Staged (2020)

In a bespoke sketch from the cast of the hit series Staged, David Tennant and Michael Sheen give us a hysterical historical take on their lockdown series, with a guest appearance from Sir Lenny Henry.

Happy New Year from the Harbingers of Doom, aka, David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

The Staged special features not only mistakes and outtakes but it also shows how the show itself was found. From experiments in how to film the show to playing with the idea of who and what the characters would be.

Two great actors were due to put on a play in the West End before the show was put on hiatus due to the pandemic. The director is worried that his big break is about to pass him by so tries to convince his doubtful cast to carry on online.

With rehearsals due to begin, director Simon goes missing. Michael and David embrace the opportunity to skive off from their duties, but one of them gets caught breaking the law. Georgia is due to deliver her novel to her agent and asks David to stand in and help with the kids.

An actor who was initially involved in the play, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, comes back to haunt the production. Georgia has sold her novel, and tells Anna that she's due to be a birthing partner for her friend. Michael is being blackmailed by his neighbour.

Michael and David are finding it hard to regain each other's trust. The show's producer steps in to try and repair the damage. Meanwhile Michael gets drawn deeper into the situation with his neighbour. David is nervous about Georgia going off to help a friend who's in labour.

Simon brings in an old friend to try to convince David and Michael to put their faith in him. David has managed to stay afloat in Georgia's absence. Not only has he kept the house in order and the home-schooling ticking over, but he's finished a draft of his screenplay. Michael spies an ambulance next door and worries about his neighbour.

The producer drafts in the voice of experience to get Michael and David in line. Georgia has shared David's work without him knowing. Michael seeks resolution on what has happened to his neighbour. David is pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic response his work receives.

Whilst appearing on a chat show discussing a year in lockdown Michael and David are pained to discover someone they respect is not a fan of their work.

After discovering the plan, David and Michael are dismayed to learn who will be carrying on without them. They are also upset to find out how well Simon is doing without them.

David and Michael spot an opportunity to sabotage the show. David is deflated to discover how people feel about him, while Michael is overjoyed to discover how people feel about him.

There is fallout from how David and Michael have behaved. They try to establish who has more value. Georgia, Anna and Lucy discuss a charity evening that they are due to perform at.

The boys are butting heads, not helped by having to read with various new potential cast members.

The project is in danger. Simon tries to get David and Michael to work together, but it ultimately falls to a final pair of potential cast members to offer a new perspective.

David and Michael discover that the studio has now cast two actors. When they discover who has been cast both men are upset as they each have a history with the actor taking their place, one known and one unknown.

Accepting their fate David and Michael prepare to finally leave their homes. David is finally due to go back to work, Michael thinks he finally has a route to New York. The girls perform their charity sketch.

Michael and David don't want to talk to Simon, but he doesn't give up.

The gang prepares to announce their new endeavour. Surely nothing can stand in their way?

Sifting through the rubble of what might have been, they try to pin-point what went wrong.

With the project paused, David and Michael decide to try and break the standstill.

With the gang reinvigorated, a plan is suggested which could turn failure into glory.

The final send-off is upset by betrayal almost at once. But is there still a way through?