1990s sketch series The Fast Show is hitting the road for a 30th anniversary tour around the UK, and here are the details.
When talking about British comedy in the 1990s, it is impossible to overstate the impact of The Fast Show. With a plethora of characters that have successfully stood the test of time, the series itself stands up remarkably well to repeat viewings.
Although many of the characters were well known for their catchphrases – has anybody ever been measured up for a suit in the last thirty years without being able to resist the temptation to say “suits you sir! – there was a darker edge to the writing.
A good example is Rowley Birkin, a Paul Whitehouse character who is usually played as a babbling alcoholic. The final episode of series two features an unusually restrained performance, where the audience stops laughing and are stunned into silence as...
When talking about British comedy in the 1990s, it is impossible to overstate the impact of The Fast Show. With a plethora of characters that have successfully stood the test of time, the series itself stands up remarkably well to repeat viewings.
Although many of the characters were well known for their catchphrases – has anybody ever been measured up for a suit in the last thirty years without being able to resist the temptation to say “suits you sir! – there was a darker edge to the writing.
A good example is Rowley Birkin, a Paul Whitehouse character who is usually played as a babbling alcoholic. The final episode of series two features an unusually restrained performance, where the audience stops laughing and are stunned into silence as...
- 1/26/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Louisa Mellor May 5, 2017
New Channel 4 comedy Loaded is a very funny look at male friendship, money and success, with a strong cast and real depth…
When I meet the cast of Channel 4’s Loaded, it’s at the tail-end of a stretch of interviews during which Samuel Anderson, Nick Helm, Jim Howick and Jonny Sweet have been asked approximately four times an hour what, if they each suddenly received £15m as their app-designing characters do in the show, they’d spend it on. Before I even sit down, Sweet starts to reel off “I’d get a kettle, fill it with gold…”
See related American Gods episode 1 review: The Bone Orchard American Gods cast interview: Ian McShane, Ricky Whittle, Emily Browning American Gods: Bryan Fuller interview
Loaded, written by Fresh Meat and Misfits’ Jon Brown isn’t a celebration of wealth. “This show is about how not to enjoy being a millionaire,...
New Channel 4 comedy Loaded is a very funny look at male friendship, money and success, with a strong cast and real depth…
When I meet the cast of Channel 4’s Loaded, it’s at the tail-end of a stretch of interviews during which Samuel Anderson, Nick Helm, Jim Howick and Jonny Sweet have been asked approximately four times an hour what, if they each suddenly received £15m as their app-designing characters do in the show, they’d spend it on. Before I even sit down, Sweet starts to reel off “I’d get a kettle, fill it with gold…”
See related American Gods episode 1 review: The Bone Orchard American Gods cast interview: Ian McShane, Ricky Whittle, Emily Browning American Gods: Bryan Fuller interview
Loaded, written by Fresh Meat and Misfits’ Jon Brown isn’t a celebration of wealth. “This show is about how not to enjoy being a millionaire,...
- 5/4/2017
- Den of Geek
'The Fast Show' was the result of a ''marriage''-like writing partnership between Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson. The duo created the iconic comedy sketch show - which featured the likes of Mark Williams, Simon Day and John Thomson - and Charlie has claimed their contrasting skill-sets were the foundation of the programme's success. Charlie shared: ''It's the same for a writing partnership and a marriage is that you both have to be quite different. You both bring different things to it. If you both bring the same, it doesn't work.'' But while Paul formed a similarly successful writing partnership with fellow British...
- 11/12/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
The new instalment of The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm has added Diana Rigg, Steve Pemberton and Bob Mortimer to the cast.
Harry Hill has already been confirmed to reprise his role as the batty inventor for the children's drama, set to air at Christmas.
Rigg will be playing Lady Pagwell, Pemberton will be Professor Algebrain and Mortimer will take on the role of Professor Awfulshirt.
Reprising their roles from last year are Vicki Pepperdine as Mrs Flittersnoop, Madeline Holliday as Connie, Simon Day as Colonel Dedshott, Charlie Higson as the Mayor, David Mitchell as councillor Harold Haggerstone and Sophie Thompson as Connie's mum Aggie.
Last year's Christmas special from Charlie Higson saw Norman Hunter's classic children's books adapted into a one-off 60-minute drama.
The story revolved around Mrs Flittersnoop's young science-obsessed niece Connie, who helped Hill's Professor Branestawn when a local councillor and a businessman planned to wreck the Professor's village.
Harry Hill has already been confirmed to reprise his role as the batty inventor for the children's drama, set to air at Christmas.
Rigg will be playing Lady Pagwell, Pemberton will be Professor Algebrain and Mortimer will take on the role of Professor Awfulshirt.
Reprising their roles from last year are Vicki Pepperdine as Mrs Flittersnoop, Madeline Holliday as Connie, Simon Day as Colonel Dedshott, Charlie Higson as the Mayor, David Mitchell as councillor Harold Haggerstone and Sophie Thompson as Connie's mum Aggie.
