InNeil Gaiman’sGood Omens,David TennantandMichael Sheenplay the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale who decide to team up in order to prevent a swiftly approaching Armageddon. The show’s initial season is based on the 1990 book of the same title written by Gaiman and the lateTerry Pratchett. The show was an instant hit with fans who praised the compelling story and the immense chemistry between the leads. The show has beenrenewed for a third and final seasonwith Tennant and Sheen returning. But if you just can’t wait any longer for a dose ofGood Omensmagic, then it may be time to watch another equally fantastic Tennant and Sheen team-up.Stagedis a BBC comedy series that ran for three seasons with the fan-favorite starring opposite each other once more.
David Tennant and Michael Sheen star as two actors whose West End play has been put on hold due to Covid-19, but whose director has persuaded them to carry on rehearsing online.
‘Staged’ Provides a Comedic Take on Pandemic Zoom Interactions
The show’s first season is both set and filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it details the effects of the UK’s initial lockdown on its stars. Tennant, Sheen and the wider cast are shown to communicate largely through video conferencing technology (or Zoom) throughout the show, where they appear as fictionalized versions of themselves. Situated in their real-life homes, the pair are initially brought together by their director Simon (played by the real lifeStagedwriter and directorSimon Evans). Simon wishes tocontinue rehearsals for a now-delayed play that the pair were meant to starin before the pandemic.
The show expands outwards from this initial premise, eventually incorporating fictionalized versions of both Tennant’s and Sheen’s real life partners,Georgia TennantandAnna Lundberg. Over the three seasons, the story evolves to encapsulate the career struggles of its stars as they attempt to complete and adapt various acting projects whilst dealing with Simon’s directorial failings. Despite this potentially self-indulgent premise,Stagedmanages to remain down to earth and believable throughout,resulting in a highly original and entertaining watch.
As the real-world lockdown is gradually lifted, an increasing number of scenes are filmed away from the video call setup. By the end of Season 2, this signifies a return to “normal” both in the show and in real life. As such, the cast is able to explore the impact of this highly unprecedented period of time as the show develops. In Season 3, this leads to an increasingly unpredictable storyline that takes the show’s fourth wall breaks and toying with what’s ‘real’ to a whole new level, resemblingThe Officeat times with a mockumentary twist. TheStageddecided to concluded the show with its third season, a finality which is mimicked within the plot of the last episodes.
A Self-Aware Cast Enliven This Hilarious Spin On Reality
Tennant and Sheen manage to present a pseudo-real take on their own acting careers throughout, becoming caricatures of their recognizable personalities. Sheen becomes an irritable, passionate Welshman over the course of the lockdown, with his fully grown hair and beard. Tennant gradually asserts himself as a clingy and temperamental figure who is shown to be dependent on the production capabilities of his wife, Georgia.This self-deprecating style embraces the egotistical nature of celebrity status, whilst allowing the show to remain grounded and relatable with every episode.
Stagedalso benefits from numerous expertly handled celebrity cameos. Sometimes these stars appear as themselves, likeJudi DenchandSamuel L. Jackson, albeit as exaggerated versions of their celebrity personas. Perhaps even more hilariously, several stars appear in supporting roles, such asWhoopi Goldbergwho briefly plays film agent Mary in Season 2, orBen Schwartzwho appears as a hilariously hopeless assistant. These cameos are deftly handled so that they fall naturally into the rhythm of the show, where it is always a treat to see such familiar faces performing through the medium of video conference technology.
The Show Is A Feat Of Technological Innovation & Emotional Sincerity
Despite its setting, the show isn’t too pandemic-heavy. Its focus is more on the digital communication side of the lockdown and the barriers and frustrations that this period of time presented. Its initial season relies almost entirely on digital devices, showcasing a real creative and technical accomplishment achieved atthe height of a global pandemic. A final episode of bloopers and outtakes included at the end of Season 3 highlights the difficulties of the show’s production, where filming is shown to take place despite connectivity and uploading difficulties, in addition to the trials of working in and around a busy family home.
Michael Sheen Has Played a Vampire, But His Werewolf Role Remains His Most Memorable
He’s played angels and vampires, but Michael Sheen’s best fantasy role is undoubtedly his time as a werewolf.
Most prominently,Stagedis about the emotional journeys and career dilemmas of its stars, where the glue is always the chemistry sustained between Tennant and Sheen. The pair excel as a comedic double act throughout, bantering and arguing their way through dozens of partially scripted episodes. Like millions of others during the UK lockdown, the stars are shown to be grouchy, restless and bad-tempered, where this only exacerbates the difficulties of play rehearsals. But the pair are also shown to have an enduring friendship, a feature of the show which draws on the real-life comradery between Tennant and Sheen. Their chemistry, combined with frequent bouts of dark humor and a twisting storyline, makesStagedthe perfect watch forfans of the Crowley and Aziraphale double act. Overall,Stagedis a genuinely entertaining and witty feat of television punctuated by sharp edits and clever meta-textual details. As such, itis certainly the one to watch in order to satiate your appetite in the lead up toGood OmensSeason 3.
