Who's
In It:Matt Lucas, David Williams, Tom Baker, Imelda Staunton Who Directed
It: Steve Bendelack, Gareth Carrivick
When Can I Buy It: May
23rd, 2006
Little Britain: Complete Second Series - Reviewed
by: Paul Heath
2 Discs
Commentary
on all six episodes with Matt Lucas, David Walliams and Geoff Posner
Little
Britain at the NFT
Friday
Night with Jonathan Ross interview
Jonathan
Ross radio show interview
The
Chris Moyles show interview
Richard
and Judy Sketch
Little
Documentary
Comic
Relief special
Comic
Relief outtakes
Deleted
scenes with commentary by Matt Lucas, David Walliams and Geoff Posner
And
so, the second series of LITTLE BRITAIN finds it's way to region one DVD. I understand
that the show regularly plays on US cable channel BBC America. Now, I'll try and
fill anyone in out there on the LB phenomenon that originates from the UK.
LITTLE
BRITAIN is a sketch show featuring a host of characters, all played by creators
Matt Lucas and David Walliams. The sketches celebrate various British social standings
and traditions, and feature a host of British talent including Anthony Head (BUFFY),
Ruth Madoc (HI DE HI), Nigel Havers and more. The 2005 Comic Relief specials,
also included on the discs, feature special appearances by the likes of Robbie
WIlliams, Elton John and George Michael. It has risen to be the number one British
comedy since it's conception a couple of years ago. It has been awarded the Rose
d'or, Europe's highest honor for comedy. It's also one of the many TV shows that
have gone unnoticed by yours truly.
Yes,
I'm not ashamed to put my hands up and say that I have never clapped eyes on an
episode of the show before reviewing this region one DVD. I'm pleased to say that
every episode had me laughing along with the best of them. It's one of those shows
that I think that you will either love or hate. Very much like that other huge
BBC series, THE OFFICE, again, a show that I loved (both the British and American
versions).
There
are a few characters that stood out more others. The Vicki Pollard character is
a bang on representation of some of the young British teenagers that we have,
and is also one of the show's strongest characters. Bubbles De Vere (played by
Matt Lucas) is a huge, and when I say huge, I mean HUGE posh woman who has spent
the last six months at a local health club, without paying her bill. Every appearance
of the character sees De Vere finding some excuse to strip off and somehow 'come
to some arrangement' with the club employee over paying her fee. Comedy gold.
Another brilliant sketch are those featuring Lou and Andy, who you must have seen
on TV in some form, and also Dafydd, the only gay in the village. Some of the
characters are not as strong as others. I think that the two transvestites, or
'ladieees', becomes a little tired after a while, though the Robbie WIlliams sketch
featuring the two is funny.
The
show is at times, risqué, and all kinds of issues are 'dealt with'. They
include the obvious homosexuality with Dafydd, racism, obesity, teenage pregnancy
and more are featured and highlighted in some way. Some are near the knuckle and
step near that line of decency, though all are, I'm embarrassed to say are extremely
funny, even if you are laughing at them through the palms of your hands.
I'm
impressed with LITTLE BRITAIN. All the honours that the show had received are
well deserved. I'd like to see a few new characters introduced for the next series,
as they do get a little samey after a while. This is British comedy at it's best.
The
Comic Relief special was sold as a separate DVD release in the UK, and ended up
making a ton of money for the charity. The special is actually included on his
release. You have the option of playing it with, or without the commentary by
the creators. Either way, it's a howler. The Lou and Andy sketch features George
Michael, who is invited to dinner to celebrate Andy's birthday, only when he gets
there Andy declares that he prefers Tony Hadley. Simon Callow features on the
Prime Minister sketch, Vicky Pollard goes on to British chat show, Trisha (superb),
Dafydd Thomas meets Elton John and Robbie Williams declares that he is indeed
a ladieeee! It's a Comic Relief special to rival that excellent Ali G one with
the Beckham's a few years ago.
There
are commentaries for all six episodes of series two from Matt Lucas, David Walliams
and Geoff Posner. There are also some interviews featuring the two boys. One is
from Jonathan Ross's chat show, which in itself is usually entertaining enough,
but when you throw Lucas and Walliams into the mix... well (great first anecdote
btw). There are also appearances from the two on the Richard and Judy show (another
British chat show), and The Chris Moyles Show (Radio 1).
I'm
not sure as to how well American audiences will, or indeed have responded to LITTLE
BRITAIN, as the humour is so British and in places random. But they did with THE
OFFICE, and there's no reason as to why they shouldn't with this. It's different,
more risqué, but just as brilliant, if not better.
It's
a great show. Hunt this down now. You won't be disappointed!!! It's out on region
one DVD from May 23rd, 2006. - Paul Heath
Who's
In It:Matt Lucas, David Williams, Tom Baker, Imelda Staunton
