The Smoking Room
The Smoking Room is a British television sitcom written by Brian Dooley, who won a BAFTA for the series in 2005. The first series, consisting of eight episodes, was originally transmitted on BBC Three between 29 June and 17 August 2004. The Christmas Special was first transmitted on 20 December 2004. A second series of eight episodes began airing on 26 July 2005. The first series, including the Christmas Special, was released on DVD by the BBC on 6 February 2006 and on CD in a four-disc set on 4 April 2005. The second series was released on 16 October 2006; a boxed set containing both series was released on the same date. There will not be a third series; in an interview for the BBC News website on 30 November 2006, the actor Robert Webb who plays Robin, said in passing, "...there is no more Smoking Room". England's smoking ban, which prohibits indoor smoking in workplaces, came into force on 1 July 2007, as a result of which internal smoking rooms, like the one in which the series is set, became illegal.
Episodes
Janet's nephew Dominic shadows Robin for the day for his university thesis.
A severe snowstorm has brought the roads to a gridlock and trapped everyone at work after hours.
Robin discovers photographs from the 1987 company brochure, bringing back mixed emotions of everyone's past portrait.
The smoking room has been vandalised during a break-in. The smokers try to identify the culprit and end up suspecting everyone. Barry has even drawn up a list of possible suspects; Which brings us to, Robin - Just how did he get that black eye?
It's April Fool's Day and instructions have come from head office to mark the occasion with practical jokes to boost staff morale. Sharon - predictably is against the idea, but that doesn't stop Janet distributing the suitable props she has been issued around the building. The smokers are not in the least bit interested; they feel that life plays enough cruel jokes on you.
Despite being a smoker herself, Sharon is concerned about the amount of time being taken by the smokers for smoking breaks. So she has organised an anti-smoking seminar and attendance is compulsory. Naturally, the mood of the smokers isn't good. Derek, the man who is holding the seminar, is dressed as a cigarette... he sings too.
After saving an old lady from a mugger, Sally is front page news. Clint and Len are a little star-struck by the now famous Sally, which leaves Robin wondering if it might be going to her head. Gordon can see an opportunity though and offers his advice on how to exploit her new found fame.
The fact that Janet has a boyfriend is surprising enough, but the fact that he has proposed and she had accepted is even more surprising. Most of the smokers are delighted for her, especially as she has brought champagne to the smoking room to celebrate, but Robin is concerned: is she rushing things?
