The Rebel

Simon Callow opened tonight in a new 3-part exclusive TV drama for Gold about a cantankerous 70-year old 1960s mod who decides to exercise his right to rebel after the death of his wife.

The series is actually based on a cartoon strip by newspaper regular Andrew Birch done for The Oldie magazine. Think 'foul-mouthed Victor Meldrew on anphetamines' if you can, and you'll get the gist. This is all about telling modern PC society (and society PCs) to "f**k off".

So far the first episode has only touched on his mod (and bi-sexual) past, but next week at 10pm, character Henry Palmer will be wheeling out a chromed Lambretta in order to start a beach-fight on Brighton seafront.

If all that sounds like a hideous cliche then don't be alarmed. Callow's performance, pleasing cinematography and a well-written script redeem what could have been a 'comedy mod' cringe-fest into a watchable mod comedy.

The Rebel preview

We've seen a preview and think GOLD have a hit on their hands. It's the kind of sitcom that's sadly been missing from the schedules for too long.

Cartoonist Andrew Birch's regular strip in The Oldie, The Rebel, has been adapted for TV in three 30-minute episodes. Simon Callow stars as Brighton pensioner Henry Palmer, a permanently enraged anti-hero kicking back against authority and stupidity. Think Victor Meldrew on steroids. A rebellious mod in the 60s, he's been a pillar of society since then, but after losing his wife the wild teenager inside bursts forth again. Whereas One Foot in The Grave was gentle, The Rebel is edgy, sharp and extremely funny.

The Rebel preview

The Rebel is a welcome addition to Gold's ever-growing original comedy slate and Simon Callow is a wonderful actor and perfect for the role.

Roger Daltrey re-records 'My Generation' for The Rebel

The Who's Roger Daltrey has sung a new version of their classic '60's anthem My Generation for Gold's latest comedy, The Rebel starring Simon Callow.

How a cartoon came to life

Andrew Birch explains how his strip about an elderly hooligan in 'The Oldie' has been turned into a TV sitcom.

Simon Callow interview

"I think this show speaks for the older generation who hate feeling that they're being sidestepped."

Simon Callow is brilliantly cast as Henry Palmer, a 70-year-old Brighton resident with a burning fire for rebellion beating beneath his distinguished and respectable exterior. A Brighton beach battling Mod from the 60s, Palmer is ready to rumble with the rules, regulations and political correctness of everyday living in 2016.

This original UKTV comedy is based on Andrew Birch's long-running cartoon strip from the Oldie Magazine and it's a sharply written distinctly British sitcom that will appeal to viewers old and young, who want to kick back against the pains and irritations of modern life.