BBC One – Staged – David Tennant and Michael Sheen (C) GCB Films/Infinity Hill
Series One is currently available in its original form on iPlayer, and also in a special extended edition on Netflix (with each episode running an average of seven minutes longer).
Transmission details for Staged Series Two will be announced in due course.
