one summer
one summer
A fan site dedicated to the 5 part TV series produced by Yorkshire Television for Channel 4, broadcast in 1983
Written by Willy Russell
Directed by Gordon Flemyng
Produced by Keith Richardson
Starring David Morrissey, Spencer Leigh & James Hazeldine
A fan site dedicated to the 5 part TV series produced by Yorkshire Television for Channel 4, broadcast in 1983
Written by Willy Russell
Directed by Gordon Flemyng
Produced by Keith Richardson
Starring David Morrissey, Spencer Leigh & James Hazeldine
about this site
This site celebrates the powerful drama One Summer, about two troubled Liverpool lads who escape in pursuit of a distant idyllic memory of a school trip to Wales, and the reclusive Kidder who befriends them.
Produced by Yorkshire television in 1983 to great acclaim, but also controversy, it had a huge impact on a generation of UK teens, and almost 40 years later is still seared into the memories of many of those that saw it.
Written by influential Liverpudlian playwright Willy Russell, and starring newcomers David Morrissey and Spencer Leigh, the series developed a cult following, despite a major controversy leading to the series being virtually unseen following its original broadcast. After years of lobbying, the series was finally released in 2005 on DVD, and now in 2020 is available on Blu-ray.
This website is currently under construction, and the original version, which includes much more extensive information is still available at one-summer.tv83.net
dedication and thanks
Dedicated to the memory of James Hazeldine, and with enormous thanks to David Morrissey, Spencer Leigh and Keith Richardson for sharing their memories, memorabilia and continued support.
blu-ray release
Network who produced the excellent and long dreamt of DVD release in 2005, have announced a completely remastered HD Blu-ray, produced from the original film elements.
Currently the Blu-ray can only be ordered directly for the neworkonair website.
In 2002 the original One Summer website was created, and over nearly 2 decade fans recorded their memories of the show
graeme mercer on August 31st 2017
remember watching one summer when I was 13 when it aired on tv thought it was fantastic was over joyed when I found it online brought back a lot of good memories spencer leigh as icky had all the great lines Most memorable moment: on the train to wales Favourite character: icky From: scotland
mark on August 23rd 2017
I watched this in 1983 on tv I was 15 at the time always stuck with me got the dvd as soon as I knew it was available dvd must be near worn out with watching it amazing shame the type stuff isn’t made today Most memorable moment: tractor chase Favourite character: billy From: scotland
Tim on November 20th 2016
I remember watching this on Channel 4 when it was broadcast in 1983. I was 23 years old then but the program was seared into my memory. All 5 episodes are now available on youtube, which is great. Most memorable moment: Icky singinging House of Fun by Madness, and Billy’s Mum leaving some money in …
Andy J on May 5th 2016
An absolute classic piece of writing.. The whole cast are fantastic and it hits on some very hard hitting topics in 80’s Britain. Watched the DVD from start to finish in one evening… Most memorable moment: Stealing the plates Favourite character: Kidder From: Warwickshire
andy on August 22nd 2015
30+ years. no please no. Most memorable moment: Billy not objecting to policeman who gets jo to go home to her mum, then sits with Icky and thinks that it was allright. Favourite character: Billy From: worcestershire
Tara on August 20th 2015
first saw this aged 12 with friends while skiving pe at school! Very emotional drama, beautifully scripted, well written and perfectly performed. Years later bought the dvd as an adult. Yesterday played it to my 16 year old daughter who appears to have become as engrossed in it as I did as a kid! Surviving …
Jon on August 9th 2015
32 years on, I will be watching the series over the coming weeks just as I did on Channel 4 all those years ago! Even though One Summer was drama that dealt with difficult social issues, as well as prejudice and the possibility of betrayal by knowing each others secrets, there was nevertheless a theme …
nik on June 17th 2015
i remember watching this series when it was first televised i was 13 i cried when the series finished.i am now 45 and have just bought it on dvd i cant wait to watch it again with my wife who hasn’t seen it.this series has stuck with me my whole life since watching it, it …
