Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a comedy mini-series made for Channel 4 by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade. Following on from the characters' success at The Perrier Awards the show revolves around fictional horror author Garth Marenghi (played by Holness) and his publisher Dean Learner (played by Ayoade). Darkplace is presented as a lost classic: a series produced in the 1980s, yet never shown until now. Subsequently, it features 'present day' c... more

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a comedy mini-series made for Channel 4 by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade. Following on from the characters' success at The Perrier Awards the show revolves around fictional horror author Garth Marenghi (played by Holness) and his publisher Dean Learner (played by Ayoade). Darkplace is presented as a lost classic: a series produced in the 1980s, yet never shown until now. Subsequently, it features 'present day' commentary from many of the "original" cast, where characters such as "Marenghi" and "Learner" reflect on making the show. Darkplace parodies numerous aspects of 80s low-budget television, including fashion, special effects and music. As it was broadcast late night with very little advertising, Darkplace was met with poor viewing figures. However, the show built up a significant internet following, leading Channel 4 to repeat the series and produce a DVD release. It was also reported that Channel 4's Film Four asked Holness and Ayoade to write... less