An intriguing start to a new series by the writer and creator of Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks. When I knew Phil Redmond was the author I did a little mental shimmy of excitement and my expectations soared. Hard-hitting social and political themes sit centre stage, with the drama weaving and darting through the chapters. A pow of a prologue introduces the background to the main storyline, then an awful lot of characters are introduced in a very short space of time. The town of Highbridge itself sits slightly in the background, brooding, always present. I felt as though I had just moved into the town and was working overtime to get to know my surroundings, the movers and shakers, and of course the scummiest of the scum. It did feel at times as though this was an introduction, that ‘Highbridge’ is all about setting the scene and bedding in for the new series, however things really start to heat up by the half way point, and then the drama really kicks in. Like the first in a promising TV series roll on the second. ~ Liz Robinson
The dramatic novel from the writer and creator of Brookside, Hollyoaks and Grange Hill. Three years ago, Janey Nolan was murdered in the centre of town. Today, no one knows who did it. Sick of waiting for the powers that be to rid the streets and school gates of dealers, druggies and parasites, Janey's brothers want to avenge her death. While Sean decides to explore the routes and corridors of political power, Joey chooses more direct action in and among the alleys and pathways of the neighbourhood itself. But can the brothers find Janey's killer without bringing more danger to their town? This Is Just The Beginning. This Is Highbridge.
Phil Redmond is best known for creating three of Britain's longest-running drama series Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks. Redmond came up with the concept for Grange Hill in 1978 and has written extensively for TV, radio and stage, running independent company Mersey Television for 20 years until 2005. A fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and made a CBE in 2004, Redmond was appointed Deputy Chair and Creative Director of Liverpool's time as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Since then he has worked pro bono in the public sector, being influential in getting David Cameron to launch the ill-fated Big Society in Liverpool.
