Supacell is a British superhero series heading to Netflix in June from Rapman, and here’s the trailer.
While America generally has the monopoly on superhero films, Britain has had its fair share of caped crusaders over the years.
The most recent example is Emma Moran’s Extraordinary, which is now available to watch on Itvx. From 2009 to 2013, Howard Overman achieved huge success with five series of irreverent comedy drama Misfits. Drew Pearce, who went on to co-write Iron Man 3 with Shane Black, began his career writing the little seen superhero sitcom No Heroics in 2008.
Perhaps the biggest shame, though, is that the film adaptation of clasic 1970s cartoon Bananaman, which was voiced by Bill Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, also known as The Goodies, never materialised, though a stage musical premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2017.
Netflix drama Supacell is the next to have a go, and...
While America generally has the monopoly on superhero films, Britain has had its fair share of caped crusaders over the years.
The most recent example is Emma Moran’s Extraordinary, which is now available to watch on Itvx. From 2009 to 2013, Howard Overman achieved huge success with five series of irreverent comedy drama Misfits. Drew Pearce, who went on to co-write Iron Man 3 with Shane Black, began his career writing the little seen superhero sitcom No Heroics in 2008.
Perhaps the biggest shame, though, is that the film adaptation of clasic 1970s cartoon Bananaman, which was voiced by Bill Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, also known as The Goodies, never materialised, though a stage musical premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2017.
Netflix drama Supacell is the next to have a go, and...
- 3/20/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Miriam Margolyes broke the first rule of radio this morning (Saturday 15 October) as she said “f*** you” live on the Today programme.
The actor was reacting to seeing the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, in the BBC Radio 4 studio, when she swore.
“When I saw him there,” she told the hosts Justin Webb and Martha Kearney, as she was finishing her interview, “I said, ‘You’ve got a hell of a job, best of luck.’ And what I really want to say was, ‘F*** you, bastard.’ But you cant say that.”
“Oh no no no you mustn’t say that,” replied Webb. “We’ll have to have you out of the studio now.”
“We will,” added Kearney. “With many apologies.”
Margolyes made the remark at about 8.30am, at the end of an interview about her Harry Potter co-star, Robbie Coltrane, who died aged 72 on Friday (14 October).
Speaking about her friend,...
The actor was reacting to seeing the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, in the BBC Radio 4 studio, when she swore.
“When I saw him there,” she told the hosts Justin Webb and Martha Kearney, as she was finishing her interview, “I said, ‘You’ve got a hell of a job, best of luck.’ And what I really want to say was, ‘F*** you, bastard.’ But you cant say that.”
“Oh no no no you mustn’t say that,” replied Webb. “We’ll have to have you out of the studio now.”
“We will,” added Kearney. “With many apologies.”
Margolyes made the remark at about 8.30am, at the end of an interview about her Harry Potter co-star, Robbie Coltrane, who died aged 72 on Friday (14 October).
Speaking about her friend,...
- 10/15/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Miriam Margolyes broke the first rule of radio this morning (Saturday 15 October) as she said “f*** you” live on the Today programme.
The actor was reacting to seeing the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, in the BBC Radio 4 studio, when she swore.
“When I saw him there,” she told the hosts Justin Webb and Martha Kearney, as she was finishing her interview, “I said, ‘You’ve got a hell of a job, best of luck.’ And what I really want to say was, ‘F*** you, bastard.’ But you cant say that.”
“Oh no no no you mustn’t say that,” replied Webb. “We’ll have to have you out of the studio now.”
“We will,” added Kearney. “With many apologies.”
Margolyes made the remark at about 8.30am, at the end of an interview about her Harry Potter co-star, Robbie Coltrane, who died aged 72 on Friday (14 October).
Speaking about her friend,...
The actor was reacting to seeing the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, in the BBC Radio 4 studio, when she swore.
“When I saw him there,” she told the hosts Justin Webb and Martha Kearney, as she was finishing her interview, “I said, ‘You’ve got a hell of a job, best of luck.’ And what I really want to say was, ‘F*** you, bastard.’ But you cant say that.”
