Have You Been Watching...? Nolly

 

Once upon a time, in the history of British TV, there once existed a cheaply made (but insanely popular) soap opera set in a Motel in Birmingham. “Crossroads”, as it was called, ran from 1964-1988. It was so cheaply made, it inspired the Victoria Wood spoof serial “Acorn Antiques”. One of the main draws of the series was its lead actress, Noele “Nolly” Gordon, who portrayed the formidable Motel owner Meg Mortimer (or Richardson, or Ryder, depending on when you watched it).

Noele is a name most might not recognise, but in the days of Crossroads, there would have been very few who didn’t know who she was. Noele was the first woman on Colour TV during transmissions by John Logie Baird. She was also an accomplished TV presenter, having her own show and being the first woman to interview a Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan. The part of Meg in Crossroads was apparently written with Noele in mind for it, and she was so popular, she won the TV Times “Most Popular Actress” award a staggering 8 times.

Writer Russell T Davies (It’s a Sin, Dr Who, Queer As Folk, Years & Years) writes this 3 part mini-series which takes place in the later years of Noele’s life (although there are flashbacks to younger days). Noele is brought to colourful life by Helena Bonham-Carter. The decision to base this drama in this part of Noele’s life is a masterstroke, seeing her deal with the biggest crisis of her career. The drama paints Noele as a kind, caring and relatable lead actress, caring for and loved by her fellow cast and crew. In 1981, Noele is unceremoniously sacked from Crossroads after 17 years. As she tries to find out why, her friends and co-stars rally around to make sense of it all. Antonia Benarth plays Noele’s screen daughter Jane Rossington (Jill Richardson/Harvey/Chance in Crossroads), and Augustus Prew plays Tony Adams (Adam Chance in Crossroads) who totally steals the show for me. He’s wonderful to watch and totally devoted to his Noele “Miss Gordon” and their friendship is one the most touching and endearing aspects of the programme. Con O’Neill (Chernobyl, Our Flag Means Death) plays Jack Barton, who brings about Noele’s downfall. Honorable mention must go to Mark Gatiss, who brilliantly plays 80's icon of light entertainment Larry Grayson.

My only exposure to Crossroads was the short lived 2003 revival. However, my interest in TV meant I had an idea who most of the players were. I knew OF Noele Gordon and the fact she had been dismissed. My Grannie loved Crossroads when I was little. Most of this drama was new to me.

Helena Bonham-Carter is magnificent as Nolly. I don’t think there’s any other words for it. She portrays Noele as cheeky, tender and genuine, and with a hint of melancholy. If the real Nolly was half the person Helena plays her as, I think she’d have been an amazing woman. Russell T Davies provides us with a script that is tragic, hilarious, down-to-earth and utterly engrossing. I binged the series over 3 nights, I would’ve watched it all in one go if I hadn’t controlled myself. Another truly brilliant show from the mighty RTD.

Production-wise, it’s top notch. Right down to the recreation of the sets and the re-filmed “segments” as they’d have appeared on screen. The show really is an enjoyable experience and if you do delve into it, don’t take your eyes off it. Especially towards the end. If you are a fan of the original Crossroads, you will know what I mean. This is definitely worth investing your time in.

 

Year – 2023

Seasons – 1

Episodes – 3

Availability – currently streaming on ITVx