Out of this world

Sci-fiseries Avenue 5 adds a comedic twist to the idea of holidaying in space.

- CRAIG FALCK

Avenue 5

Season 1 Fridays (from 14 May) M-Net (*101) 22:30

The idea of travelling through space for exploration and knowing more about the universe is one thing, but strapping yourself to tons of fuel and shooting yourself into orbit for a vacay is a whole other story, says Hugh Laurie, who plays ship commander Captain Ryan Clark in sci-fiseries Avenue 5 (2020-now). “It’s ridiculous, preposterous. The concept of holidaying in space is the most incredibly smug thing I’ve ever heard of. And that’s exactly why I signed on for this show,” says the actor who is famous for his more serious roles like Dr Gregory House in medical drama House MD (2004-2012) and arms dealer Roper in crime drama miniseries The Night Manager, 2016). “I love serious roles but there’s something magical about comedy. Right now, with the Mars Rover and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk helping NASA with his Space-X business, space is the talk of the town and a trip ‘up there’ is realistic,” adds Hugh. Strap in, folks…

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