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IMDb > "The Smoking Room" (2004)

"The Smoking Room" (2004) More at IMDbPro »TV series 2004-2005


Overview

User Rating:
7.9/10   237 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Smoking Room on IMDbPro.
Seasons:
1 | 2 full episode list
Release Date:
29 June 2004 (UK) more
Genre:
Comedy more
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
User Comments:
Supposedly a "comedy" set in the situation of a smoking room. That's it! more

Cast

 (Series Cast Summary - 10 of 12)
Robert Webb ... Robin (17 episodes, 2004-2005)
Jeremy Swift ... Barry (17 episodes, 2004-2005)
Nadine Marshall ... Sally (17 episodes, 2004-2005)
Paula Wilcox ... Lilian (17 episodes, 2004-2005)
Debbie Chazen ... Annie (17 episodes, 2004-2005)
Selina Griffiths ... Janet (16 episodes, 2004-2005)
Leslie Schofield ... Len (16 episodes, 2004-2005)

Fraser Ayres ... Clint (15 episodes, 2004-2005)
Siobhan Redmond ... Sharon (13 episodes, 2004-2005)
Emma Kennedy ... Heidi (11 episodes, 2004-2005)
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Additional Details

Runtime:
30 min (16 episodes)
Country:
UK
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Sound Mix:
Stereo
Certification:
Australia:M

Fun Stuff

Quotes:
[Barry has been told that he has three minutes until he's interviewed - Barry is dreading it]
Lilian: Oh let's face it Barry. Another 15 minutes wouldn't really have helped your chances.
Monique: Yeah she's right
[gesturing to herself]
Monique: They're either looking for new ideas and fresh input
[points at Barry]
Monique: or the devil they know.
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FAQ

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3 out of 30 people found the following comment useful:-
Supposedly a "comedy" set in the situation of a smoking room. That's it!, 9 September 2004
1/10
Author: PhilS from London, England

The guidelines for posting comments suggest not giving away plot points. Oops, the title gives away ALL the plot points.

I wanted to like this, believe me. I thought it was very courageous of the BBC's story/comedy/script commissioners to try to create another success along the lines of "The Office" or "The Royle Family". It was good to see a new writer's work being used. Ultimately, they haven't succeeded.

What a waste of such excellent acting talent, particularly, Siobhan Redmond, Paula Wilcox and Robert Webb - they try their best with the material, as does the director - but watching this series is like watching a single joke from an American observational stand-up comedian repeated throughout each and every half-hour episode. I actually started watching as I was hooked by the theme tune during a trailer and I thought it might compare favourably with "The Office". It doesn't even begin to.

There are good points, the set for one and the lighting, definitely leave me wheezing! But the situation and, as I have already mentioned, the actors, deserve so much better from the script. It all seems so anal, with an eighties focus in the observations and puerile usage of sexual swear words.

This *is* funnier than some recent sitcoms on the BBC, but that is mainly down to the well-drawn, if stereotypical characters; there seems to be very little development of them; as I said, they are well drawn, but it all appears in the first episode. There is a lost opportunity with Robin, the gay character, which I suspect is down to the director rather than the writer: too many of his earlier comments and answers to questions are revealing, by a knowing "look" or reaction close-up; I definitely think the script was attempting some development here.

In summary: it's worth a look - choose any episode you like, you'll pick it up in seconds, like, say "Only Fools And Horses", "'Allo 'Allo" or "Are You Being Served?", because it relies on formulaic repetition of conversations, topics and well-worn character prejudices. Script editors and commissioners have a lot to answer for these days.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for "The Smoking Room" (2004)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Best line in any sitcom ever knife_of_justice
is the smoke fake? carterhollister
How would the total smoking BAN in the UK shape a 3rd series? sparkx_11
Season 1 DVD stange feature phantom_tollbooth
Smoking room director makes film! rakdjango
Stupid question well maybe richardallum718
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Related Links

Episode guide Full cast and crew Company credits
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