Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh star as father and son, Ken and Richard Pritchard, in new six-part comedy series Only Child.
Bit-part actor Richard鈥檚 long overdue visit to recently widowed Ken makes him realise his dad may need a bit more full time help. Not that Ken would agree, of course, but that statement is pretty much true about anything. An eccentric, strong-willed technophobe, Ken is set in his ways, leaving Richard worrying about his dad growing old.
Written by Bryce Hart, Only Child features domestic and inter-generational differences and neighbourly squabbles, all told through the lens of Richard and Ken鈥檚 comedic relationship.
As well as Fisher and McHugh, Only Child showcases a wealth of Scottish and Irish talent including Amy Lennox (Holby City, Shetland), Stuart Bowman (Rebus, Guilt, Gary Tank Commander), Forbes Masson (The Crown, EastEnders), Clare Barrett (Fair City, Sisters), Robin Laing (Guilt, The Gold) and Paul Rattray (Jamestown, Game of Thrones).
A new collaboration from 大象传媒 Comedy and 大象传媒 Scotland, Only Child is made by Happy Tramp North and was commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at 大象传媒 Scotland and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy.
- Watch all episodes of Only Child on 大象传媒 iPlayer on Thursday 21 November
- Watch Only Child on 大象传媒 Scotland on Thursday 21 November and 大象传媒 One on Friday 22 November
JM2
Watch the Only Child trailer
Meet the cast
Gregor Fisher (Ken Pritchard)
Recently widowed Ken Pritchard is the archetypal old Dad who stopped paying attention to any kind of world developments - be it technological or social - in about 1987. Ken worked as a train conductor until his struggles to use the card machine resulted in huge delays and he was 鈥榚ncouraged鈥� to retire. He鈥檚 an eccentric in the truest sense of the word. Fast-talking, never wrong and with a sneeze volume that could stop traffic, Ken approaches every situation in the same manner 鈥� headfirst.
What's the relationship like between Ken and Richard?
This is like being in the psychiatrist's chair or something. What's the relationship? I'm his daddy and he's my son and I suppose the relationship is quite a wee bit tricky because I'm maybe slightly dotted, old.
I play the older member of the cast, surprisingly enough. And he's [Greg McHugh] the younger chap. And I'm maybe slightly on the eccentric side, shall we say. And he鈥檚 [Ken] a bit of a hoarder, and his memory maybe isn't as sharp as it should be. A bit like me, actually. I'm an absolute bloody shoo-in for this part. Because all these things are true of me.
What brings Richard back to live with his dad?
A train. He comes on a train and he arrives in Forres Station鈥nd all because that's what it said on the script. I think he's probably, a bit p*ssed off with London because things aren't going his way. Like most children, they always turn up and say: 鈥淢y dad will help me out鈥�.
I think, on the face of it, and for the purposes of this programme, he's probably a wee bit concerned about his dad. I think he's concerned, but it happens by an accident as well, as all good comedy does.
What other characters do we meet in Only Child?
There's Rod who's next door, played by Stuart Bowman, who's good fun. Oh yes, there's an absolute nutcase of a character called Digsy [played by Paul Rattray] who's a nutcase, but he's very charming at the same time, and he's a bit of a, he's always stealing things, bikes and sausages and the like. Sausages? Yes. Tune in. It's hard to believe, but it's true.
What can viewers expect from this new comedy series?
You might be able to giggle now and again, comedy series鈥hat gives you the clue! It's not going to be some sort of documentary. Nothing too difficult to understand. Just a bit of, a half an hour of sheer unadulterated pleasure.
What has it been like working with Greg McHugh?
Pretty average. He's quite young. He's got a great deal to learn. He goes out at night. He turns up. He knows the words, he's not very good at hitting the mark. He causes a bit of trouble with the cameraman. And sometimes he stands in my light. I don't think it's deliberate. I think it's just, stupidity, really.
Do you relate to Ken at all?
