Smoggie Queens Celebrates LGBTQ+ Life with Humor and Heart
BBC Three's new comedy series, Smoggie Queens, made waves with its premiere on November 27, 2024, at the historic Middlesbrough Town Hall. The event was marked by fans and stars gathering on the vibrant pink carpet, showcasing the series' playful spirit and its affectionate portrayal of life within the often-maligned town of Middlesbrough.
Created by Phil Dunning, who plays the lead character Dickie, Smoggie Queens is both uproarious and heartfelt, celebrating the rich culture of LGBTQ+ communities across Northern England. Aided by a stellar cast, which includes well-known local actors and special guest appearances, the show dives deeply not just for laughs but also for poignant moments of friendship and acceptance.
Comprising six episodes, the series introduces audiences to Dickie, who considers himself the queen of the group, along with Mam (playfully portrayed by Mark Benton), self-styled Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), loyal Sal (Patsy Lowe), and the newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young). The gang navigates their love, life, and local pride within the backdrop of Middlesbrough, lovingly referred to as "Borotown" by its residents.
"Middlesbrough has had its share of stereotypes, and we wanted to turn those jokes and misconceptions on their head," said Dunning at the premiere. The use of the term "Smoggie," once derogatory due to the town's historical air pollution issues, has now been reclaimed by locals, embracing what it means to be from the area with pride.
Throughout the series, themes of chosen family resonate strongly within the friendships depicted, mirroring real-life experiences of many LGBTQ+ individuals. Though Dickie’s self-absorbed nature often finds him at odds with his friends, it’s these relationships—fraught with laughter and strife—that create the show's emotional core.
Director and writer Phil Dunning has crafted episodes filled with absurd and surreal comedy, sometimes pushing the boundaries of typical sitcom humor. One episode stands out where the group attempts to throw their own version of Titanicin, competing for control over a pleasure boat on the River Tees. Scenes with drag queens riding horse-drawn carriages, and even hints of conspiracy about local figures, contribute to the series' whimsical nature.
Critics have noted the show's unique blend of comedy and relatable themes often resonates with viewers. Nick Levine from inews.co.uk describes it as having "daft laughs but plenty of heart," highlighting the essence of queer experiences delivered with humor. Expressing the need for accepting environments and chosen families, characters like Mam provide sage advice, emphasizing the strength of their bonds.
Meanwhile, the supporting cast includes familiar faces from other popular shows, such as Charlotte Riley from Peaky Blinders, and Michelle Visage from RuPaul’s Drag Race, each of whom adds vibrant character dynamics and star power. Their guest appearances lend authenticity to the comedic explorations and the celebrations of identity found throughout the series.
Returning to the premiere event, fans flocked to celebrate the show's launch, with Q&A sessions offering them insights about the production and the inspiration behind the characters. "This is what it means to be from Middlesbrough—flamboyant, proud, and endlessly humorous," said one attendee.
According to viewers and reviewers alike, Smoggie Queens captivates audiences by uplifting the stories of queer communities, often overlooked in broader narratives. Nick Levine summed it up best, noting the show provides not just comedy but also camaraderie, serving reminders of the importance of love and acceptance—be they from blood relations or chosen families.
Smoggie Queens airs on BBC Three every Thursday, beginning November 28, and is available on BBC iPlayer for those eager to catch up and partake in the joy it delivers. The mixture of humor, heart, and rich cultural references, combined with its strong LGBTQ+ presence, creates not only entertainment value but also lasting messages about community and pride.
Fans may expect ridiculous adventures, emotional journeys, and of course, the kind of humor lost on outsiders but cherished among locals as the queens of Middlesbrough claim their space on the mainstream media stage.
