Smoggie Queens

Meet the Smoggie Queens interview

Here's interviews with the five lead actors in Smoggie Queens...

Phil Dunning (Dickie)

Firstly, what is Smoggie Queens all about?

Smoggie Queens is a camp, silly, queer gang show set in the North East town of Middlesbrough. It follows a group of five friends as they navigate life, love and wigs. It's essentially an out-and-out slapstick sitcom with a big old gay heart.

What's the inspiration behind the series?

Having performed character comedy on the live circuit for years, I often did a character very similar to Dickie. So the inspiration came from that. I loved playing the character and decided to try and develop it into a TV format.

The initial pilot was a completely different setting and focussed more on Dickie as a millionaire protagonist with the rest of the gang as his staff. Once producer Chris got involved, he encouraged me to go down more of a 'write what you know' route. And so I moved the characters over to the Smoggie setting it is now with the gang as a group of friends. Which makes a lot more sense because I have personally never had staff.

Do you relate to your character in any way?

I would hope that I don't relate to him too much because he's a self-obsessed narcissist. He says things I would/could never say. But maybe I've created him as an outlet for my own self-obsessed narcissism bubbling under the surface?!

How would you describe Dickie's role in the group?

Dickie is a leader in the group. He tends to dictate a lot of what they get up to and steers them into various ridiculous situations. He thinks of himself as an independent gay who doesn't need anyone to get by, but deep down he absolutely does need the other queens. They're his family.

Why was it important to film the series in Middlesbrough?

It was never an option to film anywhere else. It had to be in Middlesbrough. Normally the only TV shows filmed in Boro are crime documentaries or programmes dedicated to finding the worst place to live in Britain. Smoggie Queens is a love letter to the town and highlights the warmth and humour of the people who live there.

What defines a Smoggie Queen?

A Smoggie Queen is somebody who is a bit of a weirdo. Someone who doesn't conform to the status quo. An outsider and ideally somebody who's from Teesside but that's not a prerequisite. We're very inclusive.

What was your highlight from filming?

There were so many, it's genuinely impossible to choose one. But I guess performing a lip sync with Michelle Visage in the green room was probably up there.

The costume and make-up throughout the series is amazing, how did you find getting into character each day?

I loved getting my drag makeup done because it meant sitting in the make-up chair for a couple of hours and having a gorgeous goss with the amazing make-up team. I also find it weirdly relaxing.

In terms of costume... if you ask me when I first put the costumes on I would tell you how much I love wearing 8 inch stilettos and how empowered I feel in them. If you ask me 12 hours later, at the end of a filming day, I'll probably be on the floor in a corner, crying.

My favourite look is Detective Sexy from Episode 4 because... well... I felt and looked dead sexy.

What do you want audiences to take away from watching the show?

Apart from the obvious joy and elation, it'd be lovely for an audience to feel like they want to hang out with the queens. Each of the gang is so different and they all have their own individual quirks and characteristics. Hopefully an audience would relate to at least one of them. Just like the Spice Girls.

The show celebrates the idea of a chosen family. What does chosen family mean to you?

Chosen family can be everything to a queer person. Growing up, we naturally feel different and like we don't fit in. To find others that accept and embrace you for who you are can be a lifeline.

Mark Benton (Mam)

Tell us about your character Mam?

Mam is that matriarchal heart and home of Smoggie Queens. Her house is the base camp where they all gather and she's very caring. You know, she has a past that we see hints of, but we don't know quite what's gone on. Everybody goes to her for advice or help, and she was great fun to play.

Do you relate to your character in any way?

I would like to think I am as caring as she is and hopefully as funny?

How would describe Mam's role in the group?

She's the mother figure, they all come to her, come to her house, you know, she sort of takes care of everyone. She welcomes Stewart in and is very caring and looks after her family.

What were your first impressions of the script?

I loved it; I read three pages and I was sold. I think, as well as the subject matter, the fact that it's in Middlesbrough where nothing ever really happens, was also really key for me.