Not at all. No, I'm not a bit like Ken. I look a bit like him, but that's where the similarity ends. Ken's a bit of a鈥hereas I am a man of the world. Sophisticated kind of guy, I've really got to dig deep to find Ken.
Greg McHugh (Richard Pritchard)
Richard Pritchard grew up wishing he had the superpower of invisibility. Not for any noble cause but just to disappear when his dad would embarrass him 鈥� or 鈥榚very day鈥� as he called it. A bit-part actor, he moved to London at the first opportunity, finding fame (well, in Forres anyway) as Doctor Sparrow in the daytime TV drama Detective Manners. As much as he protests, deep down he loves that he鈥檚 the most famous person to hail from his hometown. Richard鈥檚 relationship with his dad is three parts frustration and equal parts guilt and love. One thing that being home might help him with is asking out Emily 鈥� the love of his life.
So, what's the relationship like between Ken and Richard?
The relationship between Ken and Richard is complex. Richard loves Ken, Ken loves Richard but like all families, they don't get on all the time. And in fact, the more time they spend together, the less they tend to get on. And it's just kind of like every family really, or many families in that respect.
What brings Richard back to live with his dad?
Well, it's a combination of things. Richard is an actor whose career isn't going terribly well鈥here's no reflection on me personally about this! And he [Richard] goes and moves back in with his dad [Ken]. He's not working very much, his mum has died a year before鈥nd so he goes back to see his dad to kind of help him adjust to life as a widower.
What other characters feature in Only Child?
Oh, we meet a selection of fantastic characters in Only Child. We meet Emily who's the neighbour who Richard quite fancies but doesn't know how to behave around. We have Digsy who's the local, slightly mad man who can't stop stealing things played by Paul Rattray - a fantastic character. We've got Rod, who lives next door, played by Stuart Bowman, who鈥annot judge social situations very well at all.
So, we've got a huge range of people that you come and meet that Richard has to navigate, via his dad, who's also driving him mad. So, there's a real clash of characters.
What can viewers expect from this new comedy series?
Relatable material in that it's about a son - that could be a daughter - who moves home to really look at the inevitable issue of parents growing older and how you have to cope with that and their idiosyncrasies.
Have you and Gregor ever worked together before?
When I was not long into drama school, I did a couple of episodes of Rab C Nesbitt in my youth and I was so nervous to, act opposite him I couldn't say my lines. Whereas this time round, I still can't say my lines but I'm not as nervous.
And what has it been like working together?
Working on Only Child has been amazing, and I have absolutely loved it. So, I hope the audiences enjoy it, we think we're making a good show. Bryce Hart has written really beautiful scripts which have got heart and comedy.
Do you relate to your character at all?
I think this is probably the closest I have played to myself in terms of a character. I'm not Richard, I sometimes find him a bit annoying. Although, people might say that about me, who know me. So, I can relate to Richard a lot.
Obviously, I'm an actor for a living鈥 understand the ups and downs. I also understand the reality of coping with slightly older parents, who I'm very lucky to still have鈥ut who are also maddening.
What do you love most about your character, Richard?
I love the fact that Richard does care about people. I like that element to him, because he does care about people and I think that's important in terms of what he invests in people. But, with that, he's also quite irritating. He's actually quite manipulative, Richard, in what he does.
He's an actor and he doesn't ever forget that. So actually, he seems lovely, but there's a side to him that's just a bit self-involved. He's an odd one. He seems nice, but actually he's a bit of an idiot.
Amy Lennox (Emily)
Emily was literally the girl next door to Richard growing up. They鈥檝e had a past, maybe a teenage drunken snog at one of their parent鈥檚 Christmas parties that has lingered in the mind. Emily exudes confidence. Funny, sharp. She accepts life can be hard and is trying to get on with her life after losing both of her parents in the same year. She鈥檚 a constant source of support and much needed humour to Richard. She sees the real him and knows fine well that he fancies her. She sees his return as some kind of light coming through the clouds. Maybe something nice might happen in this town after all.
