Overview
Based on the novel of the same title by John van de Ruit, Spud is a coming of age comedy-drama about a middle class South African boy who wins a scholarship to a snooty private school, featuring the definitely reliable-to-be-good actor, John Cleese.
The story follows Spud, whose lunatic parents fear that Nelson Mandela's release from prison will lead to communist rule in South Africa, send him to the safety of a boarding school in Kwazula-Natal. However, upon arrival Spud finds himself surrounded by well-to-do boys with nicknames like Gecko, Rambo, Rain Man and Mad Dog, and he struggles to adapt to his new home. The Guv (played by Cleese) becomes Spud's go to in all matters and the coming of age element is explored through this interesting relationship between the eccentric, alcoholic English teacher and the young boy.
My Mum made me read this book. I remember struggling with it at the time. This was probably because I was too young for it (I remember giggling at the word penis), yet it still remains a memorable story and I have little doubt that with Cleese at the helm, the show will be anything less than a fantastic rendition.