Ian C. Matthe on February 6th 2015
This series sticks in my head as it made an impression even at a young age. This along with Kizzy and Auf Wiedersehen Pet was an important and even cherished part of my childhood and pre-adolescence. terrific acting, a strong gritty story backed by a tenderness not often matched. Truly recommended viewing. Most memorable moment: …
Moz on January 21st 2015
One of my favourite shows of all time, along with …Blackstuff, Scully, and Johnny Jarvis. Repeated viewings haven’t reduced its quality. Most memorable moment: Doing Wally for cigs and the train to Wales. The music is ingrained in my psyche. Favourite character: Icky I think. From: Burnley
Jon on August 8th 2014
31 years ago! Timeless characters, great drama, the innocence of youth, the clash of opposing lifestyles. Most memorable moment: The ending really got me, seeing Billy being driven away in the Police car and hearing the theme music. Favourite character: Every character in the series was brilliant and deliberately flawed in some way… From: Hull
chris robey on June 4th 2014
.Just brilliant !great street and country scenes, heart felt innocents, torn emotions,desperation, violence, bonding, One summer has the lot,watching 30 years on makes it even more heart felt…………….. Most memorable moment: Im Kidder, thats a stupid name,is it? whats your name? Ikcy Favourite character: Billy,Icky,Kidder From: tamworth
Kev on December 30th 2013
WOW….I remember watching this when I was 12 years old, every Friday night round my mates house. Chips and Curry sauce from the local Chinese and as many bags of Golden Wonder Crisps we could carry. Takes me back. Going to try and get the DVD but just stayed up all night watching the entire …
Tony Lally on April 8th 2013
remember this show vividly from when i was at school. It was groundbreaking stuff. I rewatch it often still and i find it as funny, sad, harrowing and utterly compelling as when i first watched it. All the actors in this show deserve all the plaudits that they have received over the years. My only …
gary weightman on December 28th 2012
this series is so vivid to me, as teenagers from liverpool all my mates used to go camping in wales every summer. (it was like the law) can see where willy russell got the idea. i didnt go while at school (lack of funds) the first summer after leaving school me and a mate set …
adrian walton on August 28th 2012
just come back from wales and we have taken photos of different scenes – stealing plates and the stolen tractor scenes 10/10 locations i am a big fan of one summer watched it from the first release back in 83 fantastic i would love to read book Most memorable moment: all of it from beg …
Carl Myers on August 26th 2012
Timeless classic – love it as much today as I did in my youth. Am so glad, and grateful, that this website is still runing.. I can say honestly that nothing delivers my heart back to the days of my youth like watching this drama. More than a TV show this has left and indelible …
Howard on August 17th 2012
First found this website about ten years ago. In fact I found the locations of George’s house and the Waiting at the Bustop scene (New Locations). Not watched the DVD for years but put it on last night and had to watch it from start to finish. It gets better and more poignant with time. …
Jon on August 5th 2012
It’s the 29th anniversary of the first episode broadcast !!! Fabulous story, superbly acted and directed. Hope a blu-ray will be released in time for the 30th anniversary. Love the One Summer website !!! Favourite character: Billy & Icky From: Hull
janice on January 6th 2012
loved this when it was on tv when i was 15 ( and had a secret crush on david morrisey was so happy when i finally got it on dvd last year and even my 2 teenage children sat and watched it! brought back so many memories of my teenage years. Most memorable moment: billy …
John-Barry Hughes on October 27th 2011
I spent last night in bed in sheer bliss, watching the first three episodes of One Summer. Have loved the show since it first broadcast in 1983. Mesmeric acting from all involved!!!!! Most memorable moment: Meeting Kidder and calling him Kermit the Hermit!!!! Favourite character: Billy From: Buckley Flintshire,North Wales
Richard Donnerstag on September 24th 2011
