Tutti Frutti

Tutti Frutti, which aired on BBC2 in 1987, is a Scottish Television drama mini-series notable for its blend of comedy, drama, and music. The show brought many hidden treasures to the light; it was a remarkable platform that unveiled the talents of Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson, who were relatively unknown at the time. The effervescent entertainment and vivid characterizations in the series are a testament to the show's incredibly adept writer, John Byrne.

The show spins around The Majestics, a rock and roll band which, despite frequently playing for small audiences on the outskirts of Glasgow, boasts a towering fame that spans decades. The six-episode saga begins just as the band is preparing to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary, amping up for a 'Silver Jubilee' tour. However, things take a tumultuous turn when their lead singer, Big Jazza, dies in a car accident. His younger brother, Danny (played by Robbie Coltrane), a mechanic with a knack for impersonating Jazza, is pulled in to save the tour from going belly-up.

Danny's evolution from a reluctant stand-in to a full-fledged performer forms a significant chunk of the storyline. Though known for his fleeting stints at stand-up comedy clubs, Danny soon shows that he has what it takes to fill his brother's shoes and keep the audience entertained. But the professional atmosphere is just a part of the story, as the unfolding personal relationships within the band reveal many dramatic and comedic moments.

Thompson plays Suzi Kettles, a slightly eccentric but spirited hairdresser with ambitions of music stardom. Her chance encounter with Danny, just as the band faces its existential crisis, leads surprisingly to her joining as the saxophonist. Through her journey navigating the quirky, chaotic world of the band, viewers witness the infectious camaraderie, tempered by ego clashes, romantic entanglements, and humorous misadventures - all portrayed in humanizing and engaging ways.

Richard Wilson delivers a memorable performance as Eddie Clockerty, the band's manager, who masterfully cartoonishes his character while occasionally revealing more profound emotional layers. The supporting cast, including Maurice Roeves as Vincent Diver, the band's guitarist, and Katy Murphy, who plays Danny's love interest, also make a mark with their performances.

The plot is richly layered, as the show uses music as the backbone to demonstrate human drama and relationships. Throughout the series, we see characters' personal stories, slowly disclosed against the razzle-dazzle of the rock and roll scene, their evolving dynamics with each other, with some stories evoking laughter while others invoking deep emotions. John Byrne's smart and engaging writing makes the series so much more than just a litany of rock and roll clichés.

Despite covering mature themes including death, ambition, love, and deceit, the mini-series consistently maintains a humorous vibe, thanks to its sharp-witted dialogues and situational comedy subplots. The title of the show, "Tutti Frutti," is indeed reflective of its essence – a mix of different tastes, sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, but always colourful and memorable.

The series also provides a unique look into the regional aspects, using authentic Scottish dialect and showcasing the gritty ends of Glasgow, complementing the various twists and turns in the storyline. It's not just about the music, but it’s also a story about people, locations, and their cultural identity.

Furthermore, the show’s approach to music is worth noting. The band performs a variety of hit tunes from the '60s, and while this serves as a nostalgic treat for older audiences, it stands as a testament to the universal appeal of rock and roll for younger viewers.

Despite its relatively short run, Tutti Frutti quickly became a cult classic, redefining TV dramas with its unique blend of music, humor, and intense character study. The mini-series won six BAFTA awards, a testimony to its outstanding quality in terms of performance, storytelling, and its overall refreshing take on TV drama.

All in all, Tutti Frutti stands as a remarkable showcase of Scottish talent from 1987, delivering an exciting and emotional journey fueled by rock and roll, served with a generous side of comedy and drama. This mini-series is a must-watch for anyone seeking a distinctive TV experience from the annals of British Television.