Upon Watching this show for the first time I had not heard of Marc Wootton nor seen any prior advertising about it. However this show proved to be a masterclass in clever, witty, improvised comedy.
La La Land has a simple premise with Wootton letting loose his three comedy creations (all of which are seeking fame and fortune) on the unsuspecting residents of L.A. Of course Sacha Baron Cohen has already covered similar ground with both 'Borat' and 'Bruno', so it could be suggested that this show lacks in originality and that is partially true. However, do not let that put you off as Wootton really does bring something new to the table with three very funny characters and a brilliant mocking of the L.A culture.
As for the characters, this is where this show really delivers. Gary Garner, Shirley Ghostman and Brendan Allen have some similarities with each being Brits, completely inept, utterly deluded and importantly very funny.
Gary Garner is a former East London Cabbie turned wannabe actor, who claims to be 'the next big thing you haven't heard of yet' and models himself on Hardman 'Jason Stratham'. He is living with Hollywood legend Ruta Lee while in L.A and the exchanges between the two are particularly funny with Lee becoming ever more exasperated. Garner without doubt proves to be the most amusing creation with Wootton playing the Brash, ignorant but still earnest cabbie to perfection.
Shirley Ghostman is a rogue Physcic trying to become 'America's new Physcic superstar'. He has been banned from the U.K due to making false claims about a missing girl and being caught out in a Newspaper sting. Ghostman appears to be in denial about his sexuality despite being particularly camp and often being caught in compromising situations such as viewing gay pornography or suggesting a meeting to take place at a Public Toilets. Wootton plays Ghostman almost worryingly well and the characters real nasty/bitchy streak works great.
Brendan Allen is a 'documentary film maker' who is clearly passionate but idea's often seemed flawed. His bizarre idea's provide the main source of comedy, such as, his insistence on filming a documentary in a single take or his view that cages have never been used to help film sharks underwater and his attempt to become the 'right wing Michael Moore'. Allen is the epitome of ineptitude and provides the audience with many laughs.
Many have commented that Wootton is the 'new Sacha Baron Cohen', others have suggested he's a pale imitation, but it is entirely unfair to compare the two with Wootton a relative newcomer and both undoubtedly doing a brilliant job of improvisational comedy. If you enjoyed either 'Borat' or 'Bruno' or just like clever, innovative comedy then this show is for you.
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