Fantastic. What memories. I was 14 and had never watched anything like One Summer before. I’ve not seen much as good since. The feelings that this site stir up are strong. I hope that watching the dvd will make me feel the same way I did in ’83; but I’m 28 years older now!! Most …
Fiona on July 24th 2011
This programme has lived with me ever since I saw it on TV when it was first aired. I just remember being completely absorbed by it and engaging completely with the two main characters. The writing, acting and directing were all amazing and I have always cited it as one of my top 5 TV …
Gav on June 23rd 2011
This unique drama was the talk of the school in 1984, but only amongst a select few who ‘got it’ while others listened in to the quoting and re-enacting of various scenes somewhat puzzled – that summer fake Scouse accents prevailed across the playing fields and class rooms, and we all wanted a Welsh runaway …
Iggy69 on March 30th 2011
As a 14 year old from a rural community watching on a grainy black and white portable this totally blew my mind. It has stayed with me ever since (pushing thirty years now) and I can still remember the feelings the storyline, the music and the performances invoked. Ask nearly anyone who was a teenager …
ernest deVries on November 11th 2010
I saw the series on dutch tv , VPRO, soooo long ago but it never left me from what I remembered i went looking, here I am, 25 years later still remembering thismust have been something more than just a serieErnest Most memorable moment: the dutch flower truck in the end Favourite character: icky From: …
carl stephens on October 23rd 2010
I moved from Manchester to Surrey in 1984, I was 13. I can remember seeing One Summer around the same time and it blew me away, it was the first time a tv show really grabbed my attention.Anyway, none of my new friends got it, they couldn’t understand what it was about – I put …
MICHAEL BAKER on October 12th 2010
AN ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT SERIES. I WAS IN 7TH HEAVEN AFTER WATCHING IT AGAIN AFTER SO LONG. AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE, AND BROUGHT BACK SO MANY HAPPY MEMORIES OF THE EARLY 80s. Most memorable moment: FEEDING MARS BARS TO THE BIRDS Favourite character: LOVED ALL THE CHARACTERS From: STOCKTON-ON TEES
David Gibbons on September 6th 2010
I was 14 when I first saw this drama in 1983. It was just so fantastic, the best thing I have ever seen on television. It is hard to explain the feelings it left inside. The memory of those feelings are still tangible after 27 years (since transmission). Luckily, I saw the DVD on sale …
patrick on July 8th 2010
by far the best series i have ever seen……. it was shown on a Sunday night if i remember correctly….. a school night..lol… wasn’t supposed to watch it, i was supposed to record it and watch it the next day!! never! bedroom portables were made for television like this.. tried to watch clips on youtube…… …
Sam on June 8th 2010
Cant believe i have found this site, i thought i was the only one who remembered it! every time i see David Morrissey on tv i think of this series, it was brilliant, i was about 13 when i first watched it in my bedroom on the black and white portable tv and i have …
Adam Thomson on April 29th 2010
Without doubt the best tv drama ever made. From: Edinburgh
Alan Vella on April 19th 2010
This was a very special series for me and it has always been in my heart. I remember it used to be on late and I wasn’t supposed to be up as I had just started senior school. I loved it so much and being quite a sentimental young fool, it really had an impact …
Dan on January 18th 2010
When this series was put on TV I was about 14, living in Winsford in early 80s high unemployment, the town was full over liverpool folk from 60s 70s industrial moveout of Merseyside. I lived on a scruffy estate , all my mates were scousers and made fun of my manc accent. However, I love …
Darren Stokes on December 28th 2009
Watched this in 1983 when I was ten and was haunted ever since.26 years later I can still remember 70% of it.I have just watched the Network DVD and relived 100%.It remains the greatest TVprogram ever made, funny,gritty and real.I was really upset when Kidder got a beating as a kid.I showed my wife for …
Claes Göran Engström on November 22nd 2009
1983 I was an exchange student in Aberystwyth and fell in love with the series – line, hook and sinker. Though I’ve not seen it since then, it has kept a place in my memory. A funny thing was that some ten years later I met a liverpudlian guy in a bar in Copenhagen who …
rachel on October 16th 2009