Last year's Christmas special from Charlie Higson saw Norman Hunter's classic children's books adapted into a one-off 60-minute drama.
The story revolved around Mrs Flittersnoop's young science-obsessed niece Connie, who helped Hill's Professor Branestawn when a local councillor and a businessman planned to wreck the Professor's village.
- 10/6/2015
- Digital Spy
Voice cast of Raymond Briggs’ adaptation also includes Luke Treadaway and Virginia McKenna.
Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn are to voice the lead characters of Ethel & Ernest, a new hand-drawn animated feature based on Raymond Briggs’ classic graphic novel and tribute to his parents.
Production is underway on the film, set for theatrical release in 2016, and the cast also includes Luke Treadaway as Raymond, Olivier award winner for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and star of Fortitude; Virginia McKenna (Born Free, A Town Like Alice), June Brown (EastEnders), Pam Ferris (Matilda), Simon Day and Roger Allam.
The film will also showcase the voice of 11-year-old Harry Collett as young Raymond, who provides the voice of Buzzbee in Disney Junior’s animated series The Hive.
Ethel & Ernest marks the feature debut of Roger Mainwood, who worked as an animator on Briggs’ classic short The Snowman and was lead animator on the 2012 sequel, [link...
Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn are to voice the lead characters of Ethel & Ernest, a new hand-drawn animated feature based on Raymond Briggs’ classic graphic novel and tribute to his parents.
Production is underway on the film, set for theatrical release in 2016, and the cast also includes Luke Treadaway as Raymond, Olivier award winner for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and star of Fortitude; Virginia McKenna (Born Free, A Town Like Alice), June Brown (EastEnders), Pam Ferris (Matilda), Simon Day and Roger Allam.
The film will also showcase the voice of 11-year-old Harry Collett as young Raymond, who provides the voice of Buzzbee in Disney Junior’s animated series The Hive.
Ethel & Ernest marks the feature debut of Roger Mainwood, who worked as an animator on Briggs’ classic short The Snowman and was lead animator on the 2012 sequel, [link...
- 8/3/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
He invented world music and made the first Plasticine pop video ever - now, Brian Pern is taking to the London stage to celebrate his illustrious 40-year career.
That's right, Simon Day's musical comedy creation is heading to the Lyric Theatre on Monday, October 19 for one-off event An Evening with Brian Pern.
The character made his first appearance in BBC Four comedy The Life of Rock with Brian Pern, as a founder of fictional prog rock band Thotch.
As well as Simon Day, An Evening with Brian Pern - a mix of music and chat - will also star Tony Way and Lucy Montgomery.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, June 5, priced at £27.50.
Watch a clip from The Life of Rock with Brian Pern below:...
That's right, Simon Day's musical comedy creation is heading to the Lyric Theatre on Monday, October 19 for one-off event An Evening with Brian Pern.
The character made his first appearance in BBC Four comedy The Life of Rock with Brian Pern, as a founder of fictional prog rock band Thotch.
As well as Simon Day, An Evening with Brian Pern - a mix of music and chat - will also star Tony Way and Lucy Montgomery.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, June 5, priced at £27.50.
Watch a clip from The Life of Rock with Brian Pern below:...
- 6/3/2015
- Digital Spy
The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm will return for a second episode.
Harry Hill will reprise his role as the batty inventor for the children's drama, set to air at Christmas.
Vicki Pepperdine and Simon Day are also expected to return to their roles as housekeeper Mrs Flittersnoop and Colonel Dedshott of the Catapult Cavaliers, according to Radio Times.
Last year's Christmas special from Charlie Higson saw Norman Hunter's classic children's book adapted into a one-off 60-minute drama
The story revolved around Mrs Flittersnoop's young science-obsessed niece Connie (Madeline Holliday), who helped Hill's Professor Branestawn when a local councillor and a businessman (David Mitchell and Ben Miller) planned to wreck the Professor's village.
It is unknown whether Mitchell and Miller will reprise their original roles.
Harry Hill will reprise his role as the batty inventor for the children's drama, set to air at Christmas.
Vicki Pepperdine and Simon Day are also expected to return to their roles as housekeeper Mrs Flittersnoop and Colonel Dedshott of the Catapult Cavaliers, according to Radio Times.
Last year's Christmas special from Charlie Higson saw Norman Hunter's classic children's book adapted into a one-off 60-minute drama
The story revolved around Mrs Flittersnoop's young science-obsessed niece Connie (Madeline Holliday), who helped Hill's Professor Branestawn when a local councillor and a businessman (David Mitchell and Ben Miller) planned to wreck the Professor's village.
It is unknown whether Mitchell and Miller will reprise their original roles.
- 3/17/2015
- Digital Spy
Harry Hill leads Charlie Higson-penned children's book adaptation, The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm...
