In this week’s edition of The Stage, TV writer Steven Moffat talks to Matthew Hemley about his new fantasy series for BBC1, Jekyll.
Nobody ever adapts the story because the original is based around the idea that you don’t know Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde are the same person until the very end. Because that is so famous now, you can’t really do the original story… One of the variations you can do is modern day, which makes it more immediate — more chilling and contemporary.
And while I’m tremendously excited by the prospect of Jekyll (less so by the prospect of James Nesbitt, but that’s a purely personal thing), as well as the news that Moffat is developing a new romantic comedy, there’s one thing above everything else that tantalises my televisual tastebuds: the possible return of Press Gang.
I would revive that like a shot. I would love to do a reunion episode — a grown-up version. I know Julia Sawalha is interested — every time I see her she asks me when we are going to do it. Maybe it will happen — I would like it to.
Press Gang remains one of the best children’s dramas to ever come out of the UK, and regularly tops the nostalgia polls. If I didn’t already have most of the DVDs already, I must admit I’d be tempted by the Press Gang Complete Series Box Set
Moffat also talks about rumours that he is to take over from Russell T Davies as head writer on Doctor Who — but you’ll have to buy the paper for that morsel.
The full interview is in The Stage, cover date 14 June 2007, available for £1.30 from most branches of WH Smith and other major newsagents. For more information on this week’s issue, see our In The Paper blog.
More Press Gang? Bring it on, Steven-- especially if it means you don't have to keep wasting your talent on Dr Bloody Who!
Please ask mr stephen moffet to explain to me how he creates something original as the series JEKYLL is nothing more than the old basic urban myth of DR JEKYLL and MR HYDE, but with the twist of it being a total rip-off of "THE MASK" staring Jim Carrey, is this what he set out to do, its very similar, almost images some scenes from the mask but without the humor.
Please pass my email on to mr moffett, it would be nice to have a chat, maybe i could give him some tips on original material..
I must be in a one off of Press Gang!!!! I absolutely must. What do I have to do??? I'll make a charitable donation or be a hideous alien extra for nothing in DR Who but please pass this on to Mr Moffat. I am only 30 so young enough to be convincing (no lines or grey yet). Make him contact me!!!!!!
Well done to you Stephen on what can only be described as a fanastic piece of work Dr Jekyll.
I enjoyed very much
I loved this show and hope they bring it back to TV in the USA for 2008. I wish the BBC had also picked up Shaun Cassidy's INVASION television show that went off the air in 2006 as well. It was another good one! Save Invasion! http://www.tv.com/invasion/show/32917/summary.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460651/