A Bexley man and former X Factor contestant has written and shot a new sitcom pilot, set in his local pub, and starring a host of television and pop stars.
James Lewis, a car dealer from Brook Vale in Erith, came up with the concept for The Pub when drinking in the Royal Oak in Bexley Road with friends.
The 36-year-old, who got to boot camp on the X Factor in 2012, went away and wrote a pilot episode, and last Friday (November 7) his idea became a reality when he filmed it in the very same pub.
Stavros Flatley, one of the cast members of James Lewis' sitcom
Mr Lewis enlisted the help of celebrity friends who starred in the 30-minute episode, which takes the form of a fly-on-the-wall documentary.
These included Britain's Got Talent's Stavros Flatley; Angie Brown, singer of 90s hit I'm Gonna Get You with Bizarre Inc and contestant on this year's The Voice; John Lashley, a Mr T look-a-like in the Chippendoubles from Britain's Got Talent; and rapper Cream, star of BBC3 sitcom Boom Town.
Mr T look-a-like John Lashley, who made is name on Britain's Got Talent
Mr Lewis told News Shopper: "I was in my local around six months ago, having a laugh with my friends, and we were like 'can you imagine making this into a sitcom?'
"I thought this idea would be good because I'd never seen any sitcoms set in a pub before, about a pub, about local people, with all the scenarios and all the characters you get in a local.
"I went away and wrote the episode with my friend Stuart Budd, and then we did the filming on Friday.
"It was a really great day filming, everyone did fantastically well. I couldn't have wished for more from such a great team.
"The pub's locals were superb - they were also involved in filming, the pub stayed open throughout the day."
Stavros Flatley and rapper Cream, star of BBC Three sitcom Boom Town
Mr Lewis now intends to sell the pilot to a major television channel, with the hope of being commissioned to write and shoot a full series.
He added: "Pubs are closing up and down the country and I thought it would also be a good way to spread awareness about a great British institution.
"I think pubs need help, and people need to help their local pubs by supporting them."
Angie Brown, who sang 90s hit I'm Gonna Get You and recently appeared on The Voice
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel