British Comedy Guide
The Mimic. Martin Hurdle (Terry Mynott). Copyright: Running Bare Pictures
The Mimic

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.

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Series 1, Episode 5

Martin's first TV appearance is approaching, and to say he's somewhat nervous would be an understatement. Crushed by the stress of the situation, he loses his voice - and Jean's insistence on his need for a makeover doesn't really help matters.

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

Cast
Terry Mynott Martin Hurdle
Jo Hartley Jean
Neil Maskell Neil
Jacob Anderson Steven
Sharon Duncan-Brewster Dionne
Ami Metcalf Chelsea
Guest cast
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
Writing team
Matt Morgan Writer
Production team
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

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