Tell us about your character, Emily?
Emily is the literal 鈥榞irl next door鈥� and has known Richard since they were at school together. She鈥檚 a selfless person that puts others first but certainly isn鈥檛 a push over - she鈥檚 got a pretty dry sense of humour and knows exactly how to push Richard鈥檚 buttons and wind him up. She knows fine well he fancies her, and she enjoys making him squirm 鈥� that said, deep down she really likes him too 鈥�
How does she find living next door to Ken Pritchard?
There鈥檚 never a dull moment living next to Ken. I think Emily has a real soft spot for him and enjoys his company - she pops round for tea, and they go for walks. She very happy to look out for him now that he鈥檚 navigating life on his own.
How does she know Richard and what does she think of him?
She went to school with Richard - they haven鈥檛 seen each other for years since he moved to London but there鈥檚 definitely a hint of a romantic spark there - although her laid back, dry energy keeps it hidden away and I think she gets a kick out of watching him squirm around her. Despite all his misgivings and cringeworthy choices, I think she finds him all the more endearing weirdly鈥�!
And what does she make of the relationship between Ken and Richard?
I think she wants to ensure that they make the most out of the time they have together - she doesn鈥檛 want there to be any regrets - having lost her own parents she is only too aware of that. I think they both drive her round the bend with their bickering, but she knows how much they mean to each other and just wants them to realise that themselves!
What was it like working on Only Child?
The ultimate dream team! our producers have been wonderful and put together the kindest and most talented crew - our director Al Campbell is a total legend - we all laughed a lot and ate loads of curry 鈥�.. I miss them all.
What is it about Only Child that makes it 鈥榤ust see鈥� comedy?
It鈥檚 one of those comedies that can make you laugh out loud, cringe but also move you to tears with unexpected poignancy. A tricky balance to do and get right but our writer Bryce Hart is rather wonderful and nails it.
Can you describe Only Child in five words?
Funny, moving, charming, cringe & daft!
Stuart Bowman (Rod)
Rod is Ken鈥檚 next-door neighbour and self-appointed neighbourhood watchman who tells you he鈥檚 emailed the council again about a problem you didn鈥檛 know existed 鈥� always 鈥榲ery keen to see what their response is this time鈥� 鈥搘hen they鈥檝e never responded once. Has been photographed in the local paper pointing at potholes looking annoyed too many times. Longs for the days when neighbours were a community, and you could leave the front door unlocked. He tried it and was robbed seven times in one year. Organised a street party for the King鈥檚 Coronation. No one came.
Tell us about your character, Rod?
Rod is an idealist; unfortunately, his view of the world bears little relation to everyone else鈥檚, so his ideals rarely come to fruition.
How does he find living next door to Ken Pritchard?
Ken鈥檚 view of the world differs greatly from Rod鈥檚 (their views on bin hygiene being a case in point). This can test substantially Rod鈥檚 neighbourliness.
And what does he think about Ken鈥檚 son, Richard?
Hoorah for the return of Richard! Finally, some hope for common sense, order, and bin hygiene.
You鈥檝e worked with Greg over the years 鈥� what鈥檚 it like working with him on Only Child?
Greg is one of my favourite people on this marvellous planet; he鈥檚 kind, generous, and funny, and lets none of that hinder him in his quest for doing the best possible work. I鈥檓 better at being me when I鈥檓 with Greg, and it鈥檚 a privilege to be back on the small screen with him.
Is this your first time working with Gregor Fisher and what was it like?
I did a wee bit in the last series of Rab C Nesbitt a few moons ago, and clearly remember marvelling at the ease with which Gregor was both funny and utterly truthful. Watching him and Greg doing both of these things together was a joy, and spending six weeks in Gregor鈥檚 utterly delightful company has been a huge career highlight.
What is it about Only Child that makes it 鈥榤ust see鈥� comedy?
