Henpocalypse!


Henpocalypse! is a 2023 British comedy television series on that aired on BBC Two from 15 August to 19 September 2023.

Synopsis

Unbeknownst to a group of Birmingham women on a hen-do in remote North Wales, and their hired male stripper, an apocalypse of crab measles threatens to wipe out human civilisation.

Cast and characters

Main

Supporting

  • Catherine Ayers as Leonie
  • George Somner as Gary
  • Kaine Zajaz as Lee Rhind
  • Mariam Haque as Nesbit
  • Roya Amini as Kelly
  • Tasha James as Donna
  • Ben McGregor as Drew
  • Danny Dyer as himself
  • Jess as Barney the Dog

Production

A six-part series of 30 minute episodes was commissioned in July 2022 for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Executive producers on the series include Phil Clarke, Helen Williams and Roberto Troni. Written by Caroline Moran, the series has Holly Walsh & Jack Clough as a director. The series is produced by Phil Clarke and Jesse Armstrong’s production company, Various Artists Limited.

Casting

The main cast features Elizabeth Berrington, Lucie Shorthouse, Callie Cooke, Lauren O'Rourke, and Kate O'Flynn. Screenwriter Moran personally wrote Danny Dyer an email to request his cameo appearance.

Filming

Filming locations included Pensby Boys School on the Wirral. Filming also took place in North Wales, in early 2023. Locations in Wales include Abergele, with Llanfair Talhaiarn and Moel Famau, in the Clwydian Range also used.

Broadcast

The programme premiered on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom on 15 August 2023.

Reception

David Craig in The Radio Times says "it's totally daft but unashamedly so, and there's a lot of fun to be had for those willing to go along for the ride".
Rebecca Nicholson in The Guardian said it was a "big, robust comedy", which "isn't for the faint-hearted".
It was a The Times Critics' choice saying the show was "coarse, amoral and seriously funny. Bring on series two."
Frances Taylor in The Radio Times calls it "bold, brash and a lot of fun".
The Daily Telegraph called it "gleefully broad and raucously entertaining".
Rachel Cooke in The New Statesman called the comedy on the show “relentlessly laboured” full of “faux-feminist puerility”.