“Oh no no no you mustn’t say that,” replied Webb. “We’ll have to have you out of the studio now.”
“We will,” added Kearney. “With many apologies.”
Margolyes made the remark at about 8.30am, at the end of an interview about her Harry Potter co-star, Robbie Coltrane, who died aged 72 on Friday (14 October).
Speaking about her friend,...
- 10/15/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Tim Brooke-Taylor, star of the hit 70s BBC comedy show “The Goodies,” died on Sunday after contracting coronavirus, according to his agent. He was 79.
Brooke-Taylor got his start at the famous Cambridge University theatre club Footlights, where he performed alongside future “Goodies” co-stars Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden and “Monty Python” legends John Cleese and Graham Chapman. He then transitioned into radio, appearing on multiple BBC shows including the comedy program “I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again,” where he worked again with his fellow Footlights performers.
But it was in 1970 when Brooke-Taylor, along with Oddie and Garden, got his big break with “The Goodies,” a hit sketch/sitcom show that ran for 12 years on BBC. Many of the episodes featured the trio as a group of oddjob workers that declared in a slogan that “We Do Anything, Anytime.” The show was one of the first to use stop-motion...
Brooke-Taylor got his start at the famous Cambridge University theatre club Footlights, where he performed alongside future “Goodies” co-stars Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden and “Monty Python” legends John Cleese and Graham Chapman. He then transitioned into radio, appearing on multiple BBC shows including the comedy program “I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again,” where he worked again with his fellow Footlights performers.
But it was in 1970 when Brooke-Taylor, along with Oddie and Garden, got his big break with “The Goodies,” a hit sketch/sitcom show that ran for 12 years on BBC. Many of the episodes featured the trio as a group of oddjob workers that declared in a slogan that “We Do Anything, Anytime.” The show was one of the first to use stop-motion...
- 4/12/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
British comedian and actor Tim Brooke-Taylor has died at the age of 79 after contracting coronavirus.
In a statement, his agent confirmed the news: “It is with great sadness that we announce Tim’s death early today from Covid-19. Joining [Cambridge University] Footlights in 1960 took him to providing a huge variety of splendid entertainment — television, radio, theatre, film, books, DVDs, CDs, quizzes, etc — all of which he undertook with energy and a great sense of fun.”
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Brooke-Taylor is perhaps best known as a member of UK comedy trio The Goodies with Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie. They had a BBC television show which ran for more than a decade...
In a statement, his agent confirmed the news: “It is with great sadness that we announce Tim’s death early today from Covid-19. Joining [Cambridge University] Footlights in 1960 took him to providing a huge variety of splendid entertainment — television, radio, theatre, film, books, DVDs, CDs, quizzes, etc — all of which he undertook with energy and a great sense of fun.”
More from DeadlineLive Nation CEO Michael Rapino Foregoes Pay, Execs Take Cuts, Company Sets New Loan For Up To $150M'Good Morning America' Anchor George Stephanopoulos Says He's Tested Positive For CoronavirusChina's Alibaba Pictures Issues Profit Warning With Potential $156M+ Loss Amid Coronavirus
Brooke-Taylor is perhaps best known as a member of UK comedy trio The Goodies with Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie. They had a BBC television show which ran for more than a decade...
- 4/12/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
British actor and comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor, star of popular BBC series “The Goodies,” has died of coronavirus at 79.
The actor’s agent confirmed to Variety that Brooke-Taylor died early Sunday from the virus.
Brooke-Taylor’s career in comedy began at Cambridge University, where he was part of the renowned Footlights Club — a launchpad for such comedy talents as John Cleese, Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson — before moving into radio at public broadcaster BBC, where his shows included comedy program “I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again.” He first appealed on panel show “I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue” in 1972 and continued to make regular appearances on the program.
His transition into television included such highlights as “At Last The 1948 Show,” where he was a writer-performer alongside Cleese, as well as comedy series “Marty” and “Broaden Your Mind.”
