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Sheppey's YouTube sitcom Capers delayed by legal glitch

A new TV show filmed in Kent has been delayed because of "legal reasons".

Capers, billed as the Isle of Sheppey's first reality sitcom, has been put together by Steven 'SJ' Cooper and is about three eccentric brothers who get into a series of comical scrapes.

Poster for Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
Poster for Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions

The first episode was due to be launched on YouTube in August but was delayed because of a legal hitch. But the trailer has already been viewed more than 4,000 times.

Chatham-born SJ, 35, who was brought up on Sheppey, is writing, producing, directing and appearing in the show as Maxwell, one of the brothers. He explained: "I wanted to get it legally watertight before it goes live. Episode one didn't drop on August 27 as planned due to legal reasons."

He said: "Capers is being created by the people for the people. In the summer, when the sun shines, Sheppey is a beautiful place. But for years it has suffered from an undeserved bad reputation. It's time the Island stepped up its game."

The musician, DJ, actor and film director, added: "I've wanted to do something like this for a long time to boost the Island and considered a version of The Only Way Is Essex. But this format is different and totally unique. It's never been done before."

In the trailer, he tells viewers: "This video is to apologise to the fans and supporters of the show and everyone who has been waiting for it to drop. I should have a confirmed date as soon as all the paperwork goes through."

The three brothers, Maxwell (SJ Cooper), Dick (Nick Moulder) and Jefferrie (William Cooper) cross the Kingsferry Bridge in Capers, a 'reality sitcom' based on Sheppey. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
The three brothers, Maxwell (SJ Cooper), Dick (Nick Moulder) and Jefferrie (William Cooper) cross the Kingsferry Bridge in Capers, a 'reality sitcom' based on Sheppey. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions

It is hoped the one-hour pilot episode will now go live in October.

It follows the quirky lives of three brothers. Richard is a "slightly unorthodox" metal detectorist with punk-style spiky hair played by Nick Moulden who was "discovered" at a boot fair.

Leather-jacketed Jefferrie is a member of "the strangest motorcycle club" and is played by SJ's cousin William Cooper. Maxwell, who sports a huge, bushy beard and drives a classic motor, is played by SJ.

SJ, who goes under the name of Smoochi in the nightclubs, said: "The characters are based on real people no longer with us, like my brother Shane and uncle Max."

Maxwell, the one with the gift of the gab, is described as not so much an "old Casanova" but "more like an 80s clapped-out Rover".

Bearded Maxwell driving his car in a scene from Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
Bearded Maxwell driving his car in a scene from Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
Richard (Dick) the detectorist on his way to meet his two brothers in Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
Richard (Dick) the detectorist on his way to meet his two brothers in Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
The three brothers in Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
The three brothers in Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions

The show is filmed across Sheppey at locations which will be easily recognised by Islanders.

The trailer opens with a shot of Maxwell driving his car over the Kingsferry Bridge. There are sections at Harty, Leysdown, Minster cliffs and the Aviator pub at Queenborough.

William Cooper and Nick Moulden are credited as co-producers on the Cooper-Gray production and The Dutch is executive producer.

The film also features a spectacular opening drone shot of Queenborough and the Old House at Home pub.

Introducing the video, Maxwell says: "There is always a caper around here. I'm not talking about the ones you put on your food. I'm talking more along the lines of a drama and a headache. Something's messed up or it's gone wrong.

Opening title of Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
Opening title of Capers, billed as Sheppey's first reality sitcom. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
Capers poster seen in Queenborough
Capers poster seen in Queenborough

"But we never let them get the better of us because God loves a trier. And when I say 'we', I mean me and my brothers."

It is being made in association with Sheppey men's mental health charity Men-Talk.

SJ, who has also lived and worked in London, admitted: "The first episode would normally have cost £250,000 but it has been put together on a shoestring because I'm doing virtually everything.

"But it's not about the money. It's about the community. I really hope this will put Sheppey on the map, like Whitstable."

The three brothers, Maxwell (SJ Cooper), Dick (Nick Moulder) and Jefferrie (William Cooper) at night in Capers, a 'reality sitcom' based on Sheppey. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions
The three brothers, Maxwell (SJ Cooper), Dick (Nick Moulder) and Jefferrie (William Cooper) at night in Capers, a 'reality sitcom' based on Sheppey. Picture: Cooper-Gray Productions

Whitstable, clearly visible from Sheppey, is now something of a Mecca for visiting celebrities. It is also the setting for the Whitstable Pearl Murder books written by Julie Wassmer and now turned into a TV show.

Many TV and producers are already using Sheppey as a location. A spectacular car crash was shot on the Kingsferry Bridge for the ITV drama Too Close and Robbie Williams, among others, has used it to shoot a music video.

A major American film company will be shooting scenes on the Kingsferry Bridge in October.

Publicity posters for the show, already described by insiders as a cross between Only Fools And Horses, Shameless and Snatch, have been strung up across the Island. There are 50 episodes planned.

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