BBC Two commissions Frankie Boyle's Tour of Scotland
Frankie Boyle hasn’t done a proper tour of Scotland in over a decade, so by way of preparation for a run of big theatre shows, he’s going back on the road to gig at some colourful smaller venues around the country, culminating at a homecoming gig in Glasgow.
But this is more than just a tour, Frankie’s keen to get under the skin of his home country for a new series made by Two Rivers Media, our first commission for BBC Two. In the four-part Frankie Boyle’s Tour of Scotland, Frankie is intrigued to explore and document what he sees along the way, so across the four journeys he'll be making unlikely diversions between gigs, meeting the people he thinks could help him understand where Scotland's really at in 2019.
Mick McAvoy, Head of Factual, Two Rivers Media, said: "Frankie Boyle is one of the most brilliant and iconic comedians of his generation and we are delighted to be bringing him to BBC Two in this combination of personal travelogue and comedic observation. Our team have produced programmes in every corner of Scotland and on subjects as diverse as Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert the Bruce and child poverty in Ayrshire. So it's fantastic to be opening our contacts book for this stand-up tour with a difference, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland”.
Throughout this authored series of documentaries, from the cities of the south to the wilds of the north, Frankie will refract the story of Scotland through his own unique prism, taking a fresh and surprising look at the history alongside contemporary ideas of Scottish identity. At the end of each episode, he’ll roll into his destination town and take his fresh material onto a brand new stage.
Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two, said: “Frankie is an exceptional talent and I am delighted that he’s building on the fantastic impact of New World Order to bring this new series for BBC Two”.
Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, said: “Frankie never fails to bring his own unique and uncompromising analysis to the world and it’s a hugely exciting prospect to see him turn his gaze on home turf. At a fascinating time for questions about Scotland’s identity and future, this series will explore the nations past and present via one of its sharpest minds”.
Frankie Boyle’s Tour of Scotland (w/t) a 4 x 30’ for BBC Two, is made by Two Rivers Media in partnership with Cheeky Grin, and distributed by TCB Media Rights. It was commissioned by Patrick Holland, Commissioner, BBC Two and Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries. The Commissioning Editor is Hamish Fergusson. The Executive Producers for Two Rivers Media are Mick McAvoy and Nicky Waltham.