The Booze Cruise

5 blokes nip to Calais for cheap plonk in the days when it was allegedly cheaper, to buy the stuff in France than in the local supermarket.

This first episode of the trilogy introduces us to a number of family situations and we. Glimpse further edges to the relationships.

There is the happy family man Dave Bolton with his ever loving spouse, the lovely Cath the perfect couple.

There's Dave's best mate and fellow Booze Cruiser Rob along his significant other Leone, and his male proclivities.

Another ingredient is the Rainer family husband Clive his spouse Ruth, and their thoroughly spoilt daughter Chloe.

Any more for the skylark?

Rather there are the pensioners Grace and Maurice, who live somewhat adjacent to Rob and Dave.

Indeed they all reside almost cheek by jowl with one another, though they are separated by more than distance.

These are the main or principal ingredients but its how they stir together, that makes this a great and enjoyable jaunt.

I watched this on TV tonight, remembering with vague fondness its original outing in 2003. It was a delight, with an excellent script supported by a first rate cast. Not subtle, but warm, clean and really rather innocent fun. All Whilst the strongest elements were the combative relationship between Brian Murphy and Neil Pearson the sub stories with Ben Wishaw and Martin Clunes was also strong. Meanwhile back at home the wives (Claire Skinner and Anne Reid) were also enjoying themselves. Some predictable turns but all done with such charm that the 2 hours flew by. A real treat.

The blokes are a really mixed bag. Back home, the ladies are also across different social backgrounds. Lots of little avenues off the main road here and they all work. Great little scenarios and twists. Not laugh aloud humour but gives you plenty to grin at and like. Just watched it again. Pity that the Clive character (M Clunes), is not in the 2nd and 3rd editions.

This was a one-off 2-hour drama on ITV. It is about a group of miss-matched neighbours going on a booze cruise to France. The script was very good with witty dialogue and strong characters. All the acting by the main and even the supporting cast was of the highest order with the veteran Brian Murphy brilliant as the moaning pensioner. It had plenty of laugh out moments and a clever 4-pronged plot. Though there were a couple of predictable moments on the whole it provided a decent level of entertainment. An enjoyable drama, which I recommend you watch.

Really enjoyed 'the booze cruise' - it was well written, well directed, well cast and the music really worked. I loved the fact that we got the split between the guys on their quest and their family and loved ones back home. There was humor, pathos, fun and some wonderful characters - well done all involved!