Rarely do you get to see two fine actors make such a gentle, moving, funny script sing in the way Gregor and Greg have. The mood on set was always warm and generous, and I think Bryce, the writer, Al, the director, all of the producers, and the supporting cast have created something rather beautiful, which I鈥檓 sure will resonate loudly with the viewers.
Can you describe Only Child in five words鈥�
Funny, moving, warm, delightful, long running!
Robin Laing (Ian) and Clare Barrett (Jen)
Married couple Ian and Jen run the local pub 鈥� The Beastie. Eternal optimists and true crimes enthusiasts, they鈥檙e hopelessly devoted to one another, but their smiley demeanour hides something darker. We鈥檙e just not sure what.
Tell us about your characters, Ian and Jen?
Robin: Local landlords of 'The Beastie', Ian and Jen, are the hosts-with-the-most鈥r so they think!. Obsessed with true-crime, as well as crime drama, they're perhaps not as happy-go-lucky as they seem - they're definitely drawn to the darker side of human nature.
Clare: Ian and Jen are the quintessential publicans of a small town, happily married to each other and to their job, they are the self-appointed hosts of every event in the town! They are excessively cheerful and they like to make sure their guests to the pub are happy, welcomed and well looked after 鈥�.which might not suit the residents who like the idea of a quiet pint . Behind the bar of the 鈥楤eastie鈥� they are privy to all the ins and outs of the lives of their customers however they are not the best confidants and news or gossip doesn鈥檛 stay secret long and might also leave the pub quite misconstrued. They are madly in love and a little mad in the head!
How do they know the Pritchard鈥檚 and what do they think of them?
Robin: Ian's known the family for years and, as a couple, they've known the Pritchard鈥檚 since they took over the pub. Ken & Jean [Ken鈥檚 late wife, Richard鈥檚 mum] were regulars until Jean passed. They're very proud of Richie's success, with Ian having known him since he was at drama school, and they like to think that they contributed a little to his education, with him having enjoyed their rousing performances at folk night and their occasional, hugely successful murder-mystery nights.
Clare: As a blow-in to the town Jen doesn鈥檛 know Ken and Richard as long as her husband Ian. However, seeing as the pub is the central hub of the town Jen knows Ken and his late wife Jean very well, but Richard is more of an enigma to her. She knows him a little from his visits home, but she probably knows the characters he鈥檚 played better and she definitely finds it hard to separate the two. Jen and Ian are big fans of the Pritchard鈥檚 and would consider themselves good friends with Ken and they鈥檒l do their best to wear Richard down!
What was it like working on Only Child?
Robin: It was an absolute hoot. From the top down, everyone seemed determined to have a lovely time - even when it was horizontal rain! Production and all the crew were just lovely and we had this constant carousel of brilliant actors bringing hilarious characters to life. It was just joyous.
Clare: Working on 鈥極nly Child鈥� was an absolute treat! It was such a joyous work environment with a real collegiate feeling. There was such a wonderfully talented team involved both in front of and behind the camera on this series which meant it never felt like work, everyone cared about the characters and the story and everyone wanted it to be the best that it could be. We also laughed an awful lot 鈥hich helps when working on a comedy!
What is it about Only Child that makes it 鈥榤ust see鈥� comedy?
Robin: The writing is genuinely brilliant. Bryce has created a very funny but very real world that I think everyone will recognise and identify with. Also, the two Greg(or)s! Not just because they're comedy royalty but also because of their relationship. They're very funny together but there's also a touching tenderness between them which is very real.
Clare: I think 鈥極nly Child鈥� is a must see comedy because it鈥檚 an original, funny, well observed story about the parental/child role reversal and about how coming back to your home as an adult can be a minefield. They say there鈥檚 no place like home and Richard finds out there really is NO place like his home! Set in a small town inhabited by colourful characters, I think the audiences will love the Pritchard鈥檚, their pals and their enemies.