I must have watched this when I was 12 and have never stopped thinking about it and wondering if it would ever be on the tv again. I have just ordered it from amazon – it had a profound effect on me as I was growing up and I need to see it again. From: …
Carly on September 30th 2009
I remember watching it with my parents on a Sunday, totally hooked and have decided to get the DVD for my 13 year old son to watch, as I know he will love it. Most memorable moment: Billy and Icky thinking they had found Jesus Favourite character: both the boys From: south wales
Sarah on August 5th 2009
Again, i’m another person who remembers its first airing in 1983. I was 11 years old. It stuck in my memory all those years, and i always asked people if they’d seen it. Now have it on dvd. I’m looking at it with fresh eyes and an adult perspective now, and it’s even more brilliant …
Paul Bell on July 19th 2009
R.I.P James Hazeldine (Kidder) . (taken to early).Went to my brother in laws and he had a DVD shelf and One Summer just stood out from all the discs he had. Not many things can drop you back into your childhood years, the old records or a place can but One summer just threw me …
Susan Shaw on April 17th 2009
I was 18 in the summer of 83, had just met one of my best friends ever (who came from Liverpool) and we were both gripped by the series. I was going to college so we were about to go separate ways and this was when we knew that instead of the end it was …
C Julien on January 29th 2009
I can’t believe it was 1983, I was only 16 and I still remember this show like it was yesterday, The following Monday after the show was on TV all the kids in my school would be talking about it. It’s one of those nostalgic monoliths from your best years as a child that stay …
Bob on December 29th 2008
To me ‘One Summer’ was and still is the most powerful drama to hit the screen (big or small). When we see so many repeats of other shows I have no idea why ‘One Summer’ was never repeated in Australia. I is pure emotion. Most memorable moment: Too many to mention Favourite character: Iky From: …
Michael Lonergan on December 16th 2008
I cant believe this site exists! I thought i was the only one that remembered the series, anyone i have ever spoken to about it cant recall the programme. The fact that i can now buy the DVD is brilliant. Thank you to whoever set this up. See, the internet isnt just for porn! Most …
Wayne on November 13th 2008
This was such a pivotal show for me. I was 15 when i first saw it and remember everyone at school talking about it next day. Willy Russel is a genius and this show had simply everything. As soon as i saw it was on dvd i bought it. Best purchase ever! Most memorable moment: …
wilf on November 2nd 2008
This show really struck a chord with me, as I was also 16 when it was aired, filled with teenage anxst & hormones!It was a ‘coming of age’ drama that screamed out ‘I’m no longer a child, but not yet a man!’, billy just yearns for a little love from his mother, without her smothering …
Gordon on October 16th 2008
I remember this so well, the first time that I saw a gay character portrayed in a positive way in a main stream series. It was bought up in my english class when I was 13, all the kids saw it, the teacher was a bit uncomfortable to discuss the issue further, but that was …
craig on September 19th 2008
from my dark memories of a turbulent time in my familys and liverpools history came a programme that us liverpool ‘yoof’ could relate to.we really felt as though someone ‘knew about us’ie mainstream television!!!!!! Most memorable moment: mars bar fed to bird Favourite character: ickie From: liverpool
sue on September 6th 2008
I was in HMV when I spotted the DVD of the series on the shelf I nearly died, this show has so many memories for me as a teenager and seeing Liverpool 25 years ago was strange. I have now watched the discs and brought memories back of it to a few friends who want …
Adam on July 4th 2008
Typed One Summer into google tonight,couldn’t believe all the info about the series. Obviously many share the same feelings as i did as a teenage lad watching the series.English to the bone,acting at its best.Chuffed to find there is a dvd available,can’t wait to reminise over a few beers Most memorable moment: Kermit the hermit, …
starring
David Morrissey was born in 1963 in Liverpool. He was attended the local Everyman Youth Theatre when cast as Billy in One Summer, and he celebrated his 18th birthday during filming.
