The Runaway (TV series)

The Runaway is a six-part British television crime drama series, adapted by Allan Cubitt from the novel by Martina Cole, that first broadcast on Sky1 on 31 March 2011. Directed by David Richards, The Runaway is set in the sleazy, gritty world of '60s and '70s London, and focuses on the doomed romance of East Londoners Cathy Connor (Joanna Vanderham) and Eamonn Docherty (Jack O'Connell). The series also co-stars Burn Gorman, Keith Allen and Kierston Wareing among others.[1]

The Runaway
Also known asMartina Cole's The Runaway
GenreCrime drama
Created byMartina Cole
Written byAllan Cubitt
Directed byDavid Richards
Starring
Composers
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes6 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Martina Cole
  • George Faber
  • Helen Flint
  • Charles Pattinson
  • Elaine Pyke
  • Lavinia Warner
ProducerNick Goding
CinematographyOwen McPolin
Editors
  • Margeaux Britz
  • Fiona Colbeck
  • Catherine Creed
  • Trevor Waite
Running time50 minutes
Production companyCompany Pictures
Release
Original networkSky1
Original release31 March (2011-03-31) –
5 May 2011 (2011-05-05)

Principal shooting on the series took place in South Africa, which doubled up for 1960s Soho.[1] Original music for the series was written by Chris Letcher, alongside Ben Bartlett. The Runaway was the second of Cole's novels to be adapted by Company Pictures for Sky, following on from The Take, starring Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley, that first broadcast in 2009.[1] The complete series of The Runaway was released on DVD via ITV Studios on 9 May 2011.[2]

Reception

Patrick Smith of The Telegraph said of the first episode; "Martina Cole's crime novels aren't for the faint-hearted: they are gritty, lurid and relentlessly brutal. It's no surprise, then, that the opening episode of The Runaway made for uncomfortable viewing. Although one moment captured this transformation perfectly, the rest of the episode wasn’t nearly as gripping. The central storyline was hackneyed, while Keith Allen, sporting a horrendous wig, sounded – irritatingly – as if he was channelling Danny Dyer. I was a little disappointed with Jack O'Connell, too. He wasn't bad. It's just that, having watched him play Cook in Skins with such élan, I was expecting a tour de force."[3]

Metro published a slightly more positive review, writing: "Despite the Lock Stock clichés that lurked at every turn, The Runaway had me running with it. Opening with a knockout boxing scene straight out of Raging Bull, The Runaway had a sweaty, salty tang about it, an intensity that overcame the fact it staggered about, drunk on its own testosterone."[4]

Plot

While unrelated by blood, Cathy Connor and Eamonn Docherty live as brother and sister growing up and embark on a secret relationship. The couple are torn apart when Cathy is sent into care, but she manages to escape and finds her way onto the streets of Soho. Befriended by colourful transvestite Desrae, Cathy grows up in the heart of London's underworld, while Eamonn is drawn into a life of crime and ultimately flees to New York. The pair are finally drawn back together in the midst of the nation's impending future, but their future is far from safe.[1]

Cast

Episodes
Episode Title Written by Directed by Original airdate Viewers
(millions)[5]
1"Episode 1"Allan CubittDavid Richards31 March 2011 (2011-03-31)0.86
Cathy Connor and Eamonn Docherty are childhood sweethearts who are desperate to escape their East End roots. When Cathy murders her Mum's pimp in self-defense it changes their lives forever.
2"Episode 2"Allan CubittDavid Richards7 April 2011 (2011-04-07)0.86
Cathy and Eamonn struggle with their enforced separation. Whilst Eamonn plays a dangerous game by undermining his boss, Cathy finds herself in an oppressive reform school. When Cathy is abused, she runs away and ends up in Soho.
3"Episode 3"Allan CubittDavid Richards14 April 2011 (2011-04-14)0.86
With Desrae's help, Cathy reinvents herself in Soho. Cathy and Eamonn are reunited but it ends in disaster and Eamonn is forced to flee the country.
4"Episode 4"Allan CubittDavid Richards21 April 2011 (2011-04-21)0.81
Eamonn and Cathy rekindle their romance but when Eamonn is forced to return to America, a pregnant Cathy seduces Tommy and they get married.
5"Episode 5"Tom GrievesDavid Richards28 April 2011 (2011-04-28)0.78
Cathy and Tommy's marriage is on the rocks which is further exacerbated when Eamonn returns to London. When Tommy's drug deal goes wrong, Kitty's life is left hanging in the balance.
6"Episode 6"Allan CubittDavid Richards5 May 2011 (2011-05-05)0.77
Eamonn plays a dangerous game by informing on the IRA to Special Branch. He and Cathy are desperate to get away and start a new life together but will they make it without being caught?

References
  1. "Cast announced for 'The Runaway'". Digital Spy. 15 June 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  2. "The Runaway". Amazon UK. 9 May 2011.
  3. "Martina Cole's the Runaway, Sky1, review".
  4. "Martina Cole's the Runaway will have you running with it". 31 March 2011.
  5. "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". BARB. 19 May 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
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