Whether you love them or loathe them, there’s no denying that hen parties are almost always ripe with opportunities for drama. As the BBC’s Henpocalypse makes abundantly clear, though, the classic hen can also prove an endless source of The Inbetweeners-esque hilarity – especially when it’s set during the literal end of the world. 

Penned by Caroline Moran, the new comedy series takes place in an isolated Welsh cottage, where a weekend of the usual bridesmaid-organised fun (you know the sort of thing: plastic L-plates, strippers, nylon veils, penis-shaped everythings) is derailed by Armageddon/Ragnarok/The Rapture/whatever your preferred term for the impending apocalypse may be. 

Watch the trailer for Henpocalypse yourself:

To quote our lords and saviours, the Spice Girls, this one is giving us major ‘hai si ja, hold tight!’ vibes.

Here’s what you need to know, then, about Henpocalypse.

What is Henpocalypse about?

To clear up any residual confusion, Henpocalypse is absolutely not a Chicken Run-style look at how the apocalypse might impact our feathered friends (despite plenty of YouTube commenters seeming to think so, and despite… well, despite that sounding pretty fun, actually).

Instead, it’s about a hen party with zero survival skills – and a lot of plastic party tat – forced to fare against Armageddon.

Desperate for food that isn’t owl meat (don’t ask), the group breaks quarantine and ventures out into the ruins of Snowdonia, where they encounter a fearsome radicalised pilates instructor who’s on a top-secret mission. 

The hens, though, are harbouring a dark secret of their own. And, yes, it very likely involves the poor male stripper they’ve managed to take captive…

“Amongst the ruins of human civilisation, love blooms in very unexpected places, ethics fall by the wayside, Danny Dyer is a spirit animal offering a spiritual redemption experience for one, and friendships are tested to the limit, including a life or death incident with a carving knife and a Fray Bentos pie,” promises the official synopsis.

Curiouser and curiouser, eh?

Who stars in Henpocalypse?

Joining the aforementioned Danny Dyer, the series boasts the unique talents of Elizabeth Berrington, Lucie Shorthouse, Callie Cooke, Kate O’Flynn and Lauren O’Rourke.

Ben McGregor rounds out the cast.

What are people saying about Henpocalypse?

Early reviews for the series have been largely positive, with many praising the show’s (frankly) preposterous premise.

“The show has elements of Blair Witch Project/Bridesmaids (in Llandudno) and Road – ‘are they going to get eaten? Will they eat each other?’ – with glorious gags!” says Berrington. 

O’Rourke adds: “There’s nothing else like it on telly. Obviously [there are] numerous shows that cover female friendships in different ways but I think this one’s great because it shows what happens when your friendships are tested to the absolute limits. I think you can watch it and think of your own friendship group and think like ‘yeah, I’d get rid of them in an apocalypse and they’d be no good’ and you can really put yourself in the situation.

“It’s original, and I think it’s cool and there’s a character for everyone that you’ll be able to identify with, and relate to. It’s something really special.”

Perhaps, though, it’s O’Flynn who sums up the series best, promising viewers a “Brummie The Last Of Us with fewer mushrooms and more dildos”.

We’re sold.

When can we watch Henpocalypse?

Henpocalypse starts Tuesday 15 August, 10pm, BBC Two. The whole series will be available on BBC iPlayer.

Images: BBC / Various Artists Ltd