The Mimic
- TV sitcom
- Channel 4
- 2013 - 2014
- 11 episodes (2 series)
Sitcom about a seemingly unremarkable man who in fact conceals an exceptional talent for mimicry. Stars Terry Mynott, Jo Hartley, Neil Maskell, Jacob Anderson, Rebecca Gethings and more.
Episode menu
Series 1, Episode 5
Further details
The day of Martin's first TV appearance is drawing closer and Martin is practising some of his celebrity voices in front of Jean. Unimpressed, she shuns Martin's Brian Cox impression, telling him that the audience are likely to want someone "less boring". Then, in a moment of genius, Jean decides that Martin needs a makeover Martin for his big TV appearance.
Ignoring Martin's apprehensions, Steven delivers a nervy Martin and an excited Jean to the salon. A few hours later Martin emerges looking absolutely ridiculous. Complete with orange tan, gleaming white teeth and jet black hair. It's a new look for Martin and not one he's wholly comfortable with.
After seven years in the job, Martin has his last day at work. It's fairly uneventful but there is a positive feeling in the air. However, the day before his big TV appearance, Martin finds he has lost his voice. Communicating via the written word, Martin sparks suspicion in Steven and Jean that it's a psychologically induced and as a result they send him off with Neil to see the 'doctor' who treats Neil's father.
On arrival at the care home, the pair meet with Denham, Neil's dad - a man clearly suffering with at least a touch of Alzheimer's. While Neil spends time with his dad (who needs to be reminded that he even has a son), Martin has his appointment with Dr. Sandu, a man with a seemingly miracle cure. With his voice starting to return, Martin takes a walk in the grounds and unleashes his internal monologue with a whirlwind of voices and quotes purging his fears and emotions ahead of his big TV appearance.
It's the day of the show, and while Martin is clearly nervous he gets a sample of the high life as he's delivered to the studios in a chauffeur driven car. Whisked into make-up, the producer is immediately unimpressed with Martin's selection of voices. Worse still he finds out that he's competing against a dog to be the 'internet sensation of the week'. Ahead of the show Martin's friends visit his dressing room to wish him luck, which only makes him more nervous. Before he knows it, his friends are gone and Martin is left alone to prepare for an appearance that he's still not sure about.
Now waiting in the wings, his nerves at an all-time high he's highly agitated and genuinely unsure about going out. As his introduction builds will the tension be too much? Will Martin head for the exit sign or will he go on with his big break?
Notes
Dan Tetsell was credited in this episode but did not appear.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Wednesday 10th April 2013
- Time
- 10pm
- Channel
- Channel 4
- Length
- 30 minutes
Cast & crew
Terry Mynott | Martin Hurdle |
Jo Hartley | Jean |
Neil Maskell | Neil |
Jacob Anderson | Steven |
Sharon Duncan-Brewster | Dionne |
Ami Metcalf | Chelsea |
Dan Tetsell | Mr Stubbs (HR Manager) |
Ruth Sheen | Martin's Mum |
Peter Wight | Martin's Dad |
Ralph Brown | Denholm (Neil's Dad) |
Alton Letto | Dr. Sandhu |
Sally Ann Matthews | Larry's Owner |
Jessica Pidsley | Nurse |
Ben Farrow | Restaurant Customer |
Gay Lambert | Patient |
Matthew Pattimore | Runner |
Stuart Holdham | Actor |
Matt Morgan | Writer |
Kieron Hawkes | Director |
Jack Bayles | Producer |
Kieron Hawkes | Editor |
Hayden Matthews | Production Designer |
David Mackinnon | Composer |
Matt Power | Composer |
Seb Cardinal (as Sebastian Cardinal) | Production Assistant |