Pick Ups - Series one
Six episodes. First broadcast from 20080110 to 20080214.
Sitcom set around a Manchester taxi company.
Pick Ups is a sharp series set in the run down taxi office of Irwell Cars on the outskirts of Manchester.
Unrequited love; lost opportunities, just earning an honest (well mostly honest) bob and trying to get through this hard shoulder of a thing called life - these are the central themes of Pick Ups.
Fast paced and funny, each episode reveals a self-contained tale or two from the backseat tippers and dippers of the after hours city, as well as unravelling a little more of the life stories of the bantering drivers and their long-suffering receptionist, Lind.
Jump in the back, buckle up and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey with Pick Ups.
Cast and characters:
Lind: operates the radio and mans the phones on the nightshift. She is a strong minded, independent woman who's as sharp as a tack and won't take any rubbish. A great friend but a terrifying enemy - the type of person you'd like to get to know a bit more but not too much more. Played by Sally Lindsay. Find out more at IMDb.com
Mike (Topaz): Mike is in his mid-thirties, wanted to make something of himself but he's still not worked out what that is. Saddled with debts, he's always trying to offload some dodgy gear or coming up with some get rich quick scheme. Smokes anything, drinks anything, eats anything... and is secretly in love with Lind. Played by John Thomson. Find out more at IMDb.com
Dave (Amber): Dave is the new, young driver to be welcomed to the fold. Not the sharpest member of Irwell Cars but is a good, genuine, honest man with a heart of gold. He is the taxi driver you tip heavily and want to book for the return journey. Played by Phil Rowson. Find out more at IMDb.com
Alan (Rebel): Alan's taxi is his pride and joy, if he's not in it he's cleaning it. He is a big, warm-hearted Asian man in his late twenties obsessed with all things American. Alan listens to Country and Western and his car is decorated with stars and stripes, and Rebel flags. Played by Ash Tandon. Find out more at IMDb.com
The series also features guest appearances from Mark E Smith and Kathy Staff.
Ian Kershaw - the writer: Ian Kershaw is an up and coming writer from the North. A former actor, he recently joined the prestigious BBC Writing Academy, is one of the Royal Court 50 writers, and has recently won the Royal Exchange/Bruntwood North West writing award. He's recently written for Holby City, Casualty, and EastEnders.
01 Start! 20080110 Dave's very first job takes him to Blackpool with passenger Ivy, who settles her fare in an unusual currency.
02 20080117 Lind and Mike hold a darts competition in the office. Rebel gives important marital advice to clubber Lara.
03 20080124 Mike and Linda meet dates Andrew and Teri at a unique restaurant, with mixed results. Rookie Dave is left in charge at base and receives an unwelcome visitor.
04 20080131 Andrew delivers a Brief Encounter themed date for Lind at the office. Dave's former school bully rears his ugly head and gets more than he bargained for.
05 20080207 A DIY window wiper mishap leaves Dave in a sticky situation. Pat the Butcher sends Mike on his first job, a wait-and-return at the airport, with the menacing Jess. Lind and Alan are on a mission to find Andrew the cheat.
06 LAST 20080214 Mike thinks his number may be well and truly up when he is forced to drive Pat to the cemetery in a final bid for freedom. Dave's warm generosity unwittingly saves the day, with the help of Dame Julie Andrews.
Mike....John Thomson
Lind....Sally Lindsay
Rebel....Ash Tandon
Dave....Phil Rowson
Pat....Andrew Grose
Olive....Lisa George.
Pick Ups 080110 s01e01 - (BBCR4)
Pick Ups 080117 s01e02 - (BBCR4)
Pick Ups 080124 s01e03 - (BBCR4)
Pick Ups 080131 s01e04 - (BBCR4)
Replies
Thanks, Robert. This sounds like a lot of fun!
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for a new to me comedy. I really appreciate the offering you posted.
Bob
Thank you! This is an excellent series and your encodes will replace a really scabby sounding set that i have in my library.
Your welcome, thanks for the review. It is on my list to listen to. Will be new for me.
Think "Taxi" with a VERY British (Mancunian) accent and flavor. .