New BBC drama covers 80s home computer battle

Starring the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and the BBC Micro

1 July 2009 9:25 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

The BBC is plotting a new one-off, film-length drama that will make for fascinating viewing for retro-gaming and computer fans.

Due to be shown on BBC Four, "Syntax Era" is said to "provide an affectionately comic account of the Eighties race for home computer supremacy".

The drama documents the rivalry between Sir Clive Sinclair, who will be played by Alexander Armstrong (Armstrong & Miller) and his former colleague, Martin Freeman's Chris Curry, as they go head to head in the growing home computer market.

"Those of us that lived through the Eighties will remember the sense of excitement when gadgets and technology started to appear in our homes, but not many of us will know the fascinating stories behind their arrival", said Richard Klein, controller of BBC Four.

The Beeb promises classic clips within the drama from programmes including John Craven's Newsround.