British Comedy Guide
Black Books. Image shows from L to R: Bernard Black (Dylan Moran), Manny Bianco (Bill Bailey), Fran Katzenjammer (Tamsin Greig). Copyright: Assembly Film And Television
Black Books

Black Books

  • TV sitcom
  • Channel 4
  • 2000 - 2004
  • 18 episodes (3 series)

Sitcom focusing on a foul tempered bookshop owner, his trusty assistant and the girl next door. Stars Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 683

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Series 2, Episode 1 - The Entertainer

Fran has a new hobby and Bernard has a date. Manny holds the key to success with both.

Further details

Fran begins piano lessons and is commanded to practice all night by her blind, cane-owning Russian teacher, Josef.

Bernard has a date with an attractive customer. Both eager to impress (or escape a knuckle-rapping), it all falls into place when Manny uncovers an extraordinary hidden talent for stroking the ivories. Particularly when Josef invites his father from Petersburg and grandfather from Odessa to hear Fran play. The only spoon in the piano is that Manny urgently needs a well-deserved break. And a couple of steaks for his eyes.

Broadcast details

Date
Friday 1st March 2002
Time
9:30pm
Channel
Channel 4
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Dylan Moran Bernard Black
Bill Bailey Manny Bianco
Tamsin Greig Fran Katzenjammer
Guest cast
Nina Conti Kate (Customer)
David McKail Josef Slavanski (Piano Teacher)
Edward Burnham Petor Slavanski (Piano Teacher)
George Miller Anton Slavanski (Piano Teacher)
Jean Ainslie Actor
Luing Andrews Actor
Kay D'Arcy Actor
John Marquez Actor
Writing team
Dylan Moran Writer
Production team
Martin Dennis Director
Nira Park Producer
William Burdett-Coutts Executive Producer
Karen Beever Line Producer
Paul Machliss Editor
Dennis De Groot Production Designer
Jane Davies Casting Director
John Connor Casting Director
Annie Hardinge Costume Designer
Andy Hollis Director of Photography
Sheena Gunn Costume Designer
Christopher Clayton Lighting Designer
Jonathan Whitehead Composer
Jim Imber 1st Assistant Director

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