About Still Game

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Still Game is a popular television comedy series that premiered in 2002. Set in the fictional neighborhood of Craiglang, Glasgow, the show follows the lives of a group of elderly friends, Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade, as they navigate through the ups and downs of their golden years. Created and written by Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, the show humorously tackles various aspects of growing old, friendship, and life in a close-knit community.

The main characters, Jack and Victor, are lifelong friends who live in the same high-rise tower block. They spend their days engaging in mischief, often involving their other friends, including Winston, a cynical and quick-witted man, and Isa, a gossip-loving woman known for her nosy nature. Throughout the series, the group encounters a wide range of comical situations and eccentric characters that add to the charm and humor of the show.

Making / Production

The idea for Still Game originated from a sketch called "Chewin' the Fat," which was part of a television broadcast for the BBC. The positive reception led to the creation of a full TV series, resulting in the birth of Still Game. The show was primarily filmed in Glasgow and utilized local talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Its authentic depiction of Scottish humor and culture resonated with audiences, leading to its enduring success.

Still Game ran for nine seasons from 2002 to 2019, with each episode following a sitcom format. The series concluded with a sold-out live stage show at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, reinforcing its popularity and impact on Scottish comedy.

Actors

• Ford Kiernan as Jack Jarvis – The main character, a mischievous and quick-witted man.
• Greg Hemphill as Victor McDade – Jack's best friend, known for his grumpy demeanor.
• Paul Riley as Winston Ingram – A sarcastic and street-smart friend of Jack and Victor.
• Jane McCarry as Isa Drennan – A gossipy and nosy woman, part of the group of friends.
• Mark Cox as Thomas "Tam" Mullen – A lovable yet dim-witted member of the group.
• Gavin Mitchell as Robert "Boabby" Nicolson – The owner of a local pub and a recurring character in the show.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Still Game originated from a radio show called "The Ford Kiernan Show" before becoming a successful TV series.
• The show's writing often incorporated local dialects and Scottish slang.
• Several characters in Still Game were inspired by real people the creators knew growing up in Glasgow.
• Some of the show's locations, including The Clansman pub, were filmed on-site in Glasgow.

Quotes

• "I used to be an optimist, but I've had a bit of bad news." - Jack Jarvis
• "Get it up ye!" - Victor McDade
• "I'm the Betty Davis of Craiglang!" - Isa Drennan

Music / Soundtrack

The series utilized a mix of original music and Scottish folk songs to enhance the comedic and emotional moments. The opening theme, "Still Game," composed by Craig McConnell, sets the tone for each episode, capturing the essence of the show's humor and relatable characters.