Funny Fortnight

8 August 2012

Bad Sugar

 

To celebrate a future of even more top notch comedy and trumpet a long commitment to championing and breaking new comedy, August will see comedy take over C4. Pack the gold medals away as giggles rein with 45 hours of comedy programming.

Channel 4's Funny Fortnight will be a two week long extravaganza of brand new shows, best episodes ever as chosen by the writers, excellent stand-up, Comedy Labs (C4's breeding ground for new talent) and archive treats featuring many a familiar face.

When publicising any of the shows please include the credit "Part of C4's Funny Fortnight".

 

 

NEW STAND-UP: ALAN CARR LIVE: SPEXYBEAST

Alan Carr Spexy Beast Live is the second stand up show from one of the UK's favourite funnymen and TV personalities. After a few years rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities on his very own chat show, multi award-winning Alan Carr returned to his stand-up roots in 2011 in his first major live comedy tour in four years.

Filmed in front of a sold out crowd of 13,000 fans at the Manchester Evening News Arena as part of his 33 date UK and Ireland arena tour, Spexy Beast Live sees Alan back on stage and follows on from where his debut best-selling Tooth Fairy left off.

Now with an even bigger public profile, Alan regales tales of how his life has changed during the past few years - from the perils of being recognised in the street and meeting botoxed guests on Chatty Man, to being a proud pet owner of Bev the ‘mental' Red Setter, and the trials and tribulations of his move to London from Stretford, Manchester.

But fear not ... Alan is still a man of the people. Still living with flatmate Monica ‘with the hairy face' he tells tales of modern living that everyone can relate to - all delivered in his uniquely warm infectious personality and onstage persona that fans have grown to love. 

Alan Carr Spexy Beast Live is an Open Mike Production, released by Universal Pictures (UK). Executive producers are Addison Cresswell, Joe Norris, Andrew Beint and Helen Parker with Anthony Caveney producing and Tom Poole as director. 

 

 

BRAND NEW THE BOYLE VARIETY PERFORMANCE

The Boyle Variety Performance is Frankie Boyle's unique take on a Royal variety event of a similar name. Complete with red carpet, celebrity guests, comedy, variety, music and a generous helping of Frankie himself, the show will come direct from a glamorous London theatre, and feature content so cutting edge and scurrilously funny that no self respecting royal would ever dream of attending.

Frankie Boyle says of the show: "In this show I will appear on TV for very possibly the last time. A final swoop on the Deathstar, it cannot end in anything but disaster. Comedy is waving you bye bye as your culture retreats into studied irrelevance and banality. Starring me, Frankie Boyle, and some amazing guest The Boyle Variety Performance will be like a totally unprovoked slap in the face from a giant aluminium Minotaur. Onwards!"

Produced by Zeppotron. Exec Producer is Ruth Phillips, Peter Holmes and Richard Osman.

 

COMEDY LAB: DYNAMO'S ESTATE OF MIND

Street magician Dynamo is one of the most exciting talents around, with his stylish and energetic approach to magic influenced by underground poker clubs and incorporating hip-hop movement. In this classic Comedy Lab from 2006 Dynamo and Marcus (his best mate and cameraman) embarking on a 48-hour journey from their home town of Bradford to the bright lights of London, as Dynamo performs tricks in the infamous Delph Hill Estate where he grew up, his old school, and the youth clubs, bars and kebab shops where he first started performing his magic. Dynamo sets himself the challenge of blagging food, transport and access to night clubs and exclusive parties for the entire 48 hours with no money, using only his magic skills.

Prod/ Dir: Rob Baker; Exec Prod: Simon Tucker; Prod Co: Zeal Television

 

 

ARCHIVE TREAT: NORBERT SMITH, A LIFE

The winner of a Silver Rose of Montreux, this documentary takes a critical yet nostalgic look at the life and work of one of Britain's most accomplished and well-known performers, the great Norbert Smith (who bears an uncanny resemblance to Harry Enfield).

This incisive documentary tracks the illustrious career of light tragedian Norbert Smith, from his first film appearance alongside the popular comedian Will Silly in Oh Mr Bankrobber in 1936 to his last, a passionate study of the British Peace Movement, Carry on Banging, set in Greenham Common and co-starring some of the original Carry On regulars, Jack Douglas, Kenneth Connor and, most prominently, Barbara Windsor.

Melvyn Bragg (as himself) presents this major documentary, which is illustrated with numerous examples of Norbert Smith's stage and film achievements - his ups, downs, disasters and catastrophes. Among his screen credits: Rebel without a Tie, the 1930B teen rebellion movie which made his name; the late 1940s Hamlet, adapted in collaboration with Noel Coward; the grittily realistic It's Grim Up North (1959) and the all-action World War II adventure Dogs of Death, in which he and other contemporary stars drank through the entire production budget in just two weeks. He is also seen in Brief Encounter with the early world of advertising and as a doctor dispensing rather less than frank advice about the perils of VD for the forces in a characteristically inept wartime information film.

