Liverpool has a rich and vibrant culture, known for its humor and tenacity. While the city has been portrayed in various dramas, a new comedy series called G’wed aims to celebrate the lighter side of Liverpool’s youth. This honest and uplifting show provides a heartwarming portrayal of the lives of working-class teenagers from the city. With a talented cast, including Leanne Best, Louis Emerick, and Sunetra Sarker, G’wed promises to be an authentic and comedic depiction of the challenges and triumphs faced by young individuals today.
Series Synopsis
G’wed is set in Liverpool, offering an evocative glimpse into the lives of young working-class kids in the city. The series tackles big issues such as grief, sex, diversity, and class differences, all while approaching them with a refreshing comedic perspective. The show follows the story of Reece, the charismatic and cheeky anti-hero, who surprises everyone with his mature take on life’s challenges. Reece finds himself on his last warning with the Headteacher, but is given a lifeline when a new student named Christopher, a middle-class Southerner, unexpectedly joins the school. Reece takes it upon himself to “take care” of the new boy, leading to unexpected friendships and hilarious adventures.
The Lead Cast
G’wed boasts a talented cast who bring the characters to life, showcasing their unique personalities and dynamic relationships.
Dylan Thomas-Smith as Reece
Reece is the cheeky and likeable protagonist of the series. Dylan Thomas-Smith, who portrays Reece, relates to the character’s mischievous nature, drawing from his own experiences in school. He describes Reece as a cheeky little chappy who loves to flirt with the girls. Dylan found the script captivating and fell in love with the idea of a show set in a school. Working with Leanne Best, who plays his on-screen mother, was a joy for Dylan. Leanne made him feel like she was his real mum, providing support and guidance both on and off set.
Jake Kenny-Byrne as Christopher
Christopher, the new pupil at the school, initially appears shy and socially awkward due to the recent loss of his mother. Jake Kenny-Byrne, who portrays Christopher, had a chemistry read with Dylan during the auditions, and their connection was palpable. As the series progresses, Christopher and Reece realize they have more in common than they initially thought. Jake found the exploration of grief and the contrast between touching moments and ridiculous humor to be a unique aspect of the show. Reflecting on his own school days, Jake appreciated how G’wed captures the quick-changing dynamics and intense friendships that often characterize the teenage experience.
Max Ainsworth as Connor
Connor is an inquisitive character who approaches life with curiosity and a lack of filter. Max Ainsworth, who plays Connor, describes his character as someone who enjoys finding things out without considering boundaries. Max believes that G’wed successfully represents the Scouse culture and offers an authentic portrayal of Liverpool. He feels that the series breaks away from stereotypes and showcases the city in a true and relatable light.
Dominic Murphy as Ted
Ted is the only gay character in the friendship group, and his experiences navigating his sexuality form an important aspect of the series. Dominic Murphy, who portrays Ted, describes his character as a sheep in wolf’s clothing, with a good heart but a guarded nature. Dominic appreciates the authenticity of G’wed, particularly in capturing the dynamics of school life and the strong bonds formed between friends. He believes that the show’s representation of Liverpool and its friendships is genuine and relatable.
Zak Douglas as Mo
Mo is a cheeky and typical teenage boy with questionable tactics when it comes to his love life. Zak Douglas, who plays Mo, found the role significant and auditioned for it enthusiastically. He loves how G’wed captures the raw and unfiltered conversations that occur among teenagers. The show reflects the reality of teenage life, where intentions might be good, but actions can often be misguided. Zak also enjoyed the camaraderie among the cast, particularly the hilarious moments shared during group scenes.
Amber Harrison as Aimee
Aimee is a feisty character who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Amber Harrison, who portrays Aimee, admires her character’s confidence and sense of humor. Working with the well-known actors in the show, Amber found the experience both enjoyable and a learning opportunity. The younger cast bonded well, and Amber developed close friendships with her co-stars, creating a fun and supportive environment on set.
Gemma Barraclough as Mia Louise
Mia Louise is Aimee’s best friend, characterized by her unapologetic and confident nature. Gemma Barraclough, who plays Mia Louise, appreciates how the script accurately portrays the characters. Gemma identifies with the personalities of both Mia Louise and Reece, having known similar individuals during her own school days. She believes that G’wed breaks away from common stereotypes often associated with Liverpool and showcases a different side of the city through its comedy.
Leanne Best as Jodie
Leanne Best portrays Jodie, Reece’s devoted and robust mother. Jodie is fiercely protective of her son and has a close relationship with him. Leanne was excited to be part of a comedy set in Liverpool, celebrating the humor and joy of the city. She found the script captivating and was drawn to the opportunity to work with a predominantly young cast. Leanne describes Jodie as a matriarch figure, unafraid to give her son a clip around the ear when necessary. Working with Dylan Thomas-Smith, who plays Reece, was a delightful experience for Leanne, as they developed a strong bond on and off set.
Filming in Liverpool
Filming G’wed in Liverpool was a special experience for the cast and crew. The city holds a unique place in their hearts, and being able to work in their hometown added an extra layer of authenticity to the show. The familiar surroundings and connections with local crew members enhanced the collective effort and made the job more comfortable for everyone involved. The cast and crew appreciated the opportunity to showcase Liverpool’s culture and humor in a genuine way, breaking away from common stereotypes associated with the city.
The Comedy in G’wed
G’wed strikes a balance between comedy and exploring serious themes. The show acknowledges the challenges faced by its characters, including grief, poverty, and cultural differences. However, it consistently undercuts these moments with humor, reflecting the characters’ resilience and ability to find laughter even in difficult situations. The comedic aspects of the show arise from the witty banter and camaraderie among the characters. The quick-witted nature of the young cast adds an extra layer of authenticity to the comedy, making it relatable and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
Representation in G’wed
G’wed stands out for its authentic representation of different communities. The show goes beyond traditional stereotypes and portrays characters as multifaceted individuals with their own unique stories. For example, Ted, the gay character in the friendship group, is also depicted as the toughest member, someone the others rely on when they’re in trouble. Mo, who comes from a Muslim background, is not necessarily practicing, further debunking stereotypes. G’wed showcases the genuine experiences of these characters, highlighting their mistakes, growth, and the complexities of their lives.
The Impact of G’wed
G’wed aims to resonate with a wide audience, capturing the hearts of both younger and older viewers. Younger audiences will see themselves reflected in the characters and their experiences, providing a relatable and entertaining viewing experience. Older audiences will appreciate the nostalgia and joy that comes from watching young individuals navigate the challenges of teenage life. The show acts as a love letter to Liverpool, emphasizing the optimism, resilience, and vibrant nature of the city’s youth. The talented young cast, who give their all to their roles, deserve recognition and the opportunity to continue their journey in future seasons.
G’wed is a comedy series that celebrates the lives of working-class teenagers in Liverpool. With its authentic portrayal of characters and their experiences, the show captures the essence of the city’s youth. G’wed explores important themes such as grief, diversity, and class differences, all while maintaining a refreshing comedic perspective. The talented cast, including Dylan Thomas-Smith, Jake Kenny-Byrne, Max Ainsworth, Dominic Murphy, Zak Douglas, Amber Harrison, Gemma Barraclough, and Leanne Best, bring the characters to life with their exceptional performances. Filming in Liverpool adds an extra layer of authenticity to the show, creating a genuine and relatable experience for audiences. G’wed is a must-watch for anyone looking for a heartwarming and humorous portrayal of teenage life in Liverpool.