Before he was a beloved TV star, comedian Alan Carr was a young boy growing up in a small town not quite ready for his shine. In Changing Ends, he takes us through that childhood, which is sometimes sweet, sometimes tough, but always comfortingly, relatably hilarious. By appearing in it and addressing us, present-day Carr ran the risk of being cheeky, explanatory, self-indulgent, and jarring—the 1980s setting is nice and nostalgic, why ruin it?—but his presence surprisingly works. It’s interesting to see the differences and lasting similarities between Young Carr and Old Carr. The former is naive and unrelentingly himself while the latter is worldly and reflective, and also unrelentingly himself. You don’t have to know who Carr is to enjoy this short but sweet entry (I certainly didn’t), you only have to recall that time in your life when you first started growing into yourself—how simultaneously awkward, painful, and exhilarating it felt.
Against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, Alan experiences sexual awakenings, battles with bullies and navigates the highs and lows of fourth division football.
In 1980s Northampton, a young, eager, and creative Alan Carr (Oliver Savell) is having trouble fitting into his school and hometown. Thankfully, he has his friends and family to fall back to when things get tough.
I love how everyone in Carr’s family and (tiny) friend circle gets a fair share of screen time and characterization. You could tell me this is all fictional and I’d believe you and still watch the show.
This show is Everybody Hates Chris meets Paddington. No, I will not explain any further.
