Watch Tutti Frutti

Tutti Frutti was a British comedy-drama television series that was first broadcast on BBC2 in 1987. The show was created and written by the Scottish playwright, John Byrne, and produced by the BBC. Tutti Frutti was a six-part miniseries that ran for six weeks. The series follows the story of The Majestics, a Scottish rock-and-roll band, who are trying to make a comeback by embarking on a reunion tour. The lead singer, Big Jazza McGlone, has just passed away, and the band members are reuniting for his funeral. They decide to use the opportunity to play a few gigs and generate a bit of income.

The band members are Eddie Clockerty (Robbie Coltrane), Vincent Diver (Maurice Roëves), Danny McGlone (Richard Wilson), and Bomba MacAteer (Emma Thompson). Eddie Clockerty is the manager of the band and the one who comes up with the idea for the reunion tour. Vincent Diver is the bass player, while Bomba MacAteer is the lead guitarist. Danny McGlone is Big Jazza's brother and the band's drummer. The show follows the band as they go on tour and face various challenges along the way.

One of the main themes in Tutti Frutti is the tension between the band members. They all have their own personal problems, and these issues come to the surface during the tour. Eddie Clockerty has a gambling problem and is in debt to some dangerous individuals. Vincent Diver is struggling with his marriage and is having an affair with his therapist. Bomba MacAteer is dealing with the loss of her boyfriend, who was also a member of the band. Danny McGlone is torn between his loyalty to his brother and his love for Bomba.

The show also highlights the changing landscape of the Scottish music scene. The Majestics were a popular band in the 1960s, but the music industry has evolved since then. Rock-and-roll is no longer the dominant genre, and new bands are taking over the airwaves. The Majestics' attempt to make a comeback is met with indifference by the public, and they struggle to generate interest in their tour.

Tutti Frutti uses humor to tackle serious issues such as addiction, infidelity, and grief. The characters are flawed and complex, and their relationships with each other are nuanced. The show also includes musical performances by the band, which adds to the authenticity of the story. The songs are performed live, and the actors play their own instruments.

The show was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series. It was praised for its originality, humor, and depth of character. The performances by the actors were also highly praised, particularly Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of Eddie Clockerty.

In conclusion, Tutti Frutti was a groundbreaking television series that tackled serious issues with humor and authenticity. The story of The Majestics and their attempt to make a comeback is a reflection of the changing cultural landscape of Scotland in the 1980s. The show's mix of drama and comedy, along with its memorable musical performances, has made it a cult classic.