Yesterday (October 1), Netflix released the trailer for Been So Long, the streaming service’s answer to La La Land, starring Chewing Gum creator Michaela Coel.
Like Damien Chazelle‘s Oscar-busting film, it’s full of the big tunes and colorful, neon-soaked scenes. But there’s one major difference: rather than Los Angeles, it’s set in north London.
There’s another twist too: the musical it’s based on was scored by one Arthur Darvill. Yes, that Arthur Darvill of Doctor Who fame. Not only did he play the Eleventh Doctor’s companion, he also starred in Broadchurch and Legends of Tomorrow.
But long before the multi-talented Arthur was known for his acting roles, he’d been composing songs and music for plays, and in 2013 even performed on Broadway in Once.
Been So Long is the result of a collaboration with the playwright Ché Walker, who wrote the 1998 play of the same name. The two former RADA classmates combined forces to turn it into a stage musical in 2009, when it had a successful run in London’s West End.
A film version has been in the works for some time, with extra tracks influenced by London’s diverse music scene composed by Christopher Nicholas Bangs.
BAFTA-winning Michaela plays the lead role of Simone, a single mother who falls for a stranger named Raymond (Arinzé Kene) on a night out.
Sparks will fly, strangers will dance and people may even talk to each other on the bus. Hey, we said it’d be fun, we didn’t say it’d be realistic.
Been So Long premieres on Netflix on October 26.
Do you like the look of this?