Arena: Caroline Aherne: Comedy Queen

Celebrating the life and career of the comedy writer and actress, featuring contributions from a cast of friends including Steve Coogan, John Thomson, Craig Cash and Andy Harries. The film traces Aherne's life from childhood in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, through her early adventures as a (rare) woman on Manchester's alternative stand-up scene and the breakthrough moment when the BBC commissioned The Mrs Merton Show, followed by The Royle Family. As her star rose, the realities of living with her own fame came to define Aherne's life, as she became a fixture of tabloid speculation about her personal life. With contributions from co-writers Henry Normal and Phil Mealey, and The Royle Family cast members Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson and Ralf Little