Smoggie Queens is a BBC Three and BBCiPlayer comedy that follows a group of like-minded friends in the small northeastern town of Middlesbrough where the locals are known as 'smoggies'. This six-part comedy created by Phil Dunning, shows their pride in the town, which feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK, and their own underdog stories as they explore their identities in their own tiny pocket of the LGBTQ+ community.
"I'm absolutely buzzing that the BBC are taking Smoggie Queens to series and I'm so grateful to them for allowing me to write such stupid and weird characters," says Phil. "It’s been a beautiful dream working with Hat Trick, and the incredible cast already feel like my new chosen family. I can’t wait to introduce the sights, sounds and smells of Middlesbrough to the world."
Here’s everything you need to know about Smoggie Queens…
Smoggie Queens release date
Smoggie Queens is a six-part series starting with a double bill on BBC3 from Thursday November 28 2024 at 10.10pm and 10.40pm. The comedy series will also be available as a box set on BBCIplayer.
Smoggie Queens plot
Smoggie Queens follows a quirky bunch of LGBTQ+ friends who are also drag queens as they embrace their identities within their community. It focuses on the volatile Dickie (played by Phil Dunning), drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled 'hun' Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and young and naive Stewart (Elijah Young). We’re told you can "expect a few passionate scraps that may send your wig flying".
Smoggie Queens cast — Phil Dunning as Dickie
As well as creating the series, Phil Dunning stars as Dickie. He played Andrew in the BBC drama series Boat Story and has also had roles in Am I Being Unreasonable?, Ellie and Natasia, The Other One, Lazy Susan and The Emily Atack Show.
Smoggie Queens cast — Mark Benton as Mam
Mark stars as detective Frank Hathaway in the drama Shakespeare and Hathaway but has a career spanning more than 30 years. He's also starred in Waterloo Road, Early Doors, Murphy's Law and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).
Smoggie Queens cast — Alexandra Mardell as Lucinda
Alexandra is best known for playing ditzy Emma Brooker in Coronation Street from 2018 to 2022. She previously had a role in Vera and since leaving Weatherfield she has provided the voice of Fireman Sam's Ellie Phillips and starred in the comedy The Family Pile.
Smoggie Queens cast — Patsy Lowe as Sal
Patsy appeared in Vera and Inspector George Gently before landing the role of Sal in Smoggie Queens.
Smoggie Queens cast — Elijah Young as Stewart
Elijah appears in his first TV role as Stewart in Smoggie Queens.
Who else is starring?
There are guest turns from other Middlesbrough-born stars Bill Fellows, who played Stu in Coronation Street and TV presenter Steph McGovern, as well as American TV star Michelle Visage, best known for appearing in various iterations of Ru Paul’s Drag Race around the world.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, there is! Here's a taster of what's to come from the Smoggie Queens!
Behind the scenes and more
Smoggie Queens is written by Phil Dunning and is a Hat Trick production (Derry Girls, Outnumbered, Have I Got News For You and Episodes) for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen with worldwide distribution by Hat Trick International. The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The producer is Chris Jones (Kate & Koji, Whistle Through The Shamrocks) and the director is Andrew Chaplin (Alma’s Not Normal, The Full Monty). The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.
Chris Jones, Producer at Hat Trick Productions says: “Phil Dunning has a brilliantly funny, energetic and well-observed style to his writing. It’s been extremely special to develop this fiercely proud chosen family sitcom with him along with exceptional support from BBC Comedy. We’re so excited to bring these characters to life through our very talented cast and crew.”
Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy says: “Smoggie Queens is a show bursting with jokes and heart. Phil Dunning has concocted a brilliant ensemble piece that we know will refuse to go unnoticed!.”
Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions, says: “Smoggie Queens is a joy. Phil has created and stars in a show which is introducing us to our new best friends. They‘re the kind of people who look adversity in the eye and laugh! It’s just the tonic we need right now.”
Smoggie Queens – Interview with Mark Benton, who plays Mam
We caught up with Mark Benton to talk about Mam, Middlesbrough and more!
What did you think when you were approached for the role of Mam?
"When I first read the scripts, I laughed out loud. I just loved it straightaway. When I was asked if I was interested, I immediately said yes. I didn’t have to be talked into it."
How would you describe Smoggie Queens?
"It’s a show with heart. It focuses on the LGBTQ+ community but I think it’s about everyone. It’s about a chosen family and it’s about friendship and love. It’s irreverent, funny and doesn’t try to be preachy in any way. Some of the things we get up to are hilarious and daft. It’s just happy and fun with real moments of pathos. I think it’s a wonderful, uplifting comedy. Very touching sometimes. Very wicked at times. It’s got a bit of everything."
What can you tell us about Mam and her relationship with the others?
"Mam’s sort of the centre of the group because her house is where they all meet. She’s got a heart of gold and looks after everyone. They love each other and look out for each other so they sort of go on a journey with each other’s problems."
You look absolutely fantastic as Mam and have some fabulous outfits. Was this the first time you have worn drag? Did you enjoy it?
"I did it as Edna Turnblad in a tour of [the musical] Hairspray for a year [in 2013]. That was the only time I’d been in full drag before. I liked it a bit too much to be honest! It was brilliant. When you put the costume on, the character just comes to you."
Was there anything you didn’t like about wearing drag?
"Physically, it was quite difficult because I was wearing this massive costume with make-up and wigs. The shoes were a nightmare! I don’t know how anyone does it. When I was dancing in them, I was in agony! I would wear my slippers whenever I could."
Michelle Visage has a guest role in two episodes of the series. What was she like to work with?
"She plays a woman in an office and she looks really dowdy! She was brilliant, game for anything and great fun to be with."
We’ve seen you in lots of different shows over the years, from comedy Early Doors to drama Waterloo Road, and most recently as ex-cop Frank Hathaway in Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. Do you enjoy the variety of taking on different roles?
"I’ve always tried to do different stuff. This year I have worked on serious police drama Patience for C4. Then I did Smoggie Queens. I count my blessings that I’ve been able to do different characters on TV. I’m working on the fifth series of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators [due to air on Alibi and then BBC1] at the moment. It’s fun and funny and working with Jo Joyner [who plays hairdresser-turned-sleuth Luella Shakespeare] is always a dream. It’s just been a great year with lovely people!"