His break-out success, however, came with BBC Two series “The Goodies,...
The actor’s agent confirmed to Variety that Brooke-Taylor died early Sunday from the virus.
Brooke-Taylor’s career in comedy began at Cambridge University, where he was part of the renowned Footlights Club — a launchpad for such comedy talents as John Cleese, Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson — before moving into radio at public broadcaster BBC, where his shows included comedy program “I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again.” He first appealed on panel show “I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue” in 1972 and continued to make regular appearances on the program.
His transition into television included such highlights as “At Last The 1948 Show,” where he was a writer-performer alongside Cleese, as well as comedy series “Marty” and “Broaden Your Mind.”
His break-out success, however, came with BBC Two series “The Goodies,...
- 4/12/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Tim Brooke-Taylor, one of the trio of stars from the classic U.K. sketch show The Goodies, has died. He was 79.
A rep for Brooke-Taylor could not be reached for more information, but his agent told the The Guardian that the actor died Sunday from complications due to the novel coronavirus.
“It is with great sadness that we announce Tim’s death early today from Covid-19," the agent told the publication.
Monty Python troupe member Eric Idle was among those paying their condolences to a comic much loved in Britiain, tweeting that Brooke-Taylor had actually auditioned ...
A rep for Brooke-Taylor could not be reached for more information, but his agent told the The Guardian that the actor died Sunday from complications due to the novel coronavirus.
“It is with great sadness that we announce Tim’s death early today from Covid-19," the agent told the publication.
Monty Python troupe member Eric Idle was among those paying their condolences to a comic much loved in Britiain, tweeting that Brooke-Taylor had actually auditioned ...
- 4/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
James Hunt Mar 1, 2019
A look at The Incredible Hulk, his only solo movie, and its creative tussle between Marvel and their leading man, among other things.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
This article contains spoilers for The Incredible Hulk and the wider McU.
The Hulk is easily one of the greatest superhero creations that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby ever conceived. The mixture of elements – Godzilla meets Frankenstein meets Jekyll and Hyde – resulted in a versatile, engaging and visually exciting character that fans (and the Hulk himself) love to describe as “the strongest one there is."
Louis Leterrier’s 2008 movie, The Incredible Hulk, was the last time the Hulk’s world was brought to the big screen as a solo consideration, and to this day it remains an oddity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Indeed, until the return of William Hurt’s General Ross in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War,...
A look at The Incredible Hulk, his only solo movie, and its creative tussle between Marvel and their leading man, among other things.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
This article contains spoilers for The Incredible Hulk and the wider McU.
The Hulk is easily one of the greatest superhero creations that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby ever conceived. The mixture of elements – Godzilla meets Frankenstein meets Jekyll and Hyde – resulted in a versatile, engaging and visually exciting character that fans (and the Hulk himself) love to describe as “the strongest one there is."
Louis Leterrier’s 2008 movie, The Incredible Hulk, was the last time the Hulk’s world was brought to the big screen as a solo consideration, and to this day it remains an oddity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Indeed, until the return of William Hurt’s General Ross in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War,...
- 3/1/2019
- Den of Geek
Read More: Watch:'#Tbt The Funniest Part of 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' Isn't in 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' This Friday marks the launch of the Radio Times Festival in London. This year is an exciting one for Monty Python fans, as it marks the first chance to see the British comedy program that inspired it all, one that hasn't been seen since its original broadcast, 48 years ago. Last year, BFI rediscovered two episodes of the much-loved and highly influential comedy series, "At Last the 1948 Show." An anonymous member of the public has just come forward with a further two episodes starring John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Marty Feldman, Graham Chapman, Bill Oddie, Eric Idle and “the lovely” Aimi Macdonald. One of the discoveries -- Episode 3, of the first series of "At Last the 1948 Show," which was only ever seen on March 1, 1967 -- will be screened at the Radio Times Festival at.