Following the success of One Summer, David was accepted into RADA, later acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre for four years. He has since had a highly successful career on stage and screen in the UK and internationally as both an actor and director.
A native of Liverpool, Spencer Leigh also attended the Everyman Youth Theatre and later studied full time at a Liverpool Drama college. He was 19 when cast as Icky.
He appeared in a range of film and TV in the 1980s, most notably many films by avant-garde director Derek Jarman, including Caravaggio, The Last of England, Aria and The Garden. His TV appearances included the premiere episode of Inspector Morse.
In 1991 Spencer Leigh moved to the United States where he has worked in advertising and directing.
Born 4th April 1947, James Hazeldine died on 17th Dec 2002, aged 55. He was rehearsing for his role as Sigmund Freud in a new stage play, The Talking Cure, at the time.
Best know for playing Bayleaf in the firefighting drama London's Burning, a role he played continuously for seven years from 1988 to 1995. His other TV appearences included the popular sci-fi series The Omega Factor, and Chocky. James Hazeldine was also an accomplished and successful stage actor.
The blog on the original website is a time capsule of the efforts to get One Summer re-released, finally realized in 2006.
live streaming cast reunion 19th November 2020
Network Distributing and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres are proud to present One Summer to Remember A live streaming reunion with castmates of the 1983 TV series One Summer David Morrissey and Spencer Leigh hosted by writer, broadcaster and cultural historian Matthew Sweet Thursday 19th November 7:30pm (GMT) live streaming on Network’s YouTube channel + The Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres’ Twitter and Facebook pages To celebrate the HD …
bluray release and new website 2020
After almost 15 years since the DVD release, One Summer is getting a facelift, with the series remastered from original film elements, and re-released on Blu-ray by Network. To celebrate the release I’m rebuilding the website as it’s looking pretty dated these days. It will take me a while to migrate content over, but I’m …
Blog Post for 6th July 2006
A new detailed page on One Summer has been added to Willy Russell’s website, and is worth checking out: www.willyrussell.com/onesummer.html (It looks like the plan for a film version is still on!)
Blog Post for 4th June 2006
I’m aware that I haven’t updated the site for a while, and the odd email from visitors has made me guilty enough to make me pop back and record a bit of a sign-off. I never dreamed when I started this website that it would bring together so many people, lead me to meet a …
Blog Post for 10th February 2006
Time for a chat: The time: Thursday the 23rd February at 8.00pm (UK time*) The place: http://www.chatzy.com/552544974276 (password: billy). Put it in your diaries! *that’s 3.00pm (New York), 7.00am Friday (Sydney)
Blog Post for 23rd January 2006
Well it’s the 23rd here in Australia at least, and the official release date of One Summer. For those lucky enough to receive advanced shipments, you will be watching as I type, for the rest, it should only be a few days to wait! My copy arrived on the doorstep this afternoon, but I won’t …
Blog Post for 22th December 2005
Mailout sent yesterday announcing confirmed extras. Note that AOL users emails have to be removed for the distribution list due to AOL’s rather extreme spam policies. Please supply a non-AOL address if you are one of those affected. The release date for the DVD has been delayed a week and is now due on the …
Blog Post for 17th December 2005
Great news from Tim Beddows, the Managing Director at Network DVD. He has confirmed the following features on the upcoming DVD: - All 5 episodes, complete and uncut Commentary on episode 1 with David Morrissey, Spencer Leigh and Ian Hart Commentary on episode 3 with David Morrissey and Spencer Leigh ‘One Summer’ featurette featuring new interviews …
Blog Post for 4th November 2005
Sent out an email to all newsletter subscribers (wow – there’s more than 400 of you now!) with a quick heads up on the DVD. You can also check out the details on the Network DVD site here. (new link)
Blog Post for 2nd November 2005
I’ve been contacted by several people to point out the series is now appearing for preorder on some sites. If you would like to support the costs of running this site, you can preorder from Amazon using this affiliates link: One Summer at Amazon.co.uk
Blog Post for 24th August 2005
Bugger! Sorry – I got the date mixed up for the chat (time zone confusion) – I actually meant Thursday 25th! But for those planning to come on Wednesday that’s fine too. I’ll be around both days – just a bit later on the Wednesday.