If you’re unfamiliar with the Professor Branestawm books then let me bring you up to speed. Norman Hunter’s thirteen novels, written over a fifty-year period, chronicled the escapades of Professor Branestawm, a scatterbrained boffin who created absurd contraptions in his ‘inventory’, constantly trying the nerves of his ever-patient housekeeper, Mrs Flittersnoop. As a character, Professor Branestawm is like an adult William Brown (of Richmal Crompton’s Just William series): feckless and unpredictable except the good professor has the added trait of being mad as a bag of spanners. This Christmas, author, actor and screenwriter Charlie Higson has adapted Hunter’s novels into a family telefilm that boasts a terrifically starry cast – namely sealing down comedian Harry Hill as the eponymous scientist – and a plum positioning in the Christmas schedules. I’m sad...
If you’re unfamiliar with the Professor Branestawm books then let me bring you up to speed. Norman Hunter’s thirteen novels, written over a fifty-year period, chronicled the escapades of Professor Branestawm, a scatterbrained boffin who created absurd contraptions in his ‘inventory’, constantly trying the nerves of his ever-patient housekeeper, Mrs Flittersnoop. As a character, Professor Branestawm is like an adult William Brown (of Richmal Crompton’s Just William series): feckless and unpredictable except the good professor has the added trait of being mad as a bag of spanners. This Christmas, author, actor and screenwriter Charlie Higson has adapted Hunter’s novels into a family telefilm that boasts a terrifically starry cast – namely sealing down comedian Harry Hill as the eponymous scientist – and a plum positioning in the Christmas schedules. I’m sad...
- 12/22/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year is always a hotly-contested list - with only 25 spots to allocate, many of our favourites miss out by a whisker.
Here's a smattering of series that almost made the final countdown - these are the best of the rest.
Additional material by Tom Eames
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 5-1
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 10-6
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 15-11
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 20-16
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 25-21
The Fall
Though we'd never go so far as to say that familiarity breeds contempt when it comes to The Fall, it is true to say that the second series of Allan Cubitt's crime thriller lacked a little of the impact of the 2013 run.
Here's a smattering of series that almost made the final countdown - these are the best of the rest.
Additional material by Tom Eames
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 5-1
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 10-6
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 15-11
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 20-16
Digital Spy's best TV shows of the year 2014: 25-21
The Fall
Though we'd never go so far as to say that familiarity breeds contempt when it comes to The Fall, it is true to say that the second series of Allan Cubitt's crime thriller lacked a little of the impact of the 2013 run.
- 12/20/2014
- Digital Spy
He's the man who "invented world music" and who created the first ever music video using Plasticine. Yes, we're talking about '70s rock legend Brian Pern - the frontman of Thotch.
Ok, Brian Pern might not be real, but Simon Day and Rhys Thomas's surreal music doc spoof is so on the money, it feels like Pern and Thotch are very much the bona fide article. Is the Day of the Triffids album not on iTunes yet?
With incredible guest appearances from the likes of Roger Moore, Martin Freeman and Kathy Burke, Brian Pern: A Life in Rock is the funniest TV show on right now.
We caught up with Day and Thomas to chat about its success.
First things first, I was a huge fan of your last comedy show Bellamy's People.
Simon Day: "Oh, don't get us started on that."
Honestly, I loved it. That didn't get a second series.
Ok, Brian Pern might not be real, but Simon Day and Rhys Thomas's surreal music doc spoof is so on the money, it feels like Pern and Thotch are very much the bona fide article. Is the Day of the Triffids album not on iTunes yet?
With incredible guest appearances from the likes of Roger Moore, Martin Freeman and Kathy Burke, Brian Pern: A Life in Rock is the funniest TV show on right now.
We caught up with Day and Thomas to chat about its success.
First things first, I was a huge fan of your last comedy show Bellamy's People.
Simon Day: "Oh, don't get us started on that."
Honestly, I loved it. That didn't get a second series.
- 12/16/2014
- Digital Spy
We’ve scanned the UK Christmas TV and radio schedules for the festive fortnight and circled a few programmes you may enjoy…
We’ve taken our glittery pen to the pages of this year’s festive TV Listings guide to circle a selection of shows that might tickle your Christmas fancy.
Supplement your festive box-set viewing with appearances from the Doctor and Clara, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Dame Judi Dench, Professor Danielle George, the work of Roald Dahl, Charlie Brooker, David Attenborough, the much-missed Rik Mayall, and many more...
Drama Doctor Who: Last Christmas
The tenth annual Doctor Who Christmas Special since the show’s 2005 return, and Peter Capaldi’s first real festive Tardis adventure. Nick Frost, Michael Troughton, Dan Starkey and Nathan McMullen all co-star in this Father Christmas North Pole caper, alongside Capaldi and Jenna Coleman. Watch the latest trailer, here.
When’s it on? 6.15pm on Christmas Day,...
We’ve taken our glittery pen to the pages of this year’s festive TV Listings guide to circle a selection of shows that might tickle your Christmas fancy.
Supplement your festive box-set viewing with appearances from the Doctor and Clara, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Dame Judi Dench, Professor Danielle George, the work of Roald Dahl, Charlie Brooker, David Attenborough, the much-missed Rik Mayall, and many more...
