Created and written by Ruth Jones and David Peet and made by Tidy Productions, Gaynor & Ray (1 x 35’) features the exciting reunion of two BBC favourites and real-life friends, Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon in the title roles and is the latest Comedy Playhouse to be commissioned for broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Meet Gaynor and Ray Davies from Cardiff – two fifty-something newlyweds, both married for a second time. Gaynor’s first marriage ended when she discovered her husband was unfaithful (multiple times); Ray’s first marriage ended because he was ‘impossible to live with’ (or so his ex-wife never tires of telling him). But now they’re both trying again.
In this 35 minute special we join Ray and Gaynor on their honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands where they meet a variety of characters and situations. And having only met six months ago, there are many things – not all of them endearing – that this couple keeps discovering about each other, often begging the question have they done the right thing?
Writer-creators David Peet and Ruth Jones say: “We’re delighted to watch Gaynor & Ray come to life on screen. Through them we get to see the male and female take on life and relationships as well as the nonsense in the day-to-day.”
Gregor Sharp, Commissioning Editor for the BBC says: “Ruth and David’s portrait of the ups and downs of a new relationship is full of warmth, wit and wisdom and is brilliantly performed by the laugh out loud combination of Ruth and Rob, a match made in comedy heaven. We can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Recent Comedy Playhouses for BBC One have led to series commissions for the likes of King Gary and Mister Winner. There have been a number of successes for other comedy strands too such as BBC Two’s New On Two including The Other One, Motherland and Famalam. Comedy Slices on BBC Three continue to be a vital place to develop the next generation of on and off-screen comedy talent, with many going on to achieve great things including Jerk, Ladhood, Josh, People Just Do Nothing, Ellie & Natasia, In My Skin and Enterprice.
Gaynor & Ray was filmed on location in the North West Scottish Highlands and South Wales, with further casting and broadcast details set to be announced in due course.
