BBC closes the book on Ben Elton’s latest bit of greatness as ‘Upstart Crow’ cancelled after S3!

In a move that traditionally tends to defy any conceivable valid explanation, the BBC has cancelled the Ben Elton comedy Upstart Crow after three critically acclaimed and highly successful series. David Mitchell was brilliant as a young William Shakespeare which spanned three series, several specials and an incredible limited run at both the Gielgud and Apollo Theatres in […]

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Rowan Atkinson to resurrect Mr. Bean for Comic Relief 2015

Fresh on the heels of last weeks brilliant news that Dawn French would participate in a forthcoming Vicar of Dibley sketch for the Red Nose Day portion of Comic Relief 2015, which is set to air on BBC One on Friday, 13 March 2015, comes the icing on the proverbial British comedy cake for fans […]

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British comedy stars invade the London stage

As we (im)-patiently await the next Facebook status update from the inhabitants of Downton Abbey, chronicling the devastating events of series 3, episode 4, it time to, yet again, turn our attention to what really sets British actors apart from their American counterparts. As we experienced, first hand, back in 2009 at the Theatre Royal […]

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Rowan Atkinson's gift of laughter on HIS birthday today

Seems odd to celebrate Rowan Atkinson’s birthday given the fact that he’s the one that, along with Richard Curtis, has given us the timeless gift of laughter over the years. We all know about the gifts of Blackadder, Mr. Bean and Inspector Fowler in Thin Blue Line. I remember first seeing Atkinson along with Mel […]

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The greatness of Outnumbered comes to the U.S.

With lots of new British series coming to the U.S. via public television in early 2011, I decided to mention one that I’ve tracked for awhile and really can’t wait for. Partly because it’s a brilliant series, but mainly because of a far-fetched article that surfaced yesterday about the BBC hit series, Outnumbered, alluding to […]

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Blackadder's space-age "petrol station" home gets approval

In what could have been a scene right out of a Blackadder V pitch to the head of BBC Light Entertainment, the seventh century village of Oxfordshire came close to exhibiting their best imitation of the Dibley Town Council recently. Over the last several months, plans by the actor and star of British comedy classics such […]

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Chaplin….Keaton….Atkinson

For years, I have marveled at the comedic talents of Rowan Atkinson, especially showcased in the classic British comedies Blackadder, Mr. Bean and The Thin Blue Line, not to mention films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral. For all the greatness that comes from his “talking” roles, for my money, I have always loved the […]

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The 39 Steps on PBS vs. Closing ceremonies – no choice

Ok, I know the Olympic closing ceremonies are on tonight. But, there will be another closing ceremonies in 4 years, so it’s time for you to take a stand, DVR it, and then watch the newest adaptation of The 39 Steps instead. The show airs as part of the Masterpiece series tonight (Sunday) at 8:00pm CT […]

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Happy 55 – Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson turns 55 today. From this end, all we can do is wish him a Happy Birthday. He’s given us the gift of laughter over the years beginning with Not the Nine O’Clock News, then Blackadder, Mr. Bean and, finally, The Thin Blue Line. Stops along the way for specials like Bernard and the […]

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