Experienced cast announced for The Function Room pilot
An experienced cast has been announced for The Function Room, a forthcoming Comedy Showcase pilot written by gag writer Dan Maier, whose credits include Harry Hill's TV Burp.
Set in a pub function room, the show follows the varied groups who book into the room each week. It is due to be recorded at BBC Television Centre this Sunday, and will be broadcast on Channel 4 in October.
Amongst the names announced are League Of Gentlemen star Reece Shearsmith (pictured), and The Vicar Of Dibley's James Fleet, who will play semi-retired actor Arthur, a man who longs for the good old days.
Meanwhile, The Inbetweeners' Neil, aka Blake Harrison, is young married man Steve Lawson, and Simon Day of The Fast Show has been cast as pub regular and liar extraordinaire Rhodesy. Experienced comic actor Kevin Eldon is also on the bill as Inspector Marks, eager to present an "everyman", human side to the police force - unfortunately, he's rather odd.
Also appearing will be Paul Ritter (Dad in Friday Night Dinner); Jessica Knappett (Lisa from The Inbetweeners Movie); Beverly Rudd (Trollied); Colin Hoult (soon to be seen in This Is Jinsy); Stephen Lord (EastEnders); Marek Larwood (We Are Klang); Phil Nice (Harry Hill's Fruit Corner); Josephine Butler (No Heroics); and BAFTA winner Daniel Rigby (Eric & Ernie).
The pilot episode of The Function Room will observe the pub as it is used for a 'Meet The Police' event, with residents quizzing local police officers about crime in the area, particularly the infamous 'Shit Egg Killer' - and whether they'll actually be able to call him that in the papers.