This Way Up

About This Way Up

This Way Up is a British comedy television series that aired in 2019. Well-received for its delightful storytelling and stellar performances, the series was written by Aisling Bea who stars as the lead character, Aine. The plot revolves around Aine, a young woman dealing with life after her 'teeny little nervous breakdown.' She works as an English-as-a-second language teacher while trying to pull her life together post-rehab.

Making / Production

This Way Up is a Channel 4 production in the UK and Hulu in the United States. It was created and written by Irish comedian Aisling Bea. The series offers a raw, yet humorous look at mental health, sisterhood, and the struggle of "adulting" and resonates strongly with viewers across all demographics.

Actors

• Aisling Bea as Aine: Bea delivers a brilliant performance as the complex and endearing Aine, earning critical acclaim.
• Sharon Horgan as Shona: The actress famously known from Catastrophe effectively plays Aine's older sister, who is protective yet dealing with her own life complexities.
• Tobias Menzies as Richard: Known for his roles in Outlander and Game of Thrones, he plays Aine's love interest - a single father whose son is tutored by Aine.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show channels Aisling Bea's personal experiences and perspectives, giving it a realistic touch.
• The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of mental health, self-care, and sisterly affection.

Awards

This Way Up won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Performance in a Comedy Programme (Aisling Bea - 2021).

Quotes

• "Life continues to throw shit at me, but I'm getting better at dodging." - Aine
• "You're my sister, not my therapist." - Shona

Music, Soundtrack

• The series features a combination of original scores and popular music selections that complement the series' tone and emotions.
• Spread across the series are artists like Courtney Barnett, Vampire Weekend and Imelda May.
• The theme song, 'Undertow', is by Aisling Bea's comedic partner, DJ Moose.