The Queen of Cockabourne

TAG LINE: 'Less Monarchy. More Anarchy!' LOG LINE: When Christine Campton is released from Prison at age 62 and forced into assisted living, her newfound freedom is threatened by Linda, the facilities retired warden turned ring leader of a group of women hellbent on maintaining social order. But the residents of Cockabourne are in for a rude awakening......as Chris seeks to upset their equilibrium. TONE/PREMISE: A mockudrama following one woman's transition from prison to assisted living, as she battles to regain independence at a time where she is at the mercy of both nature and the new world she has been thrust into. This series will be filmed in mockumentary style but be closer to a comedy drama. Imagine 'Mean Girls' if they were much older and meaner, or, 'The Only Way Is Essex', OAP edition. There will be many comedic elements, heightened characters and humour which will drive the story forward, however there will be genuine moments of drama and conflict, especially as we delve deeper into Chris's backstory and the reasons for her incarceration. ARTISTIC INTENT: We are used to seeing 'vulnerable' members of the elderly community, who are portrayed as 'victims'. In this series the elderly will defy audiences expectations and not be background characters in someone else's story, but the main focus. The majority of the characters in this series are female and over 60, I want to offer both audiences and actors of this demographic better representation on screen. Within the main ensemble there are characters of colour and those who represent the LGBTQ+ community. The series will satirically delve into many socio-political issues throughout and challenge social constructs and imbalances of power, particularly as the series progresses and we learn more of the residents past lives. TARGET AUDIENCE: Although the majority of the cast are female and above the age of 60, I believe this series has a much wider appeal. It will engage fans of the mockumentary style, fans of comedy and comedy drama, and will invite audiences into a world they have rarely seen on screen. The series will also feature characters who are in their 20/30's and even teens, drawing on intergenerational humour and stories to captivate a diverse audience. THE WORLD OF THE SHOW: The series will revolve around 'Cockabourne Court', a factual warden controlled assisted living complex in Harold Wood Essex. Cockabourne Court is NOT a 'care home' as commonly seen on television. Most residents have full cognitive control, are independent and certainly full of life! As are the characters in this series. Our QUEENS are strong, high spirited and will not be defeated by nature nor nurture! Assisted living, otherwise known as 'Sheltered Accommodation', is a group of self-contained flats or bungalows with either one or two bedrooms, which you can buy or rent. Sheltered housing is for people who are normally able to live quite independently, but need occasional help or support. Often, sheltered housing will have a warden who you can call in an emergency, as well as other security features like emergency alarm systems. Most have a communal garden, lounge, kitchen and laundry room. Sheltered housing offers a range of social activities, such as coffee mornings, film nights, bingo, quizzes, visiting entertainment, coach trips/day trips and a gardening club, which the residents have some responsibility arranging. CHARACTERS: CHRIS: 62, ex-convict, sentenced to prison for defending herself from an abusive partner. As a result of her time spent in prison she is hard nosed and heavily guarded. Small in stature, but mighty in spirit. Suffers from osteoporosis of the spine, but not willing to give into it. Lacks some decorum and is ham-fisted in her approach to new situations and people. Has an estranged relationship with her daughter and the rest of her family. But Chris doesn't need anyone but herself, or so she believes......Her biggest fear is living at the mercy of someone else again, as she did prior to prison. LINDA: 79, the longest living resident of Cockabourne. Used to be the warden before she retired and moved in herself, though has never quite relinquished her 'duties'. Lives a very regimented life and expects others to live by her standards. Thinks she's 'earned' respect, and therefore is owed it. Linda's greatest fear is similar to Chris's, however she is most frightened of loosing power over others and her place in the pecking order, which is dwindling with every friend she looses to mother nature...... ASIF: 28, Muslim, the warden of Cockabourne. Despite the needless drama that often erupts, Asif LOVES his job, and although he'd never admit it, actually enjoys the drama that comes with it. He feels more at home among the elderly residents than he does his own family and community, having been ostracised because of his sexuality. Regardless of his own personal struggles Asif tries to remain positive, upbeat and a beacon of hope and stability. His biggest fear is not being able to be his authentic self. PAULINE: 73, Linda's right hand woman. Loyal to a fault, often at the cost of her own self worth and respect, which she tries to reflect and reinforce in other, more superficial ways. Often displaying her financial wealth and attaching herself to objects/possessions in place of meaningful relationships. It's clear she's desperately trying to fill a void and there's an unspoken lack of contentment/fulfilment. Pauline's greatest fear is not being remembered, and having nothing of worth to leave behind...... SHEILA: 66, the female version of Peter Pan, the 'Essex-girl who never grew up'. Sheila puts two fingers up at the expression, "growing old gracefully". Lacks certain inhibition's and says whatever pops into her head. Most likely due to many years abusing alcohol and drugs, which she has since curved, but with a certain sadness that she isn't able to party and drink like she used to.....Sheila's biggest fear is giving into her age. TERRY: 70, of West-Indian descent, but born and raised in Dagenham. The only male resident. Terry gets some guilty pleasure from winding up the female residents. Used to be a market trader, but has now fully embraced 'retirement'. Was heavily into the Ska scene when he was younger and it reflects in his sense of dress. He does feel 'out of place' at times and would like more male company. Terry constantly fears being emasculated. GABBY: 30's, from an organisation called 'Women Inside', appointed to help Chris with the transition period. Similar to a case worker, but in time will become a close friend. NICOLE: 30's, Chris's estranged daughter who turns up on her doorstep at the end of episode one. Nicole struggles to forgive Chris for her crimes, Chris will have to build a bridge. TEENS: A group of teenagers aged 15-18 who will be causing weekly mischief and also act as Chris's cronies at points. Providing some intergenerational humour and audience draw.