Radio Times

Review by:

Emma Sturgess

Short and punchy, Channel 4’s Coming Up dramas feel fresh not only because they’re the work of new writers and directors, but also because they’ve got to fit a real story into 25 minutes. In the first film,writer Laura Neal and director David Stoddart do a good job of conjuring the claustrophobic streets of south London where Carl, played by Russell Tovey, is trapped. His mates are boorish, his job’s miserable, and he’s wearing an emotional hairshirt that a beautiful and unsuitable girl (Alice Sanders) is keen to burrow beneath. Like the best short stories, it has a lovely economy about it.

About this programme

New Cross, by Laura Neal. Talented writers and directors showcase their work. A story of forbidden love unfolds when 27-year-old Carl meets the girl of his dreams. Their relationship encompasses thwarted ambition, restlessness and the desire to be independent.

Cast and crew

Cast

Carl

Russell Tovey

Shannon

Georgia Brown

Andy

Alex Lanipekun

Steve

Jordan Long

Bailey

Alice Sanders

Crew

Director

David Stoddart

Writer

Laura Neal

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