Drama Doctor Who: Last Christmas
The tenth annual Doctor Who Christmas Special since the show’s 2005 return, and Peter Capaldi’s first real festive Tardis adventure. Nick Frost, Michael Troughton, Dan Starkey and Nathan McMullen all co-star in this Father Christmas North Pole caper, alongside Capaldi and Jenna Coleman. Watch the latest trailer, here.
When’s it on? 6.15pm on Christmas Day,...
- 12/11/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Madeline Holliday stars alongside Harry Hill (making his acting debut as Professor Branestawm) in The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm , a family film coming to BBC One this Christmas.
She plays Connie, a science-mad schoolgirl who comes to the professor’s rescue when evil businessman Mr Bullimore (Ben Miller) and local councillor Harold Haggerstone (David Mitchell) unite to have Branestawm kicked out of the village for being a dangerous menace.
Madeline (represented by Mark Jermin Management, and a student at The Theatre Workshop in Brighton) is best known for playing Hank Zipzer's sister in the Cbbc comedy written by Henry Winkler and has also appeared in Holby City.
The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm is a hour-long drama, adapted from Norman Hunter’s classic children’s books by actor and author Charlie Higson.
Professor Branestawm is the original mad professor, an absent-minded inventor who is oblivious to the chaos...
She plays Connie, a science-mad schoolgirl who comes to the professor’s rescue when evil businessman Mr Bullimore (Ben Miller) and local councillor Harold Haggerstone (David Mitchell) unite to have Branestawm kicked out of the village for being a dangerous menace.
Madeline (represented by Mark Jermin Management, and a student at The Theatre Workshop in Brighton) is best known for playing Hank Zipzer's sister in the Cbbc comedy written by Henry Winkler and has also appeared in Holby City.
The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm is a hour-long drama, adapted from Norman Hunter’s classic children’s books by actor and author Charlie Higson.
Professor Branestawm is the original mad professor, an absent-minded inventor who is oblivious to the chaos...
- 11/25/2014
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
We've had the John Lewis advert, the supermarkets are filled with Quality Street tins and Bob Geldof has gathered together a load of popstars to sing about Africa. There's no point hiding and denying it, Christmas is very nearly here.
Even if you're a festive grinch, one of the best parts of Christmas is that it means a bumper selection box of great telly. The BBC has released first look pictures today of its seasonal highlights, and here are 14 picks of what you can look forward to over the holidays.
1. Cuckoo
The BBC Three comedy, which now stars Twilight's Taylor Lautner alongside Greg Davies, will get into the festive spirit.
2. Call the Midwife
Jessica Raine may have left, but the Christmas tradition of Call the Midwife specials continues. This is part 1 of Miranda Hart taking over your screens this December.
3. Esio Trot
Another of Roald Dahl's classics gets adapted...
Even if you're a festive grinch, one of the best parts of Christmas is that it means a bumper selection box of great telly. The BBC has released first look pictures today of its seasonal highlights, and here are 14 picks of what you can look forward to over the holidays.
1. Cuckoo
The BBC Three comedy, which now stars Twilight's Taylor Lautner alongside Greg Davies, will get into the festive spirit.
2. Call the Midwife
Jessica Raine may have left, but the Christmas tradition of Call the Midwife specials continues. This is part 1 of Miranda Hart taking over your screens this December.
3. Esio Trot
Another of Roald Dahl's classics gets adapted...
- 11/25/2014
- Digital Spy
You'd be forgiven for getting your Harrys mixed up when looking at this picture, but it is actually Mr Hill rather than Enfield.
Harry Hill will play the title character in The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm on BBC One this Christmas.
Charlie Higson has adapted Norman Hunter's classic children's book for a one-off 60-minute drama, which follows the partially-sighted and eccentric inventor with his scientific experiments.
The comedy drama will centre around housekeeper Mrs Flittersnoop's (Vicki Pepperdine) niece Connie (Madeline Holliday), who helps the professor when a councillor (David Mitchell) and a businessman (Ben Miller) aim to destroy the village with a "giant munitions factory".
Meanwhile, Simon Day will play the professor's best friend Colonel Dedshott of the Catapult Cavaliers.
Blackadder's Miranda Richardson, Four Weddings actress Sophie Thompson, Gavin & Stacey's Adrian Scarborough and Charlie Higson himself will also appear in the drama.
Harry Hill will play the title character in The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm on BBC One this Christmas.
Charlie Higson has adapted Norman Hunter's classic children's book for a one-off 60-minute drama, which follows the partially-sighted and eccentric inventor with his scientific experiments.
The comedy drama will centre around housekeeper Mrs Flittersnoop's (Vicki Pepperdine) niece Connie (Madeline Holliday), who helps the professor when a councillor (David Mitchell) and a businessman (Ben Miller) aim to destroy the village with a "giant munitions factory".
Meanwhile, Simon Day will play the professor's best friend Colonel Dedshott of the Catapult Cavaliers.
Blackadder's Miranda Richardson, Four Weddings actress Sophie Thompson, Gavin & Stacey's Adrian Scarborough and Charlie Higson himself will also appear in the drama.
