pensman It is the 1970's and Danny Baker's (Laurie Kynaston) parents are thoroughly estate people. In the states we would say to be nice they live in subsidized housing or to be a bit unkind, they live in public housing. His dad Fred (Peter Kay) is a bit of a wheeler dealer (not a thief but not one to pass up a good deal even if it might skirt the law) and one of the boys; his mom Bet (Lucy Speed) longs for a more regular and "moving up" life. Frequently it is dad's down to earth quality that saves the situation. Or exacerbates it but general with "good" consequences, not always but . . . . The series has some of the characteristics of a picaresque novel as Fred (Spud) relies on his wits to move along, has a tough time holding on to a job, and while in the later episodes there is a story arc (making sure the daughter has a nice wedding), by and large the adventures—especially of Danny —are incidents from his life growing up South London and are meant to amuse. Danny and his friends get in and out or trouble with usual high spirits, but on occasion a consequence can be serious: one such ends up with the death of a mate (friend). I know, this doesn't sound like a comedy but it is. When Danny goes to a show with his sister and her boyfriend, he is looking forward to it as the cast (Hair) has nude scenes. But when the dancers go offstage (completely nude), and Danny gets hit on the cheek by a loose penis, I just about fell off the chair laughing. And watching Fred and the other dock workers try to outwit the new breed of dock security workers before the docks begin to shut down is bittersweet as they try to liberate some sherry but confuse sherry with sherry vinaigrette. While Danny might not be a fan of school, he is a fan of the "future studies" class taught by the smoking hot Miss Blondel which sets up a conflict of choices between football (soccer) and the possibility of being in the photography darkroom with Miss Blondel. And when you find out how Teddy Arsewhole got his nickname, you will be laughing so hard you will be in tears.What we have is a nostalgic look at a time (not unlike any cultural/economic shift) when manual jobs were being lost; and the incursions of newer technology (VCR's for example) had not yet had a major impact. You don't have to be British to enjoy this series but some of the thicker accents could make an American wish for subtitles in English. Regardless, it's a great show in the vein as "Moone Boy," The IT Crowd," or "Spy" (Darren Boyd). If you get a chance to see it then be sure to catch it. Currently running on Acorn TV. And the soundtrack is beyond great.I understand a second series has been commissioned; but this really works as a one off.

carolinetaylor-34554 I thought this series was superb - enjoyed the nostalgia of the 70's clothes, decor and lifestyles. Each episode is a story in it's own right but would recommend watching the whole series so you can follow the story lines that go throughout the series too. Each of the main actors are fantastic but I particularly loved Laurie Kynaston - playing a naive teenager! I have not read Danny Baker's book but am tempted to do so after seeing this series. Always a fan of Peter Kay - has he ever done anything bad?? Another plus is the music throughout - especially Squeeze's theme tune. Will miss it now that it has finished but do hope there will be a second series!

tiger-nation I'd been looking forward to "Cradle to Grave" since I heard it was in production. I haven't ready Danny Baker's book "Going to Sea in a Sieve" but I had heard several media interviews where Baker told some of his tales and they sounded fantastic (two of the best feature in episode 1).The show didn't disappoint. It's fantastic looking recreating seventies London. The theme song and the score are outstanding too. Each episode has been funny, well paced, established characters quickly and told great tales.The casting is also a triumph. Lucy Speed is tremendous as Danny's Mum, Laurie Kynaston makes an excellent Danny and Peter Kay is outstanding as Danny's Dad "Spud". I'm not a big fan of Kay himself but he is a really good character actor as proved many times and once you've got used to his cockney accent - he's brilliant in this. Without spoiling, some scenes are poignant and Kay particularly shines there.I'm not sure this has longevity as a series but as six, maybe twelve episodes, it will really make a mark as a comedy of very high standard.

jan-24626 Had heard the poor reviews, particularly in relation to his accent, but thought I'd give it a go. I forget when the series started so watched episode 2 first, but have since caught up with episode 1 and I love it! Despite the accent he's still very much Peter Kay but perhaps the people who don't like it haven't cottoned on that he didn't write this one. It's about Danny Baker (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Baker) growing up in the 70's and he wrote it with Jeff Pope (Philomena, Mrs Biggs, Cilla, Appropriate Adult) who was born in 1959 so knows the 1970's well, as do I. I find it very entertaining, lots of laugh out loud moments, and comfortably nostalgic. For me this is also new territory. I haven't read either of Danny Baker's autobiographies and, as in real life anecdotes are subject to poetic licence, but I shall stick with it. Well done to all involved!