Press clippings Page 8
If all footage of Tommy Cooper's performances was destroyed and future generations were left with just this drama to try to work out the reason for his popularity, they would be completely stumped.
A heavy drinker, tight-fisted, physically abusive and (on the evidence here at least) not even especially funny, Cooper is an unlikely candidate for national treasure status.
Shameless star David Threlfall delivers an extraordinary performance as the comedian, recreating his act and his patter to an uncanny extent.
But Simon Nye's script, based on John Fisher's 2006 biography, zeroes in on the scandal in his personal life, and his 17-year affair with assistant Mary Kay (Helen McCrory).
Kay first joined Cooper on tour in the 1960s when his wife Gwen, nicknamed Dove (Amanda Redman), opted to stay at home with their children.
Cooper never told Dove he'd hired a replacement, and it would take a much more naïve person than me to think a middle-aged male comedian could travel the country with just his attractive female assistant for company and NOT end up having an affair with them.
By the time of Cooper's death on stage on 1984, you've gone right off him. Threlfall, on the other hand, is absolutely tremendous.
Jane Simon, The Mirror, 21st April 2014Six famous faces celebrate Tommy Cooper
Why are we still laughing at Tommy Cooper 30 years after he died on stage? Barry Cryer, Paul Daniels, Johnny Vegas, Tim Vine, Brian Conley and Jason Manford explain.
Radio Times, 21st April 2014'My dad Tommy Cooper was not an alcoholic wife-beater'
In her first interview since 2000, Tommy Cooper's only surviving child Vicky blasts the two-hour show - Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This - as "all lies".
Emma Pryer, The Mirror, 20th April 2014Tommy Cooper fans' fury at YouTube death footage
Tommy Cooper fans have slammed YouTube for failing to stop disturbing footage of the comedian's death being shown on its site.
The Mirror, 20th April 2014David Threlfall on Tommy Cooper
He can never remember jokes and he can't do magic - so how did Shameless star David Threlfall fill the shoes of Tommy Cooper for ITV's new biopic, Not Like That, Like This?
Benji Wilson, The Telegraph, 19th April 2014TV loves a tragic stand-up... but who's next?
We've had Kenneth Williams, Kenny Everett, Frankie Howerd and Steptoe & Son - now Tommy Cooper is getting the tears-of-a-clown dramatic treatment.
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 19th April 2014Son of Tommy Cooper's mistress talks about comedian's dark side
Shameless actor David Threlfall plays Tommy Cooper in a one-off drama series which pulls no punches but - according to Tony Kay, the son of Cooper's mistress - neither did he.
Rod McPhee, The Mirror, 19th April 2014The film that could shatter Tommy Cooper's good name
Harrowing scenes of domestic abuse are part of an eye-opening new drama at the centre of ITV's Easter Weekend schedules.
Guy Adams, Daily Mail, 19th April 2014Tommy Cooper drama preview
Your opinion of Tommy Cooper may not change but you will have a greater understanding of what life may have been like for him.
Elliot Gonzalez, I Talk Telly, 18th April 2014Tommy Cooper drama portrays a wife-beating alcoholic
Fans say Tommy Cooper - famed for his red fez and "just like that" catchphrase - should be remembered for his talent rather than rumours about his private life.
Mark Jefferies, The Mirror, 16th April 2014