Mr. Stink

BBC’s Mr. Stink is pure pantomime, in true British tradition.

There’s plenty of colour and movement, buffoonery, a child hero, a perfect villain (or in this case a villainess) and a moral lesson.

It comes from the mind of David Walliams, who first penned the idea as a children’s book and thereafter as a stage musical.

Mr. Stink is a tramp, a kind of grown up Pig Pen, played here by much-respected actor Hugh Bonneville. We’re a long way from Downton Abbey here, folks.

The central character is a despondent 12-year-old Chloe (Nell Tiger Free), regularly the target of spiteful school girls. But she befriends the tramp who spends much of his time sitting on a park bench with his rascally mutt, The Duchess.

“Mr. Stink stank. He also stunk. He was the stinkiest stinker who ever lived,” Chloe tells us.

The language is great fun and the concept of foul equating as children’s entertainment reminds me somewhat of the success of Andy Griffiths’ children’s books such as The Day My Bum Went Psycho. Kids love this kind of stuff…

The relationship between Mr Stink, who despite his appearances speaks terribly eloquently, and Chloe is at the heart of this spirited tale. As much as he tries to dismiss her friendship, she manages to get the better of him. When she invites him home, he hides out in the shed.

Chloe’s mother Caroline (Sheridan Smith) is a force to be reckoned with. Running for political office, she is hell-bent on her campaign and nothing will stop her. But when TV cameras film her live in her home, Mr. Stink bursts in unexpectedly. The scene goes viral online, as a comment on the state of the homeless, attracting the attention of the Prime Minister (David Walliams). Mr Stink becomes a reluctant celebrity, despite doing his level best to shun the spotlight.

There’s plenty of hijinks in this feelgood piece, which should serve as ideal family entertainment -although the Christmas element is incidental at best.

Nell Tiger Free gives a lovely performance as Chloe, and it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as endearing without her. But for my money it’s Sheridan Smith who steals the show. The actress who won a BAFTA Award for her work in Mrs Biggs now turns in a delicious performance as a vain, cyclonic mother with big hair and a bigger ego. She continues to demonstrate she is one to watch.

Hugh Bonneville is barely recognisable behind all the dirt, playing against type to his usual roles of stature. Oddly-named Johnny Vegas has a support role as Chloe’s mild-mannered father and Walliams has fun as a rather devious Prime Minister.

Mr Stink isn’t especially challenging, but with the cast having such a romp it’s hard to resist.

Mr Stink airs 6pm Tuesday December 24 on ABC1.