Hunting Venus
| Hunting Venus | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama/comedy |
| Written by | Nick Vivian |
| Directed by | Martin Clunes |
| Composer(s) | Jools Holland |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | David Reynolds |
| Producer(s) | Philippa Braithwaite |
| Editor(s) | Hugh Boyson |
| Cinematography | Paul Wheeler |
| Running time | 115 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Buffalo Pictures for Yorkshire Television |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV |
| Original release | 31 March 1999 |
Hunting Venus is a British television comedy-drama starring Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey as former members of a 1980s new romantic pop group. The one-off drama was broadcast on ITV on 31 March 1999, and was produced by Buffalo Pictures for Yorkshire Television.
The plot follows former pop-star turned con artist Simon Delancey (Clunes) is kidnapped by two fans of his eighties band the Venus Hunters, and blackmailed to re-form the band for one final performance, live on television.
It features cameos from a number of new romantic pop stars, including Simon Le Bon (with his wife Yasmin Le Bon), Tony Hadley, Gary Numan, and Phil Oakey. Jools Holland also appears, as himself, and also wrote the song "Starburst", The Venus Hunters' biggest hit.
A compilation album was released to accompany the drama featuring songs from the 1980s.
Cast
- Martin Clunes ... Simon Delancey
- Neil Morrissey ... Charlotte
- Jane Horrocks ... Cassandra
- Esther Coles ... Jacqui
- Daniel Webb ... John
- Mark Williams ... Peter
- Ben Miller ... Gavin
- Marlene Sidaway ... Marge Beake
- Roger Watkins ... DI Hoardes
- Jean Ainslie ... Lovely Old Lady
- Ian Gain ... Car Dealer
- Dermot Keaney ... Doctor
- John Mackle ... Production Assistant
- Stephen Churchett ... Antiques Dealer
- Laura Heath ... Peter's Secretary