Takin' Over The Asylum Goes From Screen To Stage


As we previously reported last year, Donna Franceschild has adapted her classic TV drama series Takin' Over The Asylum for the stage.
The show, which starred a young David Tennant in his breakthrough TV role as Campbell McBain, was a huge hit with viewers when it first aired on BBC Two  in September 1994.

The show won the 1995 BAFTA award for Best Serial and Best Editing as well as a RTS Award for Best Writer and a Scottish BAFTA for Best Serial and for Best Writer.
As the show prepares to open in Glasgow next month, Donna spoke to The List about adapting the show for the stage and about recasting for the characters that have become much loved by fans. David Tennant won the role of Campbell in the original show after Donna watched an audition tape, that she says blew her away.
The audition tape was of course included as an extra on the Takin' Over The Asylum DVD and Donna says "After he saw the tape, he texted me back and said 'what was I wearing and what was I doing with my hair?'” 
Donna also added "We were very lucky to get David Tennant because he had spoken about nine lines in two shows when he did Campbell." 
Speaking of the differences between David's portrayal of Campbell and that of the actor Brian Vernal who will play Campbell on stage she says: "Brian gives Campbell a slight edginess without losing who he is: the eternal optimist, always with a million ideas going on. David was like an overactive puppy, and had that manic, innocent energy whereas there is a different quality with Brian."


Takin’ Over the Asylum is at Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Thursday 14th February until Saturday 9th March Book tickets here.
And at Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Wednesday 13th March until Saturday 6th April. Book tickets here.



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