Takin' Over the Asylum
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| Takin' Over the Asylum | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama |
| Creator(s) | Donna Franceschild |
| Starring | Ken Stott David Tennant |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | BBC Scotland |
| Running time | 50mins |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | BBC Two |
| Original run | 27 September 1994 – 1 November 1994 |
Takin' Over the Asylum was a six part BBC Scotland television drama about a hospital radio station in a Glasgow psychiatric hospital. It was written by Donna Franceschild, produced by Chris Parr and directed by David Blair.
The station is developed by alcoholic double glazing salesperson Eddie McKenna (Ken Stott), who is an aspiring DJ. At St. Jude's Hospital, he meets a range of people with varying mental illnesses:
- Campbell (David Tennant) - a young, enthusiastic contributor to the station, who is a manic depressive.
- Francine (Katy Murphy)
- Fergus Angus Macfadyen
- Rosalie Ruth McCabe - obsessive-compulsive disorder for cleanliness
The show uses many Beatles songs in both its soundtrack and episode titles. The name of the hospital, for example, initiates the use of "Hey Jude", and each episode concluded with a cover of a Beatles song by a Scottish band playing over the credits. This usage makes the prospect of a DVD release without an edited soundtrack unlikely.
[edit] Episodes
- Hey Jude
- Fly Like an Eagle
- You Always Hurt the One You Love
- Fool on the Hill
- Rainy Night in Georgia
- Let it Be
[edit] Awards
The show won the BAFTA award for Best Serial, RTS Award for Best Writer, Mental Health in the Media Award and the Scottish BAFTA for Best Serial.
[edit] External links
- Takin' Over the Asylum at the Internet Movie Database
- Takin' Over the Asylum at the Ken Stott Appreciation Site