Blog Post for 13th August 2005
Newsletter sent out – Didn’t get it? Make sure you’re on the mailing list. A webchat is planned for the 24th August at 8.30pm UK time here: http://www.chatzy.com/552544974276 .password: ‘billy’. Hope to see you there!
Blog Post for 5th August 2005
One Summer has appeared on the Network DVD releases list here! (since moved to https://networkonair.com/) No release date yet, but watch this space! Also a bunch of updates on the locations page – make sure to check out the extra detail page on Kidder’s cottage.
Blog Post for 15th May 2005
Received some great new posts on the guestbook over the last month or so – particularly from those involved in the show. Especially exciting was the lovely email I received from Terry Meadowcroft (sound assistant/boom) and an offer to revisit the location where Kidder’s house was filmed. What followed was some wonderful emails, each containing …
Blog Post for 14th April 2005
Exciting news from www.willyrussell.com. Quoting from the site: 13th April ONE SUMMER WillyRussell.com is delighted to be able to announce that after negotiations, WR Ltd has reached agreement with Granada Media concerning the DVD/Videogram rights in ONE SUMMER . Granada Media is now free to release the title in this format. We will have more on this and …
Blog Post for 18th December 2004
Thanks to David B. for the Christmas themed front page graphic*. A clip of that classic scene at the bus stop is here (4mb) For those who didn’t see it last year – this was 2003’s effort. * nb. 2004 has been archived here
Blog Post for 11th December 2004
Well it’s a bumper crop of additions this week, so here’s a bit of a list. Firstly – the collection of photos David Morrissey gave me when I met with him in September. These include – the missing page from Kidders picture book is now in it’s rightful place. Also, a few interesting new images. …
Blog Post for 5th December 2004
Okay – so I lied about when I’d get those updates done! I’m working on them now, honest. Give me another week… In the meantime, here’s a new interview with Willy Russell, that includes a brief mention of One Summer towards the end. em-online.co.uk . Also at www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk/
Blog Post for 17th November 2004
I have returned back home to Australia from a 5 month stay in the UK. While there I took the opportunity to collect a whole bunch more press clippings about the series, and also met up with David Morrissey, who kindly gave me copies of some of his personal photos from the series. I will …
Blog Post for 25th September 2004
I have now added a bunch of new press clippings to the pressclippings page, kindly sent to me by a site visitor David. They show an interesting mix of opinions on the series. More still to come! I have just realised that the photo slide show has been broken since I changed servers several months …
Blog Post for 11th September 2004
Have been sent a fascinating article published in Time Out Magazine of 4-10 August 1983. There are many more from the same source that I will receive soon, so won’t update the press page until I do. However this is a particularly interesting read, and contains some new insight into Willy Russell’s objections to the …
Blog Post for 29th August 2004
Fixed a couple of bad links – mp3 of the theme, and Icky’s house video. Updated locations details in info section. Just returned from a short trip around North Wales – where I visited a few of the shooting locations for One Summer. The village of Llangynog was used for filming the tractor chase scene, …
Blog Post for 25th May 2004
I am traveling overseas to the UK for some time so updates to the website may be quite limited for a while.
