UK TV Gold aired the first episode of new sitcom Newark, Newark at 9pm on Monday (March 28). The three-part show is set in the town of Newark-on-Trent where the show's director, Nathan Ford, is from.
The 40-minute episodes follow the story of Maxine, a chip shop owner played by Morgana Robinson, who is coming to terms with her divorce while looking after her son, Leslie. Other recognisable stars in the cast include Mathew Horne, who grew up in Burton Joyce and starred in Gavin & Stacey, and Beverley Callard from Coronation Street.
There was much excitement from locals as the cast and crew were spotted all over the town filming scenes over the past few months. While viewers were eager to spot some of the more recognisable landmarks in different episodes, there was some criticism of the stars' interpretation of a Newark accent.
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Local viewers were conflicted when it came to Newark slang and accents. Some felt there was not enough slang but others felt glad that it wasn't too overdone. One viewer commented on social media: "Bear in mind, it is fiction, I thought it was alright, definitely worse things on the TV. I was just glad they didn't overdo the slang."
Another person who had left Newark enjoyed a nostalgic look at the locations. They wrote: "I enjoyed it, having moved away 14 years ago it was nice seeing some of the town and hearing some Newark slang."
"Gotta tell you, as someone from Newark, those aren't Newark accents. To be fair, though, Morgana Robinson sounds like she's giving it a good go," a viewer wrote.
Reviews were mixed when it came to the overall impression of the town created by the first episode. Some labelled it "not a good advert for our lovely town". On Facebook, one viewer felt some of the dialogue could have used more Newark expressions.
"The first thing they should have done is incorporated more Newark slang. It's the Newark slang that would have made it really funny. For example in one of the opening scenes instead of saying bevvies (drinks) they should have used the word peeve.
"I don't use Newark slang but it does make me chuckle when someone does. It's one of the things that make Newark people different. Also Beverley Callard didn't mask her Lancashire accent entirely.
"The younger chippy worker was clearly from Leicester (having worked most of my adult life with people from Leicester her accent was obviously that of someone from there) I just feel it could have been cast better."
Other viewers had hoped to see some of the recognisable locations where the cast had been spotted such as the market square. Although others kept a keen eye out for their apartments or homes appearing in the background.
One person tweeted: "I did like the opening scenes of our little town, the characters on the market and I watched the filming of the market scene. Fair enough for that."
Some viewers compared the show to Shameless and were concerned that this was not a great advert for the town but some remained optimistic that the attention may make a difference. The next episode of the show will air on Tuesday (March 29) at 9pm on Sky 110 and Virgin Media 124.
