The Stage

Gatiss pens cursed house drama for BBC

Published Friday 3 October 2008 at 13:05 by Matthew Hemley

Exclusive: League of Gentlemen actor Mark Gatiss has scripted a drama for the BBC about a house that is cursed because it is made from the wood of old gallows.

Called Crooked House, the programme is expected to be broadcast on BBC4 over Christmas.

The Vicar of Dibley production company Tiger Aspect will make the drama, which Gatiss will co-produce.

Tiger Aspect previously worked with Gatiss on BBC4’s The Worst Journey in the World, which Gatiss both wrote and appeared in and which told the story of Apsley Cherry-Garrard’s epic hunt for penguin eggs during Captain Scott’s polar expedition of 1910-1913. Its director was Damon Thomas, who is also at the helm of Crooked House.

Details of the plot for Gatiss’ latest drama have not yet been revealed, but it is understood it will focus on the people who live in the house over the years and the effect the curse has on them.

A BBC spokeswoman confirmed the drama was in production but declined to reveal more information. Casting has not yet been announced, but it is understood that Green Wing actor Julian Rhind-Tutt may feature in it.

As a writer, Gatiss’ other credits include Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) and Doctor Who, in which he has also appeared.

Gatiss is currently working with Julia Davis on a new comedy for production company Red Planet Pictures, which is run by EastEnders’ former chief scriptwriter Tony Jordan. Gatiss and Davis’ project will mark Red Planet’s first foray into comedy.