The Curse of Steptoe

A rising stage actor whose Shakespearean prestige clashes with a desire for television fame. His career begins to fade under typecasting, while his personal life—marked by womanising and a troubled marriage—adds pressure to his public image. As a method actor, he struggles to reconcile artistic ambition with the commercial realities of show business.

A writer who, with his partner Galton, reshapes television by crafting one-off plays starring actors rather than comics. He navigates creative risk and industry dynamics within the BBC, pushing for a new kind of TV storytelling. His work embodies the shift from gag-driven routines to character-driven drama.

The witty, pragmatic co-writer who shares the drive to reinvent TV comedy beyond traditional formats. He handles industry pressures and helps steer the duo toward innovative collaborations. His partnership with Simpson is the engine of their evolving career in the changing media landscape.

A production figure in the BBC world who embodies the backstage decisions shaping the careers of writers and actors. He witnesses the creative shift and the dispersal of traditional formats, acting as a catalyst for the new direction in Steptoe-era productions.

An alcoholic, self-loathing actor who brings a relaxed, unguarded approach to acting. His public persona and private insecurities collide, fueling conflict with Corbett and exposing the vulnerabilities behind fame. His off-screen scandal and personal fears drive much of the subplot around celebrity exposure.

A transformative theatre director whose Theatre Workshop propels Corbett’s stage career. Her pioneering approach to theatre shapes the pathways between stage and screen in the narrative, highlighting the influential role of theatre in nurturing talent.

A character connected to Corbett’s life; her presence underscores the intimate circle around fame. The summary does not specify her exact role, but she contributes to the portrayal of personal relationships within the celebrity world and the pressures of public life.

A comic actress and Corbett’s wife, whose life with him is strained by his womanising. Their off-screen marriage and its dissolution reflect the tensions between marriage, career, and the public eye in the entertainment industry.