R4
Ex-Doctor Who Peter Davison (above left) and that fine character actor James Grout (right) haven't worked together in a series since they both starred in the veterinary capers of BBCtv's All Creatures Great and Small. This week radio reunites them, but in a very different environment — as teachers in a tough junior school in the new light drama series King Street Junior (Monday 12.27, repeated Tuesday 6.30).
Written by Jim Eldridge, himself a teacher, King Street Junior aims to take a realistic look at the everyday life of an inner-city school in a so-called social priority area. Peter plays the staff room's idealistic recruit Eric Brown, starting his first teaching job at King Street, while James is the practical, battle-scarred headmaster, Mr Beeston.
Interestingly, both actors have drawn on family connections with the teaching profession while preparing for their roles. Peter's sister and brother-in-law are teachers and Peter himself was once set on a teaching career, too — 'but I failed my 0- and A-levels and decided on acting instead'.
And James's brother Richard was for many years head of St Michael's in Highgate, London.
Both feel very much at home with their characters. 'I've got a lot of time for him,' says Peter of young Eric. 'He's a bit naive but his heart's in the right place.' James admits that his interpretation of Mr Beeston is based 'quite a lot' on his brother — 'though he might not recognise himself! Beeston loves the job but he is a bit of a cynic.'
Peter describes the seven-1 part series as 'amusing but not frivolous. There's light comedy but serious issues are explored' too.' Says James: 'It is definitely more Grange Hill than Whack-O! It's not a sit-com though a lot of comic things! happen in it.'
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