- 11/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Micky Flanagan is the latest star to front a 'comedian and his mate go on a trip' show in Detour De France, in which he and close pal Noel Lynch cycle the route of the iconic French competition.
However, he freely admits that the show is definitely "not a travelogue", and more of a "jolly". Digital Spy had a chat with him about the new Sky1 show, and whether it has made him a changed man.
The show was basically one big holiday
"A travelogue suggests information and research. We did none of those. We were given a sheet of paper and a general route, and sometimes we didn't even use the sheet of paper. I refuse to call it a travelogue because that felt like we had done some real work.
"I've always watched travel shows and thought, 'That must be really good fun to go somewhere and have it all laid on,...
However, he freely admits that the show is definitely "not a travelogue", and more of a "jolly". Digital Spy had a chat with him about the new Sky1 show, and whether it has made him a changed man.
The show was basically one big holiday
"A travelogue suggests information and research. We did none of those. We were given a sheet of paper and a general route, and sometimes we didn't even use the sheet of paper. I refuse to call it a travelogue because that felt like we had done some real work.
"I've always watched travel shows and thought, 'That must be really good fun to go somewhere and have it all laid on,...
- 10/28/2014
- Digital Spy
EastEnders actress Hetti Bywater will appear in an episode of Death in Paradise.
The actress will make her first TV appearance since leaving the BBC One soap as Lucy Beale in the upcoming fourth series of the crime drama starring Kris Marshall.
Will Mellor, Outnumbered star Tyger Drew-Honey, Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Natalie Gumede and Downton Abbey's Amy Nuttall will also make appearances.
Filming has begun in Guadeloupe for the fourth series, with Sara Martins and Danny John-Jules also returning as Camille and Dwayne.
However, Gary Carr has reportedly left the show as Fidel, after the character left Saint Marie for a new job, and will be replaced by Josephine Jobert as Florence Cassell. Don Warrington is expected to play a larger role as Commander Selwyn.
Other guest stars will include Rosie Cavaliero, Simon Day, Leo Staar, Don Gilet, Katarina Cas, William Ash, David Bamber, Claire Goose, Sharon D Clarke,...
The actress will make her first TV appearance since leaving the BBC One soap as Lucy Beale in the upcoming fourth series of the crime drama starring Kris Marshall.
Will Mellor, Outnumbered star Tyger Drew-Honey, Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Natalie Gumede and Downton Abbey's Amy Nuttall will also make appearances.
Filming has begun in Guadeloupe for the fourth series, with Sara Martins and Danny John-Jules also returning as Camille and Dwayne.
However, Gary Carr has reportedly left the show as Fidel, after the character left Saint Marie for a new job, and will be replaced by Josephine Jobert as Florence Cassell. Don Warrington is expected to play a larger role as Commander Selwyn.
Other guest stars will include Rosie Cavaliero, Simon Day, Leo Staar, Don Gilet, Katarina Cas, William Ash, David Bamber, Claire Goose, Sharon D Clarke,...
- 7/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Marvel's Agents of Shield: Channel 4, 8pm
Tonight's penultimate episode before the season finale sees the action move ever closer to an epic conclusion.
As Coulson's team goes undercover, Ward's betrayal and Hydra's shocking secrets are revealed. Will their mission leave anybody unscathed?
Mr Sloane: Sky Atlantic, 9pm
The first episode of a new comedy series starring Nick Frost, Olivia Colman and Peter Serafinowicz airs tonight on Sky Atlantic.
As the 1960s draw to a close, Jeremy Sloane (Frost) finds himself with a failed career, failed marriage and even a failed suicide attempt.
Equipped with a new job as a substitute teacher and a prospective love interest's phone number, Mr Sloane comes to realise that his luck may be about to change.
The Fast Show Special: BBC Two, 10pm
Tonight is the first instalment of a Fast Show two-part reunion, starring Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Arabella Weir, Simon Day,...
Tonight's penultimate episode before the season finale sees the action move ever closer to an epic conclusion.
As Coulson's team goes undercover, Ward's betrayal and Hydra's shocking secrets are revealed. Will their mission leave anybody unscathed?
Mr Sloane: Sky Atlantic, 9pm
The first episode of a new comedy series starring Nick Frost, Olivia Colman and Peter Serafinowicz airs tonight on Sky Atlantic.
As the 1960s draw to a close, Jeremy Sloane (Frost) finds himself with a failed career, failed marriage and even a failed suicide attempt.
Equipped with a new job as a substitute teacher and a prospective love interest's phone number, Mr Sloane comes to realise that his luck may be about to change.
The Fast Show Special: BBC Two, 10pm
Tonight is the first instalment of a Fast Show two-part reunion, starring Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Arabella Weir, Simon Day,...
- 5/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Paul Whitehouse is to front a new TV comedy on BBC Two.
The Fast Show comic will star in an adaptation of his BBC Radio 4 sitcom Nurse, according to Radio Times.
The radio series stars Esther Coles as a community psychiatric nurse, with Whitehouse taking on multiple roles as her patients.
