Well, it has been several weeks since my last rant against U.S. producers trying to re-make British comedy genius. Please don’t insert “But, look at The Office…” here. As I’ve said repeatedly, it’s a short list with The Office, Steptoe and Son and Till Death Do Us Part. Not bad for over 40 years of […]
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He’s a botanist at a local garden centre. She’s a food technology teacher. The he is Alfred Molina and the she is Dawn French. The two star in the newest addition to the BBC Two british comedy line-up beginning this coming Friday titled Roger and Val Have Just Got In. It’s not “laugh out loud […]
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Another day, more British comedy greatness. Started the morning off with a drive to Kentish Town in North London to visit Roger Lloyd Pack, who stars as Owen in The Vicar of Dibley. What a gem of an individual and an unbelievable wealth of knowledge about comedy and acting. Roger did share some interesting observations on […]
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LONDON – July 13, 2010 – Writers of British comedy project, DAY TWO. Still recognizing the brilliant mind of John Howard Davies from our first day of interviews, we started today with Harold Snoad. Again, may not know the name, but you definitely know the work. Harold has had a lengthy career with the BBC, […]
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Not quite where it all began, but pretty darn close. Hancock’s Half Hour is another historic series that continues to be mentioned by all the giants of British comedy today as being a huge influence. Originally a BBC Radio series, the Hancock’s Half Hour television series, which gave rise to many of todays British comedy […]
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Blame it on World Cup fever…or just age. Unfortunately, Friday, June 11 came and went without a sincere shout out to Hugh Laurie on his birthday. Today’s television viewer is now wondering why we’re wishing Dr. Gregory House a happy birthday. If you’re willing to admit you’re in that group, please take an upcoming weekend […]
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Several years ago, we were extremely fortunate to have interviewed Patricia Routledge as part of The Funny Ladies of British Comedy program for PBS. Having never met, needless to say, we were probably so over prepared for the interview given that our obvious frame of reference was her portrayal of the character of Hyacinth Bucket […]
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Eric Morecambe. Ernie Wise. You may or may not know the names, but there’s no question you indirectly know their work as there isn’t a British comedy star today that doesn’t reference Morecambe & Wise when talking about their influences growing up. From variety to radio to film to television, the comedy partnership of Morecambe and […]
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Dad’s Army, one of the most popular British comedy series in the history of British comedies according to the Britain’s Best Sitcom poll several years ago, has transformed from the small screen to the live stage. Based on real-life Home Guard experiences of co-writer Jimmy Perry, Dad’s Army has joined a growing group of British comedies […]
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Now, more than ever, former Monty Python great, John Cleese, would love to utter the words, “And Now For Something Completely Different” and have it relate to television in the 21st century. Still recuperating in his Santa Barbara home from recent knee surgery and planning his upcoming Alimony Tour across the UK, John Cleese, has […]
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