- 9/22/2015
- by Elle Leonsis
- Indiewire
47 years on, some thought-lost pre-Monty Python John Cleese/Graham Chapman sketches have been found…
At Last The 1948 Show was a sketch comedy programme with John Cleese and Graham Chapman. Contrary to the name, it aired from 1967 to 1968. Predating Monty Python, this is where the immortal phrase ‘and now for something completely different’ was first uttered.
Two episodes, lost since their initial broadcast, have now been found. They turned up in the archive of the late, great David Frost, whose company produced the show. The BFI have assured us that the episodes will be aired again in due course.
Rediscovering some the first screen performances for the men who go on to build such a whopping cultural legacy can only be a good thing, and the BFI are understandably thrilled. Further fantastic comic talent also starred in the programme, namely Tim Brooke-Taylor, Aimi MacDonald and Marty Feldman.
Dick Fiddy from...
At Last The 1948 Show was a sketch comedy programme with John Cleese and Graham Chapman. Contrary to the name, it aired from 1967 to 1968. Predating Monty Python, this is where the immortal phrase ‘and now for something completely different’ was first uttered.
Two episodes, lost since their initial broadcast, have now been found. They turned up in the archive of the late, great David Frost, whose company produced the show. The BFI have assured us that the episodes will be aired again in due course.
Rediscovering some the first screen performances for the men who go on to build such a whopping cultural legacy can only be a good thing, and the BFI are understandably thrilled. Further fantastic comic talent also starred in the programme, namely Tim Brooke-Taylor, Aimi MacDonald and Marty Feldman.
Dick Fiddy from...
- 10/23/2014
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
The BFI has confirmed that two lost episodes of pre-Monty Python sketch show At Last the 1948 Show have been re-discovered.
The first and last-ever episodes of At Last the 1948 Show were recently discovered on reels of 16mm film in the private collection of the late David Frost.
Frost executive produced the ITV sketch show in 1967 and 1968, with future Python members John Cleese and Graham Chapman, Marty Feldman, future Goodie Tim Brooke-Taylor and Aimi MacDonald in the cast.
Cleese will be presenting the episodes at BFI Southbank in London on Sunday, December 7 as part of the BFI's annual Missing Believed Wiped. These shows have not been seen in full since their original broadcasts.
BFI television consultant Dick Fiddy said: "This latest recovery is a crucial find. It represents a key moment in the history of British television comedy featuring the combined talents of some of its greatest exponents.
"These gifted comedians,...
The first and last-ever episodes of At Last the 1948 Show were recently discovered on reels of 16mm film in the private collection of the late David Frost.
Frost executive produced the ITV sketch show in 1967 and 1968, with future Python members John Cleese and Graham Chapman, Marty Feldman, future Goodie Tim Brooke-Taylor and Aimi MacDonald in the cast.
Cleese will be presenting the episodes at BFI Southbank in London on Sunday, December 7 as part of the BFI's annual Missing Believed Wiped. These shows have not been seen in full since their original broadcasts.
BFI television consultant Dick Fiddy said: "This latest recovery is a crucial find. It represents a key moment in the history of British television comedy featuring the combined talents of some of its greatest exponents.
"These gifted comedians,...
- 10/22/2014
- Digital Spy
Richard Osman has admitted that he expected Pointless to "disappear" after one series.
Osman, who has worked behind the scenes in television for 20 years, will appear solo in BBC Two's new quiz show Two Tribes from today.
Pointless's Richard Osman has a new show: What is Two Tribes?
However, he told Digital Spy that "you never know" whether a new programme will take off or not.
"The only show I was certain was going to be a hit from our pilot onwards was Deal or No Deal, I knew that was going to be a hit," he said. "I just thought, 'There's no way this show is not going to do well'. And apart from that you honestly can't tell.
"I thought Pointless would do its first series, 30 episodes, and then disappear. I thought it was quite unwieldy and complicated and who's going to get it? So I thought Pointless would disappear.
Osman, who has worked behind the scenes in television for 20 years, will appear solo in BBC Two's new quiz show Two Tribes from today.