The wonderful thing about having Phil Dunning writing it is that, he's native to Middlesbrough as well. It's very close to our heart, and I think it is for a lot of people, with the North East, people automatically think of Newcastle or maybe Sunderland but, for us, Middlesbrough is a very special place and I'm very proud of that.

What was your highlight from filming?

It was all an absolute joy. We play a chosen family but, by the end of it, we became a chosen family. Every day, we were just laughing and having fun.

Episode 3, the Titanic themed episode was a personal highlight for me. Mike Hodgson played Nan, and he is one of my oldest friends, we've known each other since we were 15 years old. So to get him on board and to have fun with the script was amazing.

The last episode, where we filmed the Pride scenes were also brilliant, that was really kind of moving, in a way, and wrapping all the story threads was just great. But, you know, every episode, we were laughing, and it was so much fun.

How does this compare to any other roles you've had?

I've never played anything like this on screen, and I think I enjoyed it slightly too much. It was great fun because when your costume is on you can kind of do things that you don't normally do because you look so different! You get away with a lot more! For me it was the nails, it changed the way I held my hands and held things, and once the nails were on, I knew I was ready!

The costume and make-up throughout the series is amazing, how did you find getting into character each day? Did you have a favourite look?

I loved the Pride look and also the green dress with the pink wig. It took two hours every day to get into drag, so it was tiring for an old codger like me, but it was so worth it. The make-up and costume team did such an amazing job.

What do you want audiences to take away from watching the show?

I want audiences to want to spend half an hour with these characters, and have a laugh. I think the show is about love, friendship and family and I hope viewers want to see them get up to their mad antics!

What do you think non-LGBTQ+ audiences will take away from the show? Can you tell us why it's really a show for all?

I think people should go in with their eyes open, because it doesn't matter what someone's sexuality is. They are amazing characters. I mean, Dickie is an interesting character... but I think they'll hopefully enjoy it and I just want people to have a laugh.

What was it like working with your fellow Smoggie Queens?

I love every one of them, they are brilliant. As were all our supporting cast - Neil Granger, Bill Fellows, Charlotte Riley, the list goes on. Everybody who came on to set just bought straight into it and went for it, and the thing is that what makes the show, it's big, it's bold, it's funny, it's not afraid.

Elijah Young (Stewart)

Tell us about your character Stewart?

Stewart is a baby gay. He's very much in the early stages of being out and his new friends introduce him to a world of what it's like to be your authentic self. He's up for trying anything and is mostly just happy to be involved!

Do you relate to your character in any way?

I think any queer person was a "Stewart" at some point in their life so naturally I relate to that. But I also relate to the fact he is often, in a loving way of course, the butt of the joke, bless him. This is also the case for me in my own friendship group and with my older siblings, and over time it's a role I've grown to love.

How would you describe Stewart's role in the group?

With Stewart being the baby of the group, they all do their bit in helping him navigate their queer world. He's everyone's cheerleader and despite his lack of experience, he occasionally comes out with some little nuggets of wisdom.

What were your first impressions of the script?

Laugh out loud and unapologetically Boro. I couldn't quite believe I was reading a script that was both about my small hometown and also very very gay.

What do you want audiences to take away from watching the show?

I would die if people wanted to visit Boro from watching the show. Not enough people have experienced the parmo [a breaded cutlet of chicken or pork topped with a white béchamel sauce and cheese] and I think it could change lives.

I think people from the North East in particular will really rally behind it because it's an area that's rarely given the spotlight for positive reasons, this is such a big win for the smoggies!

The show celebrates the idea of a chosen family. What does chosen family mean to you?

Chosen family to me are the people in your life who love you without judgement and who succeed where your biological family sometimes fail. It's a beautiful type of family because they choose to love you.

What do you think non-LGBTQ+ audiences will take away from the show? Can you tell us why it's really a show for all?

I think they'll take away that it's bloody funny, first and foremost, and I think they'll be surprised by how much they'll enjoy it. Phil's writing doesn't alienate people, it actually invites them in to have a laugh even when they're not sure they're allowed to.

