Funny Woman returns to Sky
FIRST LOOK: Gemma Arterton returns as Sophie Straw in the second season of Funny Woman, Sky’s adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel Funny Girl.
Set in the swinging 1960s, Straw is now the nation’s favourite comic actress, and the four-part run sees her juggle her career, as well as her fledgling romance with Arsher Ali’s dashing Dennis Mahindra.
But trouble is just round the corner: Dennis’s divorce will take three years; Sophie’s new sitcom flops and she uncovers a devastating family secret. Sophie escapes the turmoil by taking a leading role in a film opposite a glamorous French movie heartthrob. The film is a hit and Sophie’s slick new US agent offers her a fresh start in Hollywood…
But Sophie returns to London, determined to get the gang back together and to create a new show that reflects her real life and challenges outdated cultural conventions.
The series explores the themes of love, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, representation in comedy, all against the backdrop and cultural explosion of the swinging 1960s.
New cast members include Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan, Roisin Conaty, Rory Keenan, Lydia Wilson, Lydia Leonard, Jack Docherty and Josie Lawrence.
Returning cast include David Threlfall as George Parker, Rosie Cavaliero as Aunt Marie Parker, Alexa Davies as Marjorie Harrison, Matthew Beard as Bill Gardiner, Leo Bill as Tony, Clare-Hope Ashitey as Diane, Alistair Petrie as Ted Sargeant, Olivia Williams as Gloria, Emily Bevan as Edith Mahindra and Doon Mackichan as Miss Sykes.
Funny Woman is produced by Potboiler Productions and Rebel Park Productions, in association with Sky Studios. It is executive produced by Nick Hornby, Morwenna Banks, Gemma Arterton, Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan, Jessica Parker and Jessica Malik. Ross Williams is series producer.
The series is written by Banks (Slow Horses), Kevin Cecil (Veep) and Andy Riley (Veep). Oliver Parker (The Great Escaper) directs.
Season two debuts on Sky Max and NOW on September 6. NBCUniversal Global Distribution handles international sales.
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