Pointless's Richard Osman has a new show: What is Two Tribes?
However, he told Digital Spy that "you never know" whether a new programme will take off or not.
"The only show I was certain was going to be a hit from our pilot onwards was Deal or No Deal, I knew that was going to be a hit," he said. "I just thought, 'There's no way this show is not going to do well'. And apart from that you honestly can't tell.
"I thought Pointless would do its first series, 30 episodes, and then disappear. I thought it was quite unwieldy and complicated and who's going to get it? So I thought Pointless would disappear.
- 8/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Bananaman has released its first teaser poster.
The film, based on DC Thomson's iconic superhero, debuted the artwork at London McM Expo.
"Adventure never tasted so good," reads the strapline.
A Bananaman movie website appeared online in March, but no details have been revealed about the project.
The Beano publisher is collaborating with Elstree Studio Productions on the film.
Bananaman is the alter ego of Eric Wimp, who transforms into the caped hero every time he eats a banana.
He debuted in Nutty in 1980, before transferring to The Dandy and The Beano.
The strip was later adapted into a popular TV show in 1983, running for three series and starring The Goodies' Tim Brooke-Taylor, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden.
Casting Bananaman the Movie: 6 of your best suggestions
The Bananaman movie will be released in 2015.
The film, based on DC Thomson's iconic superhero, debuted the artwork at London McM Expo.
"Adventure never tasted so good," reads the strapline.
A Bananaman movie website appeared online in March, but no details have been revealed about the project.
The Beano publisher is collaborating with Elstree Studio Productions on the film.
Bananaman is the alter ego of Eric Wimp, who transforms into the caped hero every time he eats a banana.
He debuted in Nutty in 1980, before transferring to The Dandy and The Beano.
The strip was later adapted into a popular TV show in 1983, running for three series and starring The Goodies' Tim Brooke-Taylor, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden.
Casting Bananaman the Movie: 6 of your best suggestions
The Bananaman movie will be released in 2015.
- 5/27/2014
- Digital Spy
The list of celebrities taking part in the latest Pointless specials has been announced.
Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman will be joined by famous faces for six new primetime episodes of the hit game show, kicking off on Saturday, April 12.
The first special will have a 1970s theme, with Wizzard and Yes stars Roy Wood and Rick Wakeman facing actors Paul Henry and Madeleine Smith, and Sally Thomsett and Anna Karen, and children's television stars Ed Stewart and Sally James.
Elsewhere, Sir Geoff Hurst and George Cohen MBE will team up in the World Cup special, facing Peter Shilton and Steve Bull, Hope Powell and Casey Stoney, and Graeme Le Saux and commentator Jonathan Pearce.
The Eurovision Pointless special is a thing to behold, with Bucks Fizz's Cheryl Baker and Mike Nolan trying to prove their wits against Martin Lee and Sonia Evans, Dana and Johnny Logan, and Jemini's Chris Cromby and Gemma Abbey.
Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman will be joined by famous faces for six new primetime episodes of the hit game show, kicking off on Saturday, April 12.
The first special will have a 1970s theme, with Wizzard and Yes stars Roy Wood and Rick Wakeman facing actors Paul Henry and Madeleine Smith, and Sally Thomsett and Anna Karen, and children's television stars Ed Stewart and Sally James.
Elsewhere, Sir Geoff Hurst and George Cohen MBE will team up in the World Cup special, facing Peter Shilton and Steve Bull, Hope Powell and Casey Stoney, and Graeme Le Saux and commentator Jonathan Pearce.
The Eurovision Pointless special is a thing to behold, with Bucks Fizz's Cheryl Baker and Mike Nolan trying to prove their wits against Martin Lee and Sonia Evans, Dana and Johnny Logan, and Jemini's Chris Cromby and Gemma Abbey.
- 4/2/2014
- Digital Spy
Bananaman is expected to transfer to the big screen in 2015.
The comic book character is rumoured to be the subject of a new film release, after new website Banamanmovie.com recently emerged.
