Some say…It's all about the writing

Ask 1000 people worldwide what they like about British comedy and I guarantee you’ll find yourself in the company of 1000 people that say it’s all in the writing. Smart, witty, intelligent — words that are repeatedly used to describe British comedy writing. Good writing + good casting = success Ask any actor or actress […]

Read more

March Madness – British comedy version

March Madness Time! Time to stock up for some British comedy series power-watching over the next several weeks. Besides the ever-present classics that are worth watching over and over such as Yes Minister, Reginald Perrin and Vicar of Dibley, there are a couple of other series you may or may not be aware of that […]

Read more

Memo to John Inman: Thanks for the years of laughter

When John Inman (Mr. Humphries, Are You Being Served?) passed away on March 8, 2007, all the years past, present and future of smiles and laughter did not end. John was, and will continue to be, a very good friend to public television viewers nationwide through his comedic talents on screen. Many of us will […]

Read more

Happy British Pie Week!

Whether you celebrate quietly at home with just a few friends or go all out and invite the neighborhood over, it’s British Pie Week in the UK, March 1-7. Stay with me here, there is a hook to British TV in a bit. I know there are a remote few of you out there that […]

Read more

Yes Minister, more reality than comedy

Forgot to mention one really cool thing that occurred after the BBC Showcase meeting last week. Spent some time at the House of Commons watching the Q&A session as party leaders from the Opposition Party answered questions from the ruling party Members of Parliament (MP’s). In a word, it was a fascinating afternoon. As I […]

Read more

Just how does a British comedy get on the air?

Fresh from the 2010 BBC Showcase and back on this side of the pond, I thought it might be interesting to everyone who has asked the question at one time or another, “how in the world did that get made” or “I have a great idea for a show, what do I need to do”, […]

Read more

BBC Showcase – Brighton, UK

Greetings from BBC Showcase, Day one As you were, hopefully, sleeping the night away this morning, tellyspotting was arriving at the train station in Brighton, England ready to attend the 2010 BBC Showcase on your behalf. What is BBC Showcase, you may be asking yourself? In simple terms, it’s an incredible meeting put on by […]

Read more

Yes Prime Minister takes the stage after 22 years

If you were a fan of either Yes Minister or Yes Prime Minister and you think that the series has more relevancy today than it did in the 80’s, you’re probably not alone. If you ever had a thought that this would be a great stage play, you’re right there with the original writers, Anthony […]

Read more

Happy 81st, Hyacinth

Forever linked with the snobbish, social climbing, eccentric Hyacinth Bucket (bou-quet) famous for her candlelight suppers, Patricia Routledge has had a long and very successful career not only in British comedy, but film, television and musical theatre with numerous appearances in West End London. Her Broadway debut resulted in a Tony Award for Best Actress […]

Read more

Fry & Laurie tagged as all-time favorite British comedy couple!

Absence must make the heart grow fonder in the “most-favorite British comedy couple of all-time” Tellyspotting poll as Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, two British comedy giants who haven’t been together for some 20 years, shocked the British comedy world by being voted as the favorite British comedy couple of all-time in landslide fashion for their work […]

Read more