Smoggie Queens is a British television sitcom set in Middlesbrough focusing on the chosen family and lives of a group LGBTQ friends. It premiered at Middlesbrough Town Hall and was first broadcast on BBC Three on the 28 November 2024 and BBC iPlayer.[1][2] Smoggie in the title is a demonym for people from Middlesbrough.[3]
There are a number of cameos including Michelle Visage and Steph McGovern.[4] The series is produced by Hat Trick Productions, and has funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen. The worldwide distribution is by Hat Trick International.[4]
| Phil Dunning | Dickie |
| Mark Benton | Mam |
| Alexandra Mardell | Lucinda |
| Elijah Young | Stewart |
| Patsy Lowe | Sal |
| Neil Grainger | Neil |
| Charlotte Riley | Danni |
| Peter McPherson | Harrison |
| Michael Mather | Bobby |
| Lauryn Redding | Mel |
| Phil Dunning | Writer |
| Andrew Chaplin | Director |
| Chris Jones | Producer |
| Jimmy Mulville | Executive Producer |
| Jessica Sharkey | Executive Producer |
| Gregor Sharp | Executive Producer |
| Charlotte Wolff | Line Producer |
| Charlie Fawcett | Editor |
| Andy Kinnear | Editor |
| Alex Nikolaidou | Production Designer |
| Sam Claypole | Casting Director |
| Ryan Hooper | Costume Designer |
| Matt Wicks | Director of Photography |
| Jessica Richardson | Make-up Designer |
| Kim Sellwood | Graphics |
| La' Toyah McDonald | 1st Assistant Director |
Reviews
Rachel Aroesti of The Guardian gave the series as 3 out of 5 stars "This series about a tight-knit queer community joyfully celebrates British camp culture – from deadpan humour to loving Lorraine Kelly. What a shame it’s not more funny"[1]
Yvonne Wancke of North East Bylines 'I watched BBC's Smoggie Queens over the Christmas break and what a delight! It's funny, charming, delightful, and moving – all at once. The writing is awesome and the cast are truly splendid. A must watch in my opinion."
Nick Levine of The i Paper gave 4 out of 5 stars "Smoggie Queens is a reminder that queer people form chosen families all over the country, not just in big cities like London and Manchester that are traditionally seen as more accepting. It might be packed with daft laughs, but it's also thoroughly comforting – no mean feat for a show that drops the word “gooch” in its opening scene."[7]
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Royal Television Society RTS North East and the Border Awards | Comedy Award | Smoggie Queens | Won | [8] |
| 2025 | Royal Television Society RTS North East and the Border Awards | Best Newcomer | Phil Dunning | Won | [8] |
| 2025 | Comedy.co.uk Awards | Best New Sitcom | Smoggie Queens | Result pending | [9] |
References
- ^ a b Aroesti, Rachel (2024-11-28). "Smoggie Queens review – an adorably sweet drag sitcom". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ Brown, Louise (2024-11-28). "Excitement at Smoggie Queens premiere". northeastbylines.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ "(PDF) 'Not quite a Geordie': the folk-ethnonyms of north-east England [Nomina 37 ISSN 0141 6340]". ResearchGate. Archived from the original on 2021-10-05. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ a b "Michelle Visage and Charlotte Riley among supporting cast for upcoming BBC Comedy, Smoggie Queens". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ Guide, British Comedy. "Smoggie Queens cast and crew credits". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ Guyoncourt, Sally (2024-11-28). "Smoggie Queens cast in full - and where you've seen them before". The i Paper. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ Levine, Nick (2024-11-28). "Smoggie Queens is a surreal love letter to Middlesbrough". The i Paper. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ a b "North East-based TV show wins at RTS North East and the Border Awards". The Northern Echo. 2025-02-16. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
- ^ Bennett, Steve. "Comedy.co.uk 2024 awards finalists announced : News 2025 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide". www.chortle.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-02-23.