Studio

1 9 8 3 (UK)
7 x 60 minute episodes

Debuting on 22 March 1983, this drama series from Granada was set in a recording studio in a Gothic mansion called ‘Headland’ located on an isolated coastal promontory.

The ancient house was equipped with the latest high-tech trappings: jacuzzi, Space Invaders consoles and the latest recording equipment.

Art (Michael Feast) – a fallen rock superstar trying to get off heroin and back in business – was the part-owner of the place. Lyndsay (Robert Stephens) was the record producer for whom ‘Headland’ used to be a family home.

Chrissie (Carol Leader) was the studio manager and Art’s ex.

Storylines revolved around the clashes between Headland’s temperamental guests and the resident recording folk – including sound engineer Stew (Phil Davis) taking on a group of feminists – and manipulative Manville (David Schofield) planning to launch another Barry Manilow.

Meanwhile, Danny the handyman (Graham Fellows) tended devotedly to his cannabis plants in the conservatory.

While Granada were initially confident of public applause and critical acclaim, the series failed abysmally, not helped by a number of scheduling changes.

Lyndsay
Robert Stephens
Art
Michael Feast
Chrissie
Carol Leader
Adrian
Peter Bourke
Jude
Rosy Clayton
Stew
Phil Davis
Neville
Christopher Driscoll
Manville
David Schofield
Danny
Graham Fellows
Fozz
Colin Goddard
Greaseball
Arthur Kelly
Liz
Paula Kitt
Rocko
Zoot Money
Maureen
Diane Whitley
Pilwha
Pik Sen Lim

Episodes

Art Begins at Forty | A Dying Art | The Condition of Art | The Art of Courtly Love | Art for Art’s Sake | Performance Art | But Is It Art?