Garth Marenghi's Darkplace 

This parody series is an unearthed 80s horror/drama, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.

Stars:

Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, Matthew Holness

Top Rated TV #223 | 1 nomination.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Richard Ayoade	...	Dean Learner / ... 6 episodes, 2004
Matt Berry	...	Dr. Lucien Sanchez / ... 6 episodes, 2004
Matthew Holness	...	Dr. Rick Dagless M.D. / ... 6 episodes, 2004
Alice Lowe	...	Madeleine Wool / ... 6 episodes, 2004
Kim Noble	...	Jim 4 episodes, 2004
Julian Barratt	...	Padre 3 episodes, 2004
Matt Green	...	Chef's Assistant / ... 2 episodes, 2004
Sarah Kants	...	Larry's Mother 2 episodes, 2004
Graham Linehan	...	Security Guard 2 episodes, 2004
Stephen Merchant	...	The Chef 2 episodes, 2004

Storyline

In the 1980s horror writer Garth Marenghi wrote, produced, directed and starred in Darkplace, a groundbreaking series set in a hospital and exploring the depths of the author's imagination. At least that's what Marenghi and his publicist/co-star, Dean Learner, claim in modern-day interviews which both bookend and interrupt the episodes. In fact the show is cheap, chiché'd, full of gaping plot holes and startlingly misogynist. Garth Marenghi is a creation of comedian Matthew Holness, who won a Perrier award with the character at the 2001 Edinburgh festival.

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Plot Keywords:

tv mini series | hospital | interview | 1980s | tv producer | 

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Taglines:

From the best-selling master of darkness

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Official Sites:

Avalon Television Channel 4 [UK]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 January 2004 (UK)

Also Known As:

Darkplace

Filming Locations:

Romford, Essex, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Avalon Television, Channel 4 Television Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry and Noel Fielding have significant roles in the show 'The IT Crowd' and all 3 star in this, with Noel having a small cameo in episode 4. The creator of The IT Crowd Graham Linehan also has a small role in episode 3 as a security guard. Alice Lowe who plays Liz Asher has a small role in the episode 50/50 on The IT Crowd.

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Quotes

Thornton: I need to crack this, Dag, cos if not, Won Ton will be all over me like knockers in a wind tunnel.

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Crazy Credits

During the closing credits of each episode the music featured in that particular episode plays, most notably in episode six "The Creeping Moss from the Shores of Shuggoth" when the song "One Track Lover" plays during the credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Darkplace Illuminatum (2006)

User Reviews

I bloody dare you!

All hail Garth Marenghi (Matthew Holness), his creation "Darkplace" is true comic genius. In my estimation it is right up there with the likes of "Brass Eye", "Jam", "League of Gentlemen" and "The Office".

Although this programme may not be suitable for all audiences i.e. people who don't understand or appreciate great comedy when it comes along and would rather watch "My Family". This is the ultimate for fans of contemporary comedy, shows that look to push the boundaries and limitations of the human mind.

I dare you, or maybe not you but anyone who hasn't seen Darkplace yet to watch it. It will develop you as a human being.

Oh and by the way i was hooked on Darkplace after 1 minute.