Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt with Smoggie Queens, the hilarious new BBC Three sitcom about a group of LGBTQ+ friends living it up in Middlesbrough. Created by and starring the uproariously funny Phil Dunning, this drag queen comedy delivers big laughs and even bigger heart.
Meet the Fabulous Smoggie Queens
At the center of Smoggie Queens is Dickie, a loud and proud drag queen played to perfection by Phil Dunning. Dickie may have a foul mouth, but he’s got a heart of gold. His tight-knit friend group includes:
- Drag “Mam” played by Mark Benton
- Sassy gal pal Lucinda portrayed by Alexandra Mardell
- Lager-loving Sal brought to life by Patsy Lowe
- Newcomer Stewart, a role for rising star Elijah Young
Together, this fierce and funny fivesome navigates the ups and downs of life, love, and the drag scene in Middlesbrough. From relationship drama to outrageous escapades, each 30-minute episode is jam-packed with witty one-liners, slapstick shenanigans, and heartfelt moments that will have you cackling one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.
Laughter, Tears, and Tender Queer Representation
What makes Smoggie Queens so special is the way it balances non-stop hilarity with authentic, moving portrayals of queer friendship and resilience. In the premiere episode, Dickie gets dumped by his boyfriend, leading to equal parts raunchy jokes and touching heart-to-hearts with his ride-or-die besties.
Smoggie Queens shows the power of chosen family and being there for each other through thick and thin. It’s not just about the laughs, it’s about the love.
– BBC Three executive producer Allison Brown
Amid the kiki-ing and boozy banter, Smoggie Queens offers a refreshingly real, raw look at LGBTQ+ life in a small British city. It embraces the fabulousness of drag culture while never shying away from the struggles the characters face in their quests for self-acceptance, romance, and chasing their dreams.
Middlesbrough’s Finest in Front of and Behind the Camera
It’s not just the characters of Smoggie Queens that keep it real – the show boasts genuine Middlesbrough talent on screen and behind the scenes. Star and creator Phil Dunning is Smoggie born and bred, as are many of the cast and crew.
We’re showing different walks of life and the diversity of Middlesbrough. It’s groundbreaking to see local, queer stories like this on national television.
– Phil Dunning, creator and star of Smoggie Queens
The series is a love letter to Middlesbrough’s vibrant drag scene and close-knit LGBTQ+ community. By putting authentic hometown voices at the forefront, Smoggie Queens sparkles with a sense of joyful defiance, resilience, and unstoppable Northern pride.
Smoggie Queens Is the Comedy We Need Right Now
In a TV landscape dominated by heavy dramas and cynical cringe comedies, Smoggie Queens is a blast of fresh air. It’s a celebration of friendship, laughter, and being true to yourself no matter what obstacles life throws your way.
So swap your slippers for stilettos and get ready to fall head-over-heels for this gag-worthy gaggle of Middlesbrough drag queen BFFs. With episode titles like “Drag Me to the Club,” “Glitter Bomb,” and “Wig Snatch Eleganza,” you know you’re in for a wild, shade-filled ride.
Trust us, Smoggie Queens is about to storm the streaming charts and spill the tea on your new favorite show. Cheers queers, and don’t miss this unforgettable, un-flappable comedy – now streaming on BBC Three!