The website was registered last year and appears to be owned by DC Thomson, the original publishing company which first issued Bananaman.
It also involves Elstree Studio Productions, and teases fans to #PeelThePower in 2015.
DC Thomson has yet to officially announce the movie project.
Bananaman is the alter ego of Eric Wimp, who transforms into the caped hero every time he eats a banana.
He debuted in the Nutty comic in 1980, before transferring to The Dandy and The Beano.
It was later adapted into a popular TV series in 1983, running for three series and starring The Goodies stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden.
Last year, Digital Spy toyed with the idea of Bananaman becoming a movie,...
The comic book character is rumoured to be the subject of a new film release, after new website Banamanmovie.com recently emerged.
The website was registered last year and appears to be owned by DC Thomson, the original publishing company which first issued Bananaman.
It also involves Elstree Studio Productions, and teases fans to #PeelThePower in 2015.
DC Thomson has yet to officially announce the movie project.
Bananaman is the alter ego of Eric Wimp, who transforms into the caped hero every time he eats a banana.
He debuted in the Nutty comic in 1980, before transferring to The Dandy and The Beano.
It was later adapted into a popular TV series in 1983, running for three series and starring The Goodies stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden.
Last year, Digital Spy toyed with the idea of Bananaman becoming a movie,...
- 3/18/2014
- Digital Spy
These scratchy recordings reveal the lonely man behind the public bravado – and the drive that made the great man such an original talent
"Was he putting me on, was he joking?" In Radio 4's The Lost Tapes Of Orson Welles, director Henry Jaglom offered up highlights from his private archive of recordings, made during a series of lunches he and Welles had in La's Ma Maison restaurant between 1983 and 1985.
Unlike so many celebrity interviews we get to hear today, these scratchy tapes are unfiltered by the pressures of public performance – neither party thought they'd be broadcast. Welles is still the great raconteur – but he's also bitter, holding grudges against Hollywood and old colleagues; a wind-up merchant whose spur-of-the-moment rants (Irish-Americans: "They've become a new and terrible race") are met with genuine amazement from the patient Jaglom ("I can't believe you said that Orson!"). They also reveal someone who was lonely,...
"Was he putting me on, was he joking?" In Radio 4's The Lost Tapes Of Orson Welles, director Henry Jaglom offered up highlights from his private archive of recordings, made during a series of lunches he and Welles had in La's Ma Maison restaurant between 1983 and 1985.
Unlike so many celebrity interviews we get to hear today, these scratchy tapes are unfiltered by the pressures of public performance – neither party thought they'd be broadcast. Welles is still the great raconteur – but he's also bitter, holding grudges against Hollywood and old colleagues; a wind-up merchant whose spur-of-the-moment rants (Irish-Americans: "They've become a new and terrible race") are met with genuine amazement from the patient Jaglom ("I can't believe you said that Orson!"). They also reveal someone who was lonely,...
- 12/20/2013
- by Richard Vine
- The Guardian - Film News
Student revue group helped launch careers of Peter Cook, Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson
Considering how successful Cambridge has been as a theatrical training ground for writers and performers, outsiders may be surprised to find that the university has no drama school.
The whole thing, Marlowe Society and Adc (Amateur Dramatic Club) presenting the classics, and Footlights tickling the comic muse, is kept going by the initiative of generation after generation of undergraduates. There are of course senior members of the university to advise and guide, but the various clubs lurch from flop to triumph with only ticket sales and members' enthusiasm and talent to sustain them.
Next week Cambridge celebrates the centenary of the Footlights, which came into existence on June 9, 1883. The Footlights has certainly lived off its wits. And what wits they have been. Skimming through Robert Hewison's centennial history of the club, the eye catches names like Ian Hay,...
Considering how successful Cambridge has been as a theatrical training ground for writers and performers, outsiders may be surprised to find that the university has no drama school.
The whole thing, Marlowe Society and Adc (Amateur Dramatic Club) presenting the classics, and Footlights tickling the comic muse, is kept going by the initiative of generation after generation of undergraduates. There are of course senior members of the university to advise and guide, but the various clubs lurch from flop to triumph with only ticket sales and members' enthusiasm and talent to sustain them.