Coles, Whitehouse and other members of the radio cast - including Rosie Cavaliero and Simon Day - are expected to reprise their roles for the TV remake.
Shane Allen - BBC controller of comedy commissioning - said: "Nurse has gone down a storm on radio and we are very excited about the TV version."
Whitehouse's last regular TV project was BBC One sketch show Harry & Paul, which saw him reunited with comedy cohort Harry Enfield.
The Fast Show comic will star in an adaptation of his BBC Radio 4 sitcom Nurse, according to Radio Times.
The radio series stars Esther Coles as a community psychiatric nurse, with Whitehouse taking on multiple roles as her patients.
Coles, Whitehouse and other members of the radio cast - including Rosie Cavaliero and Simon Day - are expected to reprise their roles for the TV remake.
Shane Allen - BBC controller of comedy commissioning - said: "Nurse has gone down a storm on radio and we are very excited about the TV version."
Whitehouse's last regular TV project was BBC One sketch show Harry & Paul, which saw him reunited with comedy cohort Harry Enfield.
- 4/8/2014
- Digital Spy
Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse are to reunite for a one-off TV special.
Harry & Paul's Story of the Twos will see the comic duo mocking classic BBC Two stars to mark the channel's 50th anniversary.
The hour-long programme's title is a nod to Simon Schama's History of the Jews, while Enfield will narrate the show as Schama.
Among the 'programmes' featured on the show include Men Behaving Likely Ladly, The Old Grey Wrinkled Testicle and Grumpy Old Hasbeens.
Characters including Gerald Manley Paxman, John Cleese-Shop-Sketch, Mark Egghead, Germaine Dreary and Russell Somebody will also appear.
The Fast Show's Simon Day will also star in the one-off, alongside Kevin Eldon, Rosie Cavaliero and Catherine Shepherd.
Enfield said: "BBC Two gave me my big solo break with Harry Enfield's Television Programme almost 25 years ago. They have been loyal to us over decades. We therefore felt it was only right...
Harry & Paul's Story of the Twos will see the comic duo mocking classic BBC Two stars to mark the channel's 50th anniversary.
The hour-long programme's title is a nod to Simon Schama's History of the Jews, while Enfield will narrate the show as Schama.
Among the 'programmes' featured on the show include Men Behaving Likely Ladly, The Old Grey Wrinkled Testicle and Grumpy Old Hasbeens.
Characters including Gerald Manley Paxman, John Cleese-Shop-Sketch, Mark Egghead, Germaine Dreary and Russell Somebody will also appear.
The Fast Show's Simon Day will also star in the one-off, alongside Kevin Eldon, Rosie Cavaliero and Catherine Shepherd.
Enfield said: "BBC Two gave me my big solo break with Harry Enfield's Television Programme almost 25 years ago. They have been loyal to us over decades. We therefore felt it was only right...
- 3/19/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC Four has announced details of four new shows to be broadcast later this year.
Mackenzie Crook will star in the six-part series Detectorists, in which he uses his own experiences as a metal detector enthusiast.
Crook will "tap into the world of the male hobby which is very funny and touching", BBC controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen said.
The BBC is looking to announce a "big name" star to appear opposite Crook in the series, according to Radio Times.
The pair will "embark on a journey of greed, betrayal, rejection and redemption as they hurtle towards Danbury Metal Detecting Club's greatest ever find".
Meanwhile, Miles Jupp will write and star as cookery writer Damien Trench in In and Out of the Kitchen, a three-part series based on the Radio 4 comedy.
Each episode follows Damien and his partner Anthony (Justin Edwards), their builders Mr Mullaney and Steven, and Damien's "terrifying" agent Ian.
Mackenzie Crook will star in the six-part series Detectorists, in which he uses his own experiences as a metal detector enthusiast.
Crook will "tap into the world of the male hobby which is very funny and touching", BBC controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen said.
The BBC is looking to announce a "big name" star to appear opposite Crook in the series, according to Radio Times.
The pair will "embark on a journey of greed, betrayal, rejection and redemption as they hurtle towards Danbury Metal Detecting Club's greatest ever find".
Meanwhile, Miles Jupp will write and star as cookery writer Damien Trench in In and Out of the Kitchen, a three-part series based on the Radio 4 comedy.
Each episode follows Damien and his partner Anthony (Justin Edwards), their builders Mr Mullaney and Steven, and Damien's "terrifying" agent Ian.
- 1/31/2014
- Digital Spy
Charlie Higson has tipped The Fast Show to return in 2014.
The classic sketch series marks its 20th anniversary next year, and co-creator Higson hopes that BBC Two may bring it back for a one-off special.
"It's also the 50th anniversary of BBC Two, so they're going to be doing a lot of stuff looking at the history of the channel and comedy," Higson told British Comedy Guide.
"We will be doing something around The Fast Show - probably using the stuff we did for Foster's."
He added: "I doubt I will ever do anything else in comedy that would have quite the impact that The Fast Show has. You only really get one chance of that in your lifetime."
