Cause for concern? Imelda Staunton and Philip Glenister in Cranford
What a weekend. (Yes, I know it's Tuesday). Even though you do have to expect it of old people, I was very sad that Humphrey Lyttleton has died. And I was surprisingly concerned that Kris Marshall has been hit by a car in Bristol. Still, it's the home of Casualty - I'm sure he's in safe hands. (Then again, maybe not).
On the plus side, I went to see Lesley Sharp in Harper Regan at the National Theatre. The whole cast was very good but Jessica Raine, as Harper's daughter, deserves special mention.
By far my most pressing concern recently was my story in Media about BBC drama. Over the last wee while, I'd spoken to writers and producers - some with shelves heaving under the weight of awards and shoulders decorated with acclaim - about their concerns for BBC drama. And so I decided to write a piece. It was almost like being a proper journalist. You can read the full article here.
In the interview, Ben Stephenson - her deputy at drama in all but name - cheerfully denied rumours that an atmosphere fear and of second-guessing the boss has crippled creativity and distinctiveness and slowed down the commissioning process to a near-halt. But do you agree? Certainly, many writers and producers got in touch with me to say that they did. Is there, as I feel there is, a lack of energy and distinctiveness in BBC drama now? Is the corporation relying on past glories and the woes of others - notably ITV - to disguise and distract from the problems there? Or does it matter not a jot to viewers as long as "the product" is good?
And speaking of which, for the record, I do think Cranford was robbed at the Baftas. Losing out in best serial award to Britz, which I didn't rate, was a travesty. Britz was guff.
