This Town, the latest BBC drama from the creator of Peaky Blinders, left viewers distracted because of the actors’ accents. The show is set in Birmingham in 1981, but many of the cast don’t hail from the area and had to learn the accent for their role.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans made their feelings known on the subject. @Educationisthe1 commented: “#ThisTown Accent issues ….. I cannot overlook.”
@o_reachtaire said: “I have had Brummie mates most of my life so I am used to the accent but I have no idea what the blonde lady is saying #thistown.” @bournemouthburd opined: “Not sure about the Brummie accent. #ThisTown. But hoping it will improve. These were my times.” (sic)
@epicureben argued: “Say what you like about accents from the midlands, they are f****** hard to do for actors. Nothing sticks out more than a bad Midlands accent! #ThisTown #BBCiPlayer.” (sic)
@SkyBlueStacey wrote: “Enjoying this so far but dislike their fake Birmingham accents. The Brummie accent doesn’t sound like that. #ThisTown.” Meanwhile, @Jimllmixit asked: “Are there no actors in the UK that come from the West Midlands? #ThisTown.”
Television viewers will be familiar with the Birmingham accent thanks to stars such as Cat Deeley, Sir Lenny Henry and Ozzy Osbourne, who all hail from the area.
One of the actors attempting the accent is Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery. Her character is a million miles away from Lady Mary as the 42-year-old star portrays alcoholic singer Estella.
Her cut-glass Downton accent is replaced with the Brummie lilt for the role.
She also gets to show off her stunning voice with a rousing rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Like the rest of the cast, she did all her own singing.
One of the cast who was already familiar with the accent was Jordan Bolger, who hails from Coventry.
He plays Gregory Williams, a British soldier serving in Northern Ireland at the height of The Troubles. However, when he returns home to Birmingham following a family tragedy he finds himself torn between his loved ones and his duty.
This Town tells the story of four young people drawn into the explosive and iconic music scene of the era.
Set against the backdrop of riots and IRA activity, the music acts as an escape from the backdrop of their very complex family issues.
This Town continues on BBC One on Monday April 1 at 9pm.