Paul Whitehouse, Mark Williams, Simon Day, Caroline Aherne, Arabella Weir and John Thomson also starred in the original series.
> Tube Talk Gold: 'The Fast Show'
It ran from 1994 to...
The classic sketch series marks its 20th anniversary next year, and co-creator Higson hopes that BBC Two may bring it back for a one-off special.
"It's also the 50th anniversary of BBC Two, so they're going to be doing a lot of stuff looking at the history of the channel and comedy," Higson told British Comedy Guide.
"We will be doing something around The Fast Show - probably using the stuff we did for Foster's."
He added: "I doubt I will ever do anything else in comedy that would have quite the impact that The Fast Show has. You only really get one chance of that in your lifetime."
Paul Whitehouse, Mark Williams, Simon Day, Caroline Aherne, Arabella Weir and John Thomson also starred in the original series.
> Tube Talk Gold: 'The Fast Show'
It ran from 1994 to...
- 11/13/2013
- Digital Spy
The Fast Show's Simon Day is to star in a new comedy for BBC Four.
Rock Ratatouille is a new-three part spoof music documentary fronted by award-winning art rocker Brian Pern (Day).
The series - which promises "a host of cameos from the world of music" - is co-written written by Day and Rhys Thomas (Nathan Barley).
The channel has also picked up a new drama acquisition from Ireland - Amber is a psychological thriller following the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl.
Eva Birthistle (Waking The Dead) leads the cast of the four-parter, which examines the twists and turns of the teenager's disappearance from several different perspectives.
BBC Two has also announced a raft of new commissions in drama and factual, including wartime drama 37 Days with Ian McDiarmid (Star Wars) and racing documentary Idris Elba: King of Speed.
Rock Ratatouille is a new-three part spoof music documentary fronted by award-winning art rocker Brian Pern (Day).
The series - which promises "a host of cameos from the world of music" - is co-written written by Day and Rhys Thomas (Nathan Barley).
The channel has also picked up a new drama acquisition from Ireland - Amber is a psychological thriller following the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl.
Eva Birthistle (Waking The Dead) leads the cast of the four-parter, which examines the twists and turns of the teenager's disappearance from several different perspectives.
BBC Two has also announced a raft of new commissions in drama and factual, including wartime drama 37 Days with Ian McDiarmid (Star Wars) and racing documentary Idris Elba: King of Speed.
- 8/22/2013
- Digital Spy
As broadcasters look for new ways to engage audiences, mobile apps and digital content are becoming increasingly important
Creating compelling online games and digital apps for factual TV programmes is a different, and sometimes tougher, ball game than it is to create apps for a big entertainment programme such as Britain's Got Talent on ITV or Million Pound Drop on Channel 4.
When you are talking about providing more in-depth information to a history or factual show, adding a "digital dimension" can be relatively straightforward but, creating a game or some kind of interactive application can be more difficult to get right. The audiences for these kinds of factual programmes can also be quite a bit smaller than entertainment shows as well, which limits the investment scope.
But there are clear signs, with shows such as Pawn Stars on the History channel and Food Hospital on Channel 4, that app...
Creating compelling online games and digital apps for factual TV programmes is a different, and sometimes tougher, ball game than it is to create apps for a big entertainment programme such as Britain's Got Talent on ITV or Million Pound Drop on Channel 4.
When you are talking about providing more in-depth information to a history or factual show, adding a "digital dimension" can be relatively straightforward but, creating a game or some kind of interactive application can be more difficult to get right. The audiences for these kinds of factual programmes can also be quite a bit smaller than entertainment shows as well, which limits the investment scope.
But there are clear signs, with shows such as Pawn Stars on the History channel and Food Hospital on Channel 4, that app...
- 6/11/2012
- by Kate Bulkley
- The Guardian - Film News
The Fast Show stars John Thomson and Simon Day have said that they hope the programme will return following its brief online comeback. A new series of the classic sketch show, which also stars Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Caroline Aherne and Arabella Weir, launched on the Foster's Funny website last November. The episodes mark the first original material from the Fast Show gang since a one-off special in 2000. Its last full series concluded in 1997. Speaking to Digital Spy about working on the show again, Thomson declared: "It was great, it was a joy. I forgot I got paid for it. It was like stepping into a comfortable pair of slippers again. "It was a little bit of history coming back again, so it was very exciting. And we hope that the show gets picked up." On the Fast Show's chances (more)...
- 3/20/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Simon Day has claimed that the cast of The Fast Show have discussed a possible reunion. The Fast Show was one of the BBC's most popular comedy programmes of the '90s, running for three series between 1994 and 1997. The cast, which included Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Mark Williams, John Thomson and Caroline Aherne, last performed together on a 'Farewell Tour' in 2002. Day told Daybreak this morning that the show's creators have "convened" for a discussion on a possible fourth series. (more)...
