'The Under Achievers' - Cast and Crew Pre-Distribution Preview / Premier Showing

WE had the pleasure of joining the Crew and Crew of a locally produced TV Movie, called:- 'The Under Achievers' for the pre-distribution preview, come premier, that was shown within the Liverpool's  Epstein Theatre, on Monday, 22 June 2026.  It is an excellent comedy that is sensitively presented; funny, but thought provoking.

'The Under Achievers' was filmed by all local cast and crew by Elegance Productions and filmed in and around the Liverpool City Region.

The production's plot is set around a bunch of 5 lack lusted office workers, who are on the verge of being sacked.  When the team's supervisor is challenged by her boss about their poor performance, the 5 chronically under performing co-worker's are dumped into a deeply questionable:- "motivational" boot camp. At the camp they are told to become a functioning team, or clear their desks. The problem? They can't stand each other... What could go wrong?  This type of plotline is not original in itself, but what makes it different is the Scouse accents and Liverpudlian humour, with very tight well edited footage.

The film opens with a glimpse of Liverpool Landmarks, followed by clips of these individuals in their home environments, prior to their arrival at the call centre and their subsequent work evasions, along with clips showing the teams ineptitude. As the show's tagline goes:- "Britain's least Motivated workforce..." Their supervisor is trying in vain to galvanise their attempt when she is challenged by her own boss about the team's very poor performance in comparison to others and she warns of dire consequences if this continues.  In desperation, the supervisor organises an outdoor camp and adventure programme which they ineptly try to complete.

Without too deep an analysis of the scenario, the whole thing is well written, produced and acted. The plot and scripts are solid and believably established. The scenarios and the characters' responses throughout are cohesive. However it is only when things seem like culminating in disaster, there is a pertinent revelation which presents the participants with the truth that their poor work achievements will inevitably lead to dismissal of the supervisor and her whole team if things don't improve. Further revelations and discussion lead the group to pull themselves together and to aim for the company's challenge cup. When they return to work and the results might surprise you.

The production does touches on some very sensitive topics, but this only gives more depth to the story line and makes the characters more relatable.  

The stand alone program depicts some drug taking, plus some sex related jokes. It also has a string of strong language, so it is probably heading for a 15 certificate, but that's no bad thing.

The production was Directed by:- Mark Reeson, Produced by both:- Michelle Bellington, and Kerry Williams. Director of Photography:- was Alex Shaw, and the original music was by:- James Peter Moffatt. The film was edited by:- Andru Evans.

With US TV shows becoming the norm, it is a real pleasure to see local British, Liverpudlian talent being successful. In all, an entertaining evening; a grand effort from all concerned; comedy but with more serious underlying material provoking more thought. We are told that international syndication deals are being put in place... As Michelle Bellington commented to us:- "This was a very expensive and talented crew with great equipment and editing... It'll sell worldwide!" Congratulations to all involved. May you go successfully forward. You deserve it.

If you see this production, please do let us know what you thought of it by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views...