BBC Scotland has commissioned a one-off sitcom titled Rambling.
The “enchanting, warm and witty” half hour comedy stars Mark Bonnar and Ashley Jensen as a pair of unlikely travelling companions.
Written by Iain Connell and Sharon Young, who have previously worked together on The Scotts, Rambling is set against “the breathtaking – and occasionally sodden – landscape of rural Scotland”.
The producers explain: “You’d never put Gerry and Cat together. He’s order, she’s chaos. Gerry plans every step. Cat gets lost on the way to the car park. Gerry’s on a mission to fulfil a promise to his recently deceased brother. Cat’s flying solo having been thrown out a walking group that was supposed to be a fresh start for her. The more they walk and talk, they discover they’re travelling on common ground. Rambling is a feel-good Scottish sitcom all about putting your best foot forward.”
Mark Bonnar says: “I’m so thrilled to be doing this beautifully written, very funny script by Iain and Sharon. I’ve never played someone quite like Gerry before and I can’t wait to get cracking! On top of that, to be reunited with the wonderful Ashley Jensen! Doesn’t get any better.”
Ashley Jensen adds: “Sharon and Ian’s script is about nothing and everything. It’s smart, honest, poignant, moving and funny. It’s about loss, loneliness, and our need for connection. I started my career with the BBC Comedy unit a long time ago, so I am delighted to return and be part of Rambling and to be reunited with the talented Mark Bonnar along with a resilient and incredibly skilled crew with whom we will be braving the Scottish elements to bring this beautiful special to life.”
Rambling has been filmed by The Comedy Unit, with Ollie Parsons directing and Iain Davidson the producer. The episode will be screened on BBC Scotland first, and then be shown on BBC One nationwide.
Commissioning editor Gavin Smith says: “We’re delighted to be bringing Iain and Sharon’s hilarious outdoorsy sitcom to the screens in this one off special. It’s packed with brilliant banter and who better to be rambling on while rambling along than the wonderful Ashley Jensen and Mark Bonnar.”
Commissioning editor Navi Lamba adds: “Some of the best comedies come from forcing unlikely people together, and Rambling does exactly that. Iain and Sharon have created a deeply relatable sitcom and I can’t wait for people to fall for Cat and Gerry.”