- 7/21/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Simon Day has said that he ended up in a "bad way" after becoming addicted to crack cocaine. The comedian has revealed the details of his drug problems in his new autobiography Comedy And Error. Of including the information, Day said: "Comedians take drugs; that's it. I had to put the crack stuff in or people might have thought, 'He did a bit of cocaine but he's all right', and I wasn't. I ended up in a bad way. It's dangerous to pretend it's a laugh." He added: "Because The Fast Show was so successful, (more)...
- 6/24/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Many TV shows struggling to find a following work out different ways to build a connection between its characters and audience which typically comes about by strong personality-driven episodes and the slow unraveling of their pasts. If the audience doesn’t care about the characters, they don’t care about the show. In Volume 1 and Volume 2 of Skins managed to keep us deeply involved in the lives of the troubled teens that populated its world of sex and drugs, but it wasn’t a success they wanted to dwell on. So with the third season they got a new batch of characters (centered on the younger sister of one of the main characters from the original bunch). With those characters established, we move on to the fourth season and unlike the first two, there’s just not enough interest in the characters to keep people coming back.
If you’re...
If you’re...
- 1/20/2011
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
The movie trailer for the upcoming serial killer/slasher flick Jon is available for your viewing pleasure and we have it below. The movie has a limited release set in Texas for Feb. 12th and will look for distribution following that. Looks pretty decent. Enjoy.
Movie Synopsis:
Who says imaginary friends are harmless?
Jon Sloan, a socially challenged computer engineer doesn't have any luck with the ladies. A desperate loner looking for love, Jon finds himself the constant victim of rejection from the local bar girls. In a state of depression Jon questions his sanity as he begins seeing a large man in black throughout his daily life that he recognizes but can't place who the man is.
After an online date goes wrong, Jon finds himself thrust into a world of darkness when the man in black turns out to be Blackie, Jon's sociopath, childhood imaginary friend that...
Movie Synopsis:
Who says imaginary friends are harmless?
Jon Sloan, a socially challenged computer engineer doesn't have any luck with the ladies. A desperate loner looking for love, Jon finds himself the constant victim of rejection from the local bar girls. In a state of depression Jon questions his sanity as he begins seeing a large man in black throughout his daily life that he recognizes but can't place who the man is.
After an online date goes wrong, Jon finds himself thrust into a world of darkness when the man in black turns out to be Blackie, Jon's sociopath, childhood imaginary friend that...
- 1/15/2011
- by admin
- MoreHorror
There is a new official trailer plus several stills and a poster available for William Instone's upcoming serial slasher Jon. The film opens in a limited release in Texas on February 12 and will then venture out to find DVD distribution.
Synopsis:
Who says imaginary friends are harmless?
Jon Sloan, a socially challenged computer engineer doesn't have any luck with the ladies. A desperate loner looking for love, Jon finds himself the constant victim of rejection from the local bar girls. In a state of depression Jon questions his sanity as he begins seeing a large man in black throughout his daily life that he recognizes but can't place who the man is.
After an online date goes wrong, Jon finds himself thrust into a world of darkness when the man in black turns out to be Blackie, Jon's sociopath, childhood imaginary friend that has returned to his life...
Synopsis:
Who says imaginary friends are harmless?
Jon Sloan, a socially challenged computer engineer doesn't have any luck with the ladies. A desperate loner looking for love, Jon finds himself the constant victim of rejection from the local bar girls. In a state of depression Jon questions his sanity as he begins seeing a large man in black throughout his daily life that he recognizes but can't place who the man is.
After an online date goes wrong, Jon finds himself thrust into a world of darkness when the man in black turns out to be Blackie, Jon's sociopath, childhood imaginary friend that has returned to his life...
- 1/14/2011
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
The Illusionist and Ben Miller's directing debut, Huge, are two of the gems this year
Magicians don't exist is the forlorn message of Sylvain Chomet's beautiful animation The Illusionist, which opened the 64th Edinburgh international film festival. I should think film festival organisers often reach a similarly prosaic conclusion, for they can only work with what's in front of them. But the collection of films on show this year has certainly got some style about it, if not quite magic.
After complaining for the past few years about Edinburgh holding its gala nights in the unattractive multiplex on the edge of town, I was delighted with the transformation of the lovely old Festival theatre on Nicolson Street into an atmospheric cinema. It gave the opening night a real flourish, complete with dancing girls in feathers, a brass band and moustached mime-artists performing magic.
The Illusionist, the follow-up to the director's award-winning Belleville Rendez-Vous,...
Magicians don't exist is the forlorn message of Sylvain Chomet's beautiful animation The Illusionist, which opened the 64th Edinburgh international film festival. I should think film festival organisers often reach a similarly prosaic conclusion, for they can only work with what's in front of them. But the collection of films on show this year has certainly got some style about it, if not quite magic.
After complaining for the past few years about Edinburgh holding its gala nights in the unattractive multiplex on the edge of town, I was delighted with the transformation of the lovely old Festival theatre on Nicolson Street into an atmospheric cinema. It gave the opening night a real flourish, complete with dancing girls in feathers, a brass band and moustached mime-artists performing magic.
The Illusionist, the follow-up to the director's award-winning Belleville Rendez-Vous,...
- 6/19/2010
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
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