Toby Jones pens dark comedy Don’t Forget the Driver

Toby Jones has written a new dark comedy, ‘Don’t Forget the Driver’.
The ‘Detectorists’ actor will star as the main character, bus driver Peter Green, in the upcoming BBC Two show, which will be set in sunny seaside resort Bognor Regis and tell the story of his life being thrown into chaos by the discovery of a dead body on the shoreline.
Toby said: "I’m excited to collaborate with the celebrated playwright Tim Crouch and the fabulous Sister Pictures on our first piece of writing for television.
"We hope that ‘Don’t Forget The Driver’ will be an unusually funny drama about small town Britain and the joys of coach travel."
Peter’s life-turning event comes as he is struggling to cope with his disaffected daughter Kayla and his mum Audrey.
‘Don’t Forget The Driver’ follows a group of people struggling with their place in the world, and their own sense of identity, and will show how an accidental encounter can change the course of everything.
Shane Allen, controller of BBC comedy commissioning, added: "This irresistible piece explores big rich themes about identity – both personal and national.
"It feels very timely in this climate of introspection and transition.
"Shot through with heart and humour it will continue to cement BBC Two’s reputation as the place to deliver poignant, mature and highly resonant comedy drama starring the cream of British comedy writing and acting talent."
Toby has created the drama, which will air in six 30-minute episodes, alongside playwright Tim
Crouch.
Patrick Holland, controller of BBC Two, said: "’Don’t Forget The Driver’ is a brilliantly woven story of humanity and unexpected consequences.
"Comedy can misfire when it takes on the big issues of the age but this series with the unrivalled Toby Jones is so human, so rooted, so warmly funny, that it illuminates, enriching our understanding."