Next week Cambridge celebrates the centenary of the Footlights, which came into existence on June 9, 1883. The Footlights has certainly lived off its wits. And what wits they have been. Skimming through Robert Hewison's centennial history of the club, the eye catches names like Ian Hay,...
- 6/3/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
'Making a bad film is always more enjoyable. You know it's crap, but you're having fun'
What first drew you to comedy?
Probably spending 12 years at boarding school – comedy became a survival gene. But I think some people are funny right off the bat, as soon as they can speak, or be naughty.
What was your big breakthrough?
Learning that there was such a thing as Footlights [the Cambridge University drama society]. When I auditioned, in March 1963, John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Bill Oddie were members. I got in, and Footlights became my life. Mercifully, I've never had to get a proper job.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
A number of virgins on the altar of Monty Python in the 1970s.
Do you get sick of people doing Monty Python impressions when they meet you?
Yes, but I don't get that a lot any more. Usually they just smile, which is nice.
What first drew you to comedy?
Probably spending 12 years at boarding school – comedy became a survival gene. But I think some people are funny right off the bat, as soon as they can speak, or be naughty.
What was your big breakthrough?
Learning that there was such a thing as Footlights [the Cambridge University drama society]. When I auditioned, in March 1963, John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Bill Oddie were members. I got in, and Footlights became my life. Mercifully, I've never had to get a proper job.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
A number of virgins on the altar of Monty Python in the 1970s.
Do you get sick of people doing Monty Python impressions when they meet you?
Yes, but I don't get that a lot any more. Usually they just smile, which is nice.
- 11/21/2012
- by Laura Barnett
- The Guardian - Film News
Threatened by funding cuts, Bristol's Slapstick Festival is 'the most important celebration of this kind of comedy in the world'
Comedians including satirist Marcus Brigstocke and impressionist Rory Bremner are staging a benefit concert to save a festival dedicated to a brand of humour that is a century old – silent movie slapstick.
The one-night show aims to shore up the finances of Bristol's Slapstick Festival, after a cut in funding threatened to end the annual four-day extravaganza of silent comedy films. Also on the Stand Up For Slapstick bill on 24 June are Arthur Smith, Lucy Porter and veteran writer and performer Barry Cryer.
"The Slapstick Festival has grown during eight years to become perhaps the most important celebration of this kind of comedy anywhere in the world," said former Goodie and organiser Graeme Garden, a patron and director since 2007. "Silent comedy marks the start of modern humour. But, more importantly,...
Comedians including satirist Marcus Brigstocke and impressionist Rory Bremner are staging a benefit concert to save a festival dedicated to a brand of humour that is a century old – silent movie slapstick.
The one-night show aims to shore up the finances of Bristol's Slapstick Festival, after a cut in funding threatened to end the annual four-day extravaganza of silent comedy films. Also on the Stand Up For Slapstick bill on 24 June are Arthur Smith, Lucy Porter and veteran writer and performer Barry Cryer.
"The Slapstick Festival has grown during eight years to become perhaps the most important celebration of this kind of comedy anywhere in the world," said former Goodie and organiser Graeme Garden, a patron and director since 2007. "Silent comedy marks the start of modern humour. But, more importantly,...
- 6/17/2012
- by Christopher Stevens
- The Guardian - Film News
Queen's honours list also includes CBEs for oscar-winner Colin Firth and singer Bryan Ferry, and OBEs for Ashes heroes
A collective sigh of relief will be heard across Britain, quickly followed by a suitably awful pun: "Knight to see you, to see you knight." At 83 the evergreen entertainer Bruce Forsyth has finally got his long-predicted knighthood.
The nod comes in the Queen's 2011 birthday honours list – one of 965 people whose diverse services to society, including David Cameron's "big society", are recognised on Saturday.
