Double Science
| Genre | Radio sitcom |
|---|---|
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Language(s) | English |
| Home station | BBC Radio 4 |
| Starring | Ben Willbond (Colin) Justin Edwards (Kenneth) Raza Jaffery (Danny, Anish) Rebecca Front (Alison) Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Donna) |
| Produced by | Adam Bromley |
| Original release | 15th May – 19th June 2008 |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 5 |
| Website | Radio 4 |
Double Science is a sitcom broadcast on British radio BBC Radio 4. Its about two incompetent chemistry teachers, Colin Jackson (who always describes himself as "no relation" to the "real" Colin Jackson), and Kenneth Farley-Pittman, who sleeps in the school diability toilet, having been thrown out by his wife. They work at a college that specialises in drama, their world is turned upside down by the arrival of a new boss.
Synopsis
For years, the science department was forgotten and neglected area where Colin and Kenneth could brew their own ales in peace and quiet. Kenneth even devised a self-assessment system where one class taught itself. Then Dr Oates, the head of department died from a masssive coronary - probably induced by a butter chicken-laden diet. Alison Hatton his replacement, is keen and wants to bring in new students. Nothing will be the same again.
Characters
COLIN (Ben Willbond) - Colin Jackson (no relation) is a science teacher who struggles to keep control of his lessons. He wears shorts all year round and still lives with his parents. His best friend is Kenneth Farley-Pitman, who shares a love of real ale and curries, specifically the curries cooked at the Taste of the Taj, by his other best friend Anish. Colin has fallen hopelessly in love with his new boss Alison Hatton and is constantly looking for ways to impress her.
KENNETH (Justin Edwards) Kenneth Farley-Pittman has been kicked out his marital home by his wife, who's now 'getting a portion' from the South African gardener. He sleeps in the labs at school and shares Colin's love of real ales and curries. Kenneth's liking for Colin may not be entirely Platonic. At their weekly film club, Kenneth only ever wants to watch the volleyball scene from Top Gum or Spartacus. He resents Alison's presence and would love things to go back the way they were.
DANNY (Raza Jaffrey) - Danny Woods, the head of the drama department, is as Colin puts it 'a flipping benny'. He sports a ponytail, considers himself a great satirical actor and is constantly feuding with Colin and Kenneth. He never resists a chance to goad them and they always seek revenge. Danny has designs on Alison, the new head of science, which provokes Colin into claiming he has a new flat or to brew his own special beer to impress Alison.
ALISON (Rebecca Front) - Alison Hatton is the new head of science and is nothing like Colin and Kenneth's former boss Dr Oates. She works past 12pm for a start, doesn't smell of cardamon and actively wants to recruit new students. Alison may be keen, but she's pretty naive and not much of a manager so she struggles to make any impact.
ANISH (Raza Jaffrey) - Anish runs the local Indian restaurant, the Taste of the Taj. Colin and Kenneth are his best customers...well often they are his only customers and Anish has become a friend, counsellor and mentor.
DONNA (Margaret Cabourn-Smith) Donna is seventeen but is easily the most mature character. She's bright, a strong university prospect and wraps the science department round her finger. But she has a soft spot for Colin and Kenneth, in part because they leave her alone to pursue her own unique way of funding her education.
Beertongue
Colin and Kenneth spend much of their time brewing beer and drinking others' home-brews. At one point they visit a beer festival, where a fictional language called "Beertongue" is spoken - a mixture of Old English and Latin, with some Klingon and Elvish.