Can you describe Only Child in five words鈥�
Robin: "Must watch", unless you can't鈥�
Clare: Hilarious, Smart, Witty, Silly, Touching. Or if it鈥檚 a five word sentence鈥� Only Child is - Hilariously silly and heartwarming
Paul Rattray (Digsy)
Local scally but with a heart of gold. Always runs from the police on sight as he can鈥檛 remember if he鈥檚 robbed that day. Digsy often forgets he鈥檚 in a conversation with you mid-conversation.
Tell us about your character, Digsy?
Digsy is somebody for whom life hasn鈥檛 worked out brilliantly. He鈥檚 still in the same area, never moved away, doesn鈥檛 have a proper job - of any kind 鈥� and doesn鈥檛 have much money either. While he has a good heart, he has made some bad choices in his life and is something of a petty criminal.
He鈥檚 absolutely delighted that Ritchie has come back to live in the area, because he feels that this is something of his friend coming home.
Digsy鈥檚 life is not particularly interesting, and I think he spends a lot of time by himself. So what with the bad start in life, making some bad life choices early on (maybe doing some time in prison) for him, Ritchie coming home is a real joy and a real bright spot in his life.
Digsy is someone who is almost a bit arrested in his development because the lack of opportunity available to him has meant that his life is quite small but he has a big heart and is very, very fond of Ritchie. He鈥檚 funny, he鈥檚 kind鈥ut he鈥檚 a bit naughty as well.
How does he know the Pritchard鈥檚 and what does he think of them?
I think that Digsy has known Ritchie since they were kids. I get the feeling that Digsy鈥檚 life was harder th-an Ritchie and that Ritchie鈥檚 family provided a safe base for him to go. In fact, I think that Digsy possibly went round Ritchie鈥檚 house for tea, when he was young, because Ritchie鈥檚 family were more stable and had more money than his.
This happens a lot in working class communities where kids are sort of taken care of by the community itself and even though Digsy鈥檚 a bit older than Ritchie, it feels to me, that was kind of where the relationship began. They鈥檙e from the same area, they鈥檝e known each other a long time, they鈥檙e from the same streets and I think possibly Ritchie鈥檚 mum had an eye out for Digsy, who didn鈥檛 have the easiest of starts in life.
What was it like working on Only Child?
It was really exciting to work on such a fantastic script. With a brilliant company of actors. I think it鈥檚 a really fresh and original idea. The premise of it is one that everybody can relate to, what happens when we go home after being away?
I think it鈥檚 warm, it鈥檚 funny, it鈥檚 engaging and it鈥檚 got a cast of characters that people can really relate to. It was brilliant being involved.
What is it about Only Child that makes it 鈥榤ust see鈥� comedy?
Well, it stars two of Scotland鈥檚 best known comic actors in Gregor and Greg. I think their relationship with each other and with the rest of us in the cast of actors is really an opportunity for audiences to see some of the best comic acting around. Gregor and Greg are genuinely brilliant actors and also hilarious.
Can you describe Only Child in five words.
Funny, Moving, Warm, Sharp, Relevant.
Cast
Ken Pritchard 鈥� Gregor Fisher
Richard Pritchard 鈥� Greg McHugh
Emily 鈥� Amy Lennox
Rod 鈥� Stuart Bowman
Ian 鈥� Robin Laing
Jen 鈥� Clare Barrett
Digsy 鈥� Paul Rattray
Craig 鈥� Grant O鈥橰ourke (Ep2)
Crawford 鈥� Forbes Masson (Ep3)
Lydia Bartlett 鈥� Samantha Spiro (Ep4)
Brian 鈥� John Buick (Ep5)
Creatives
Commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, 大象传媒 Scotland
大象传媒 Executive Producers 鈥� Gavin Smith & Gregor Sharp
Happy Tramp North Executive Producer 鈥� Neil Webster
Producer 鈥� Ursula Haworth
Director 鈥� Al Campbell
Writer 鈥� Bryce Hart
Only Child鈥檚 development was supported by Screen Scotland.