Review of the BBC Series Smoggie Queens

May 15, 2026, 21:30
UKEntertainment

Introduction

The BBC Three comedy series Smoggie Queens, created by Phil Dunning, has started its second season. The show continues to explore queer identity in the Teesside region.

Main Body

The series is based on Phil Dunning's own experiences and focuses on Dickie, a drag performer who lacks confidence despite his talent. A central theme of the show is the 'chosen family,' shown through the character Mam, played by Mark Benton, who supports a marginalized group in Middlesbrough. The first season was quite successful, attracting 600,000 viewers per episode and earning Dunning three Bafta nominations, which proves there is a strong demand for character-driven comedy. In the second season, the cast has grown to include Monica Dolan, who plays Mam's ex-wife. Her character allows the show to explore Mam's family history and his relationship with his son in more detail. Additionally, the series features guest appearances by Jeff Stelling and Chris Kamara. The show's style mixes surreal humor—such as a rabbit in a warehouse—with serious themes about LGBTQ+ visibility. However, Dunning emphasizes that he avoids focusing on trauma, choosing instead to address discrimination through irony and humor. Regarding the acting, Mark Benton mentioned that using prosthetic nails helps him feel more connected to his character. Furthermore, the production has surprisingly attracted many heterosexual male viewers, suggesting that the show has a wide appeal despite its specific subject matter.

Conclusion

Smoggie Queens remains a unique production on BBC Three that successfully balances strange humor with subtle social commentary.

Learning

🚀 Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'

At an A2 level, you likely connect your ideas with simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Sophistication. These are words that act like bridges, making your writing sound professional and fluid.

🔍 The 'B2 Upgrade' from the Text

Look at how the author of the article links ideas. Instead of using basic words, they use these "Power Connectors":

  1. "Despite" →\rightarrow (Used for surprises/contrasts)

    • A2 Style: Dickie is talented but he has no confidence.
    • B2 Style: Dickie lacks confidence despite his talent.
    • The Trick: Use despite + [noun/phrase]. It flips the sentence and makes it sound more academic.

  2. "Furthermore" →\rightarrow (Adding a strong extra point)

    • A2 Style: The show is funny and it has guest stars.
    • B2 Style: The series features guest appearances... Furthermore, the production has attracted many male viewers.
    • The Trick: Start a new sentence with Furthermore to signal that you are adding an important piece of evidence.

  3. "Instead" →\rightarrow (Replacing one idea with another)

    • A2 Style: He doesn't talk about trauma but he uses humor.
    • B2 Style: He avoids focusing on trauma, choosing instead to address discrimination through irony.
    • The Trick: Use instead to show a conscious choice or a change in direction.

🛠️ Pro-Tip for your Transition

To sound like a B2 speaker, stop thinking in short, choppy sentences. Try to merge two simple thoughts using one of these markers.

Example Transformation:

  • A2: The show is about a specific group. Many different people like it.
  • B2: The show has a wide appeal despite its specific subject matter.

Vocabulary Learning

explore
to investigate or look into something in detail
Example:The series explores queer identity in the Teesside region.
drag
a performance style where a person dresses in exaggerated clothing and makeup, often to portray a different gender
Example:Dickie is a drag performer who showcases theatrical flair on stage.
confidence
a feeling of self-assurance or belief in one's abilities
Example:Despite his talent, Dickie lacks confidence in front of the audience.
talent
a natural skill or ability to do something well
Example:Dickie has a remarkable talent for comedy and performance.
central
of the most important or main part
Example:A central theme of the show is the chosen family.
theme
a main idea or subject that is explored in a story or work
Example:The theme of identity is woven throughout each episode.
chosen
selected or picked out for a particular purpose
Example:The show highlights a chosen family that supports each other.
marginalized
treated as a lower or inferior group, often excluded from mainstream society
Example:The series supports a marginalized group in Middlesbrough.
successful
having achieved desired results or goals
Example:The first season was quite successful, attracting many viewers.
attract
to draw or pull someone or something toward oneself
Example:The show attracted 600,000 viewers per episode.
viewers
people who watch a television program or show
Example:Viewers praised the show for its humor and depth.
nominations
formal proposals or applications to be considered for a prize or award
Example:Dunning received three Bafta nominations for his work.
cast
the group of actors who perform in a film, play, or television show
Example:The cast includes Monica Dolan and Mark Benton.
history
the record of past events or experiences
Example:The show explores Mam's family history in depth.
irony
a situation in which the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning
Example:Dunning uses irony to address discrimination through humor.
surreal
having an unreal or dream-like quality
Example:The show features surreal humor, like a rabbit in a warehouse.
humor
the quality of being funny or amusing
Example:The series mixes humor with serious themes.
visibility
the state of being seen or recognized by others
Example:The show raises LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media.