Blog Post for 1st May 2004
I came across this site as I was browsing around the other day. A Liverpool band who have named themselves after the series. The base player Billy tells me they have just finished recording their first full length album. Ed sent me an email last week asking me to confirm if this was ‘Icky’s House’. …
Blog Post for 4th April 2004
Added a link to an extensive interview with David Morrissey on the BFI site, which followed a screening of Passerby. In this part of the interview he talks about One Summer: David Morrissey at the National Film Theatre. Also added a section to the info page here for other viewing recommendations – based on the …
Blog Post for 2nd April 2004
I just noticed that episode 1 of One Summer is available for viewing at the National Museum of Photography Film & Television in Bradford as part of their TV Heaven collection. “Settle down in front of the box and browse through the best and worst of British television. Comedies, children’s shows, soaps, memorable dramas and …
Blog Post for 31st Mar 2004
I was sent a copy of a recent newsletter from the willyrussell.com site. It included a Q&A with Willy Russell and one of the questions was about One Summer (and this site): PC: There is a great site dedicated to ONE SUMMER. The tv series seems to have left an indelible mark on those that …
Blog Post for 17th Mar 2004
*DRUMROLL* – yep I’ve finally added full transcript details of my interviews with David Morrissey and Spencer Leigh, as well as details from the chat I had with Jane West last month. I hope you enjoy reading them – they were all fascinating to talk to – so thanks again to all three! I’d love …
Blog Post for 11th Feb 2004
Had a very pleasant phone chat with Jane West (Jo) today. She had some very funny stories about the shoot – particularly her filming of the love scene with David Morrissey. Update to come.
Blog Post for 4th Feb 2004
Added some links to David Morrissey‘s entry for sites on the BBC drama series State of Play, which will be screening in Australia on the ABC from the 7th March.
Blog Post for 28th Jan 2004
Added Peter Kindred (Production Designer) to the Crew page.
Blog Post for 14th Jan 2004
To future proof the site a bit and give more room to expand I have set up a new domain and host for the One Summer site. The new site address is : www.one-summer.tv83.net . Please change any bookmarks you have to this new address. The two sites are identical, and for now the content will remain …
Blog Post for 24th Dec 2003
Got this very cute Christmas card today. Thank you David (you know which one you are…) Also received the sad news that Ken Sharrock – who played the Liverpool cop died last month. Liverpool Echo article.
Blog Post for 20th Dec 2003
A few major additions to the site today. I’ve added some highlights from my interviews with Spencer Leigh and David Morrissey. A very big thank you again to Spencer and David for being so generous with their time. I’ve also added in the scan of the picture book (which Kidder gave the boys in episode …
Blog Post for 11th Dec 2003
A friend has just returned from New York with a bunch of stuff Spencer Leigh kindly lent him to photocopy – including a couple of cool photos, and a copy of one of the original picture books that Kidder gives the boys. I will post the picture book up once I’ve scanned all the pages in. …
Blog Post for 27th Nov 2003
* The site is one year old today… whoo-hoo!* Paul from the willyrussell.com site sent me a link to a fascinating interview excerpt with Willy Russell which he has just added to the site. Willy Russell talks about his experiences as a student teacher in Liverpool trying to get through to an uncontrollable class by …
Blog Post for 20th Nov 2003
Held a phone interview with David Morrissey. David was very generous with his time, and had a lot of interesting insights and memories of the production. Transcript to come… Congratulations to Woollyback – a baby girl today!
Blog Post for 14th Nov 2003
Webchat #3. And I got to play Mastermind this time! Thanks Woollyback!
Blog Post for 31st Oct 2003
I have received confirmation from Granada Media that the release of One Summer on DVD/Video is not going ahead. I am told that Willy Russell is looking at a possible movie version, so has decided not to allow this version to be released for the time being. This is very disappointing as I know that …
Blog Post for 25th Oct 2003
Updated the bios on the main cast page.
Blog Post for 18th Oct 2003
Added a link to Dave May’s article Liverpool – The City on the Screen, which has a few paragraphs about ‘One Summer’. Added a bit about the show playing on the pub TV Miri Mawr (thanks to David B) in the FAQ.
Blog Post for 8th Oct 2003
Held a second interview with Spencer Leigh.