What was it like working with your fellow Smoggie Queens?

We all gelled together so well and I know for a fact we definitely annoyed the sound guys from all the show tunes we were constantly singing. We didn't stop laughing really, even to the point where we sometimes got in trouble. But I think that can only be a good thing for not only a comedy but one where friendship plays such an important part in the story.

Alexandra Mardell (Lucinda)

Tell us about your character Lucinda?

Lucinda is a lavish, lavender, loyal, lady! She might look like a doll but she's smarter than people think. Sometimes! She is unashamedly extra, wears her heart on her sleeve, but she's definitely not a push over! I'd say she's more of a lover than a fighter but she's still feisty.

Do you relate to your character in any way?

100% I think we both have faces with subtitles! And I love what a loyal friend she is, I hope that my friends would say I share that with her too. But I wish I could pinch some of her free spirit energy, and her hair extensions!

How would describe Lucinda's role in the group?

Lucinda to the Smoggie Queens is Posh Spice to the Spice Girls. She brings the girl power, the LBDs, and a strong pout. She might not be the strongest on karaoke, but she gives it a go and it wouldn't be the same without her.

What were your first impressions of the script?

It made me laugh out loud. And when me and my husband read through the audition script, he laughed too! It was 100% my kind of humour, and the possibility of being a part of it made it even more exciting.

The costume and make-up throughout the series is amazing, how did you find getting into character each day?

I loved being in the make-up chair every morning! Every time we had a new story day, we'd be so excited to see each other's looks. The costume and make-up are insane, but the wigs and weaves especially are an entity of their own. I even named my pieces! For me, it was definitely the hair pieces that made me 'Lucinda'. And her jazzy earrings!

My favourite look would have to be the Pride look. My weave was named Celina. And I had rainbow sequin wings. That's hard to beat!

What do you want audiences to take away from watching the show?

That it's ok to be silly sometimes! I just want people to enjoy the silliness. Each episode is full of love and we do touch on some serious topics, but comedy is at the forefront. We all need a good laugh. And if not that, then it's the perfect way to introduce the rest of the UK to Boro's delicacy, my new fave, the parmo!

What do you think non-LGBTQ+ audiences will take away from the show? Can you tell us why it's really a show for all?

As well as a lot of laughs there's a lot that can be learned. I think throughout the series it really showcases the diversity in the queer community, and it's a great way to open conversations. It's 100% a show for all. The characters are silly, weird, crazy but they're so relatable. There'll be situations everyone will recognise.

What was it like working with your fellow Smoggie Queens?

Just the best. The chemistry was just there. We really did feel like a little family and still do! We chat all the time! We have a WhatsApp group so that means we're tied for life. But I have the biggest love and respect for everyone, cast and crew. We are all Smoggie Queens now.

Patsy Lowe (Sal)

Tell us about your character Sal?

Sal is a woman of few words. She may not say much but she's sensitive and intelligent. She's a singer/songwriter but really lacks confidence.

Do you relate to your character in any way?

For sure - she wants to be a singer and write music like me but is always being told she doesn't look right or fit societies idea of what's beautiful. I've definitely had my fair share of that.

How would describe Sal's role in the group?

Sal is an observer, who takes everything in. She's fiercely loyal of her chosen family and would do anything for them (this includes headbutting parking attendants).

What were your first impressions of the script?

I fell in love with Sal immediately and how wonderfully daft the characters are. It also has so much heart (I may have shed a few tears).

What was your highlight from filming?

It's so hard to say, as being on set was an absolute roar. But we do love a green room musical sing along. There may or may not be video evidence...

The costume and make-up throughout the series is amazing, how did you find getting into character each day?

When I whack on those cargo shorts and Dr Martens, Sal has arrived, but my favourite look was the Sea Captain. As soon as I put on the facial hair and captain's hat, I felt drunk with nautical power.

The show celebrates the idea of a chosen family. What does chosen family mean to you?

It's a show for all because we can all relate to knocking around with our mates, being daft, and navigating all the ups and downs of life together.