IRISH FILM PREVIEW 2018
CinÉireann / January 2018 57
DAVE ALLEN AT PEACE
DIR: ANDY DE EMMONY
PRO: DSP DRAMA
TBC
Dave Allen At Peace, a dramatization of the life and career of the legendary comedian.
Produced by Darlow Smithson Productions, the film will focus on the controversial comedian’s forty-year career, from performing alongside his brother as a Butlin’s Redcoat to becoming one of the UK and Ireland’s comedy greats.
Written by Stephen Russell (We’re Doomed: The Dad’s Army Story, Hattie, and Peaky Blinders), this film will explore how Dave’s comedy genius was shaped by the tragic loss of his father, his brother… and his finger. How he survived decades of the Roman Catholic Church’s wrath, death threats from the IRA and a ban by Irish and Australian TV, only to have his television career end in controversy when he used the f-word in an innocuous joke.
The cast is led by Aidan Gillen (Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones), who plays Allen. Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) will take on the role of Allen’s brother, John. His father and mother will be played by Tommy Tiernan (Father Ted) and Joanne Crawford (Line of Duty). The film also boasts a line-up of cameos, including Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet), Pauline McLynn (Father Ted), Ian McElhinney (Star Wars: Rogue One), Simon Day (The Fast Show), and Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing).
The film will be structured in affectionate homage to Dave’s original television format. From his famous bar stool, the comic will reflect on his formative years and showbiz career. Flashbacks, some visualised as comedy sketches, will intercut his bar stool repartee bringing significant moments to life.
The film will be directed by Andy De Emmony (Quacks, Fantabulosa! and Father Ted) produced by Brett Wilson (We’re Doomed: The Dad’s Army Story, and The Syndicate) and executive produced by Charlotte Surtees and Emily Dalton.
Dave Allen at Peace is supported by the BBC, RTÉ, and Northern Ireland Screen.