Blog Post for 30th Sept 2003
Held a phone interview with Spencer Leigh (Icky) today. I will post up a transcription in the next week or so. We primarily discussed his career since settling in the US in 1991. He now works as a freelance documentary producer/director, but until recently was primarily directing TV commercials. I hope to be talking to …
Blog Post for 28th Sept 2003
Added an image slideshow for Spencer Leigh.
Blog Post for 25th Sept 2003
Had a short phone conversation with Spencer Leigh today. Spencer is living in New York working as a director. He had several interesting stories to tell about people who have recognised him as ‘Icky’ – such as the Gallagher brothers on an Oasis music video shoot being blown away to be working with their hero 🙂 …
Blog Post for 22nd Sept 2003
An email from the composer Alan Parker arrived yesterday. His comments in response to some questions from Greg: I initially got involved through the director, Gordon Flemyng. I had various talks with him, and started working on an idea for the theme. My relationship with Gordon was such that he 90% left me to compose …
Blog Post for 20th Sept 2003
Paul emailed me to let me know about the launch of the new Willy Russell site – www.willyrussell.com. Check it out.
Blog Post for 19th Sept 2003
I got an email from Spencer Leigh today, and am looking forward to getting his memories of working on One Summer, and his career since then.
Blog Post for 14th Sept 2003
I have added a message board forum to the site. I’ll see how popular this is and if it gets a bit of use will leave it up permanently. In order to fit this into the menu I’ve changed the layout a bit and added buttons – let me know if anyone has any problems …
Blog Post for 10th September 2003
I notice we got our first post from Taiwan on the Guestbook – it’s becoming very international around here – England Scotland & Wales (wasn’t it shown in Ireland?), Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and now Taiwan! (As well as ex-pats now in the USA and Japan.)
created by
Will Russell was born in 1947 in Whiston, Lancashire just outside Liverpool.
Willy Russell is one of Britain's most successful playwrights, and produced popular stage hits Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, both of which have subsequently become successful feature films, and the hit West End musical Blood Brothers.
Amongst numerous early TV productions was Our Day Out (BBC 1979) about a Liverpool school group's ill-fated day trip to Wales. (Clearly an inspiration for the later One Summer). Russell had a varied career before becoming a successful playwright, starting out as a ladies hairdresser, and working for a time as a high school teacher.
Keith Richardson has had a lengthy career in television production, and is currently Controller of Drama for ITV Yorkshire.
He is notable for being Executive Producer of the station's primetime soap, Emmerdale. Richardson was in charge of the programme for 24 years, during which time he oversaw its transformation from a minor, daytime, rural drama into one of the UK's major soap operas. He left Emmerdale in January 2009.
He produced numerous other major series for YTV/ITV including Harry's Game (1982) and in the 90's was EP of Lynda La Plante's Trial & Retribution and Heartbeat amongst others.
Gordon Flemyng was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1934, and died in 1995.
A director of numerous film and television productions, Gordon Flemyng started his directing career on the 1957 series The Army Game and in 1962 the British feature Solo for Sparrows.
Director of two Dr Who feature films Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) and Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. (1966), he also directed for numerous popular TV series over four decades including The Avengers, The Saint, Lovejoy, Peak Practice, The Bill and Minder and the 1987 mini-series Wish Me Luck.
the reason one summer vanished
The first screening of One Summer in the UK was foreshadowed by considerable controversy.
Contemporary press reports detail how the screenwriter Willy Russell was deeply unhappy with aspects of the production and as a result his name was removed from the credits. Despite that, the series had an enormous impact on viewers.
For decades it was feared the series would never be released, with Granada Media stating that the program could not be sold or rescreened due to instructions from Willy Russell. However negotiations over 2004-2005 finally saw agreement reached to allow it to be seen again, much to the joy of fans.
Despite the extensive coverage at the time, it is still not completely clear what the exact disagreements were, though they clearly involved differences between Russell and the director Gordon Flemyng, on the casting and general style of the production. Read more below.