Watch Staged

Staged is a delightfully meta comedy series from the creators of the BBC’s hit mockumentary, The Trip. Starring former Doctor Who actor David Tennant and the dashing Michael Sheen, the series is set during the first lockdown of 2020 and follows the two friends as they navigate their careers, relationships and being stuck at home.

The premise of Staged is that the two actors have been cast in a play, but due to the pandemic, it has been put on hold. However, their director, Simon Evans, decides to keep them rehearsing via video calls in hopes of keeping their spirits up and retaining the funding for the play. What follows is a series of hilarious and occasionally absurd exchanges between the two actors as they try to navigate their virtual rehearsals and the ups and downs of life in lockdown.

The chemistry between Tennant and Sheen is electric, as they play exaggerated versions of themselves. Tennant, for example, is portrayed as anxious and high strung, while Sheen is relaxed and carefree. Simon Evans, who plays the put-upon director of the play, serves as the voice of reason and occasional comic relief.

Throughout the series, we get glimpses into the personal lives of Tennant and Sheen, as they deal with their significant others (played by Anna Lundberg and Georgia Tennant), the challenges of parenting and the stresses of working from home. The show expertly weaves together these personal moments with the comedy of the virtual rehearsals, creating a rich and compelling narrative.

One of the standout elements of Staged is its use of guest stars. Over the course of the series, we see a who’s who of British talent pop up in cameo roles. From Dame Judi Dench to Samuel L. Jackson, the guest stars add an extra layer of fun to the proceedings and give the show a real sense of occasion.

What sets Staged apart from other lockdown comedies is its willingness to engage with the realities of the pandemic. The show doesn’t shy away from the difficulties and anxieties that come with being stuck at home, and it’s refreshing to see a series that both acknowledges the challenges while still finding the humor in them.

Another strength of the show is its structure. Each episode is only around 15 minutes long, making it perfect for binge-watching or dipping in and out of. This also means that the series is incredibly tight and never outstays its welcome.

Overall, Staged is a funny, heartfelt and clever series that perfectly captures the absurdity of life in lockdown. With fantastic performances from Tennant and Sheen and a host of entertaining guest stars, it’s a show that’s well worth your time.

Staged is a series that ran for 3 seasons (20 episodes) between June 10, 2020 and on BBC iPlayer