The cult BBC sitcom “Ideal,” known for its darkly comedic portrayal of a low-level weed dealer’s life amidst a backdrop of crime and corruption, is returning for a live stage production 20 years after its initial airing. The show, which ran from 2005 to 2011 and centered on Moz, played by Johnny Vegas, has found new life with episodes uploaded to iPlayer last year, leading to a resurgence in fan interest. The stage adaptation promises to capture the surreal and inventive spirit of the original series.
“Ideal” Lives On: From Cult Sitcom to Stage Revival
The beloved British sitcom “Ideal” is making its way to the stage, celebrating its enduring cult status two decades after its debut.
- The surreal BBC sitcom “Ideal” is being adapted for a live stage production.
- Star Johnny Vegas and creator Graham Duff discuss the show’s lasting appeal and its abrupt cancellation.
- The original series featured a notable cast of guest stars, including Mark E. Smith and Sean Lock.
- The stage show picks up 20 years after the TV series, featuring a murder mystery plot.
- Both Vegas and Duff emphasize that the new production is not merely nostalgic but aims to stand on its own.
Twenty years after its debut, the BBC sitcom “Ideal” is making a comeback as a live stage production. The show, which ran from 2005 to 2011, became a cult favorite for its darkly comic take on the life of Moz, a cannabis dealer played by Johnny Vegas. The series, set against a backdrop of drugs, gangs, and police corruption, is now seeing renewed interest with episodes available on iPlayer. “I didn’t appreciate how original it was when we were making it,” Vegas shared from a plush hotel in Manchester, a stark contrast to Moz’s famously grubby flat.
A younger Vegas on the set of “Ideal.”
Creator Graham Duff noted the “wonderful” response to the stage announcement, with many fans expressing, “Why has it taken so long?” The show cultivated a dedicated following, evident in fan groups sharing quotes and clips, and Spotify playlists recreating its soundtrack. Despite its cult status, the series was canceled abruptly, leaving unfinished storylines. “Every series, I wrote the final episode thinking this could be the last one,” Duff recalled. “The only time I didn’t do that was series seven. By that stage, the viewing figures were so good, and we had Kiefer Sutherland saying he was going to appear in the next series. So it felt really brutal. We had a lot more to say.”
An Unforgettable Cast and Unfinished Business
The original “Ideal” featured a memorable ensemble, including Moz’s various girlfriends, corrupt police officers, and a hitman known as Cartoon Head. The show boasted an impressive roster of guest stars. Julia Davis played a clairvoyant who claimed to have foreseen 9/11, Sean Lock portrayed a transgender love interest of Brian’s son, Paul Weller appeared as himself, and Mark E. Smith, the late frontman of The Fall, even donned the mantle of Jesus Christ. “There’s only one person who ever turned us down,” Duff revealed, “and that was Kate Moss. Everybody else couldn’t say yes quick enough but her agent said she wouldn’t do anything related to drugs.”
Vegas described the show as “almost unwanted – we were the runt of the litter at BBC Three,” adding that the network “didn’t know what to do with it.” While a film directed by Ben Wheatley was discussed, it never materialized. The idea for a stage revival sparked in 2021 after Vegas saw a live production of another beloved series, “Early Doors.” “That’s a beautiful way to get around the system,” he mused.
The upcoming live show is set 20 years after the TV series. Moz will still be dealing from his and Cartoon Head’s flat, but the narrative introduces a murder mystery with customers as suspects. Duff also noted that his character, Brian, now has an OnlyFans account. The original series was notable for its claustrophobic setting, with only one scene shot outside of Moz’s or his neighbors’ apartments across 53 episodes. Duff saw this as a strength, making the show a “locus for all these people to cross and interact.” He clarified that “Ideal” was never truly about drugs, comparing it to “Only Fools and Horses” not being about stolen goods, but rather about character dynamics and aspirations.
Vegas recounted his “spliff-making bootcamp” before the first series, admitting weed didn’t boost his creativity, leading him to play video games and eat toast. He also shared a memory of being deemed unfit for work after a night out, a testament to the cast’s hard-partying but ultimately productive approach. “I was gifted a character that always looked worse for wear,” he said.
Duff felt the cast realized the show’s significance by the second series. Vegas’s portrayal of Moz is considered some of his best work, offering a nuanced performance that balances humor, vulnerability, and likability. “It might be the closest thing I have given to a nuanced performance,” Vegas stated.
The live production will leverage the cast’s stand-up experience for comedic timing. “There are things that live performance gives you, which are so special,” Duff remarked. He emphasized that the stage show will not be a simple nostalgia trip. “It’s got to be bulletproof and enjoyable in its own right. I just hope people think we’ve done ‘Ideal’ justice.” Vegas humorously added, “And, if it’s shit, it’s all Graham’s fault.”
“Ideal” tours from September 8 to October 11, beginning in Salford.