But after years of speculation, gossip and tabloid outrage against the tardiness of Whitehall and Buckingham Palace, Forsyth's gong is the eye-catcher. The entertainer, who is enjoying a renaissance as host of BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing, started his career at 14 and fronted countless game shows, perhaps most memorably The Generation Game. He admitted that he feared the day might never come but said the elation...
A collective sigh of relief will be heard across Britain, quickly followed by a suitably awful pun: "Knight to see you, to see you knight." At 83 the evergreen entertainer Bruce Forsyth has finally got his long-predicted knighthood.
The nod comes in the Queen's 2011 birthday honours list – one of 965 people whose diverse services to society, including David Cameron's "big society", are recognised on Saturday.
But after years of speculation, gossip and tabloid outrage against the tardiness of Whitehall and Buckingham Palace, Forsyth's gong is the eye-catcher. The entertainer, who is enjoying a renaissance as host of BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing, started his career at 14 and fronted countless game shows, perhaps most memorably The Generation Game. He admitted that he feared the day might never come but said the elation...
- 6/10/2011
- by Michael White
- The Guardian - Film News
Slapstick, Bristol
The country's top silent comedy festival has dug up so many cinematic artefacts over the past seven years, it's in danger of running out. That could explain why the remit has broadened to include Shaun The Sheep (he is a local creation at least, and there's an animation workshop next Sat) and Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein – accompanied by Tim Brooke-Taylor reminiscing on Marty Feldman, his one-time comic partner and a man whose eyeballs were funnier than most people's whole bodies. You'll still get good old-time hilarity, including Friday's gala at Colston Hall with Bill Oddie, Paul McGann and Neil Innes, Italian and Russian silents and lots of Chaplin.
Watershed, Thu to 30 Jan
Waves, Storms And Horizons: Cinema Romania Now, Belfast
It's not exactly breaking news that Romania is putting out some remarkable films, but since 4 Months, 3 Weeks And 2 Days won the Palme D'Or at Cannes in 2007, it's...
The country's top silent comedy festival has dug up so many cinematic artefacts over the past seven years, it's in danger of running out. That could explain why the remit has broadened to include Shaun The Sheep (he is a local creation at least, and there's an animation workshop next Sat) and Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein – accompanied by Tim Brooke-Taylor reminiscing on Marty Feldman, his one-time comic partner and a man whose eyeballs were funnier than most people's whole bodies. You'll still get good old-time hilarity, including Friday's gala at Colston Hall with Bill Oddie, Paul McGann and Neil Innes, Italian and Russian silents and lots of Chaplin.
Watershed, Thu to 30 Jan
Waves, Storms And Horizons: Cinema Romania Now, Belfast
It's not exactly breaking news that Romania is putting out some remarkable films, but since 4 Months, 3 Weeks And 2 Days won the Palme D'Or at Cannes in 2007, it's...
- 1/22/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Good news. At the time of writing this, Who Head Honcho Steven Moffat has decided to begin the campaign to move the series to an autumn slot. Hopefully, in 2012, all the stories will go out in September or October time, so long as the BBC bosses don’t start wetting their pants over doing battle with Simon The Bland Robot and his entourage of vacant karaoke wannabes.
This is great news, since A) It makes the autumn season more bearable, especially since my favourite season, summer, is dead and gone; B) It’s a refreshing antidote to rubbish like The X Factor or Strictly Come Dancing; and C) It makes more sense to have scares on dark autumn nights rather than in the bright sunshine. Really, the Silence In The Library and Satan Pit two-parters aren’t suited to being viewed on a hot summer’s night.
There are one...
This is great news, since A) It makes the autumn season more bearable, especially since my favourite season, summer, is dead and gone; B) It’s a refreshing antidote to rubbish like The X Factor or Strictly Come Dancing; and C) It makes more sense to have scares on dark autumn nights rather than in the bright sunshine. Really, the Silence In The Library and Satan Pit two-parters aren’t suited to being viewed on a hot summer’s night.
There are one...
- 11/10/2010
- Shadowlocked
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