Among those joining Harry Enfield in this tour de force, besides the Carry On regulars, are Renee Asherson as Lady Smith and Josie Lawrence, as Smith's partner in a wartime Hollywooden musical evocation of old London Town. Harry Enfield not only plays Smith and Smith's impersonation of a host of roles, but also co-wrote the film with producer Geoffrey Perkins, late of Spitting Image and host of channel 4's Don't Quote Me.

Writers: Harry Enfield/Geoffrey Perkins ; Dir: Geoff Posner; Exec prod: Denise O'Donoghue; Prod: Geoffrey Perkins; Prod co: Hat Trick Productions

 

ARCHIVE TREAT: STAR STORIES TOM CRUISE

The Church of Scientology Presents... From the makers of Peep Show, the Star Stories team throw open the doors of the closely guarded world of celebrity and present their version of the Tom Cruise phenomenon, told through the eyes of his favourite religion: Scientology. See how Tom (Kevin Bishop) is introduced to Scientology after being hit on the head with a shovel by John Travolta (Steve Edge): "Ouch... wait a minute. Scientology. Of course, it all makes perfect sense now." See the romantic moment when Tom first met Nicole Kidman (Dolly Wells): "Excuse me ma'am. Can I ask you a question?" "No worries." "Good. Would you mind sitting down in order to make me seem taller?" Be amazed at the creative brilliance of Stanley Kubrick on the set of Eyes Wide Shut : "Pull down her top and grab yourself a titty Tom." Wonder at John Travolta's incredible career comeback: "Hey Tom do you know what they call Bensons in France?" "No" "Bensons." And thrill as Tom Cruise becomes the biggest star ever to come from the Brat Pack but still hangs out with his old friends.

Writers: Lee Hupfield, Bert Tyler Moore, George Jeffrie; Dir: Elliot Hegarty; Prod: Lee Hupfield; Exec Prods: Phil Clarke, Andrew O'Connor; Prod Co: Objective Productions

 

ARCHIVE TREAT: SMACK THE PONY

Stylish, original and utterly uninhibited, Smack the Pony was the Emmy-award winning comedy sketch show that established the formidable triumvirate of talent that is Fiona Allen (Happiness), Doon Mackichan (Brass Eye) and Sally Phillips (Miranda) Plus appearances from other comedy heavyweights including Darren Boyd, James Lance and Sarah Alexander.

Executive Prod: Peter Fincham; Prod: Victoria Pile; Prod Co. Talkback

 

STAND -UP: THE JACK DEE SHOW SPECIAL

It's summer time and hopefully it's sunny, so as part of Channel 4's Funny Fortnight why not spend an hour with the most cheerful man on television? The bulldog on valium is back with this one-hour special originally screened in 1992, also featuring the wildest magic act on the American cabaret circuit - the Amazing Jonathan -plus a new discovery from the valleys: Mister Tom Jones.

Dir: Juliet May; Prod David Morley; Prod Co: Open Muce

 

 

NEW STAND-UP: PETER KAYE LIVE AT THE MANCHESTER ARENA

The multi award-winning Peter Kay's live national stand-up show at Manchester's Nimex. Playing to a packed house, the tickets for his hometown venue, which holds 9,000, sold out within minutes. The national tour received mass critical acclaim and smashed box office records around the country with over a quarter of a million tickets sold. This 60-minute special spotlights Peter's painfully funny and acutely observed humour and highlights why he has become one of the most universally popular comedians in recent times. This final gig of his 180 tour was significant for Peter as it was on the eve of his 30th birthday and it was at the Nimex where he once worked as a steward.

Prod: Lucy Ansbro; Exec Prod: Phi! Mclntyre; Dir: Peter Kay; Prod Co: Phil Mclntyre, Goodnight Vienna

 

BRAND NEW BAD SUGAR

Written by Peep Show's Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, Bad Sugar stars three of the biggest female names in British Comedy - Olivia Colman, Julia Davis and Sharon Horgan - all of whom also co-conceived the idea. Bad Sugar centres on a dysfunctional, wealthy mining dynasty, with an ailing patriarch and some greedy siblings. It's a peculiarly British take on telenovela style melodramas, played for laughs. Also starring David Bradley, Peter Serafinowicz, Kayvan Novak and Reece Shearsmith.

Made by Tiger Aspect Productions Sophie Clarke-Jervoise is Exec Producer and director Ben Palmer (Inbetweeners). Producer is Derren Schlesinger (Four Lions, Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy).

Olivia Coleman says: 'When approached and asked if the three of us wanted to do something together, it was a no brainer. I love Sharon and Julia and have always admired their work. We get on so well and had such fun coming up with ideas. Then, to ask our dream writers to write for us, Sam and Jesse, and for them to say yes. Well, what's not to love? Not to mention the AMAZING people who we got for the rest of the cast. It's a silly fun dream'

Sharon Horgan says: "Ever since I started working in comedy  my dream has been to marry Peter Serafinovitz and have Olivia Colman and Julia Davis as my benign and evil sister's in laws. Thank you Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong for making those dreams come true."

Sophie Clarke-Jervoise - Head of Comedy - Tiger Aspect says "From its first night on air, Channel 4 set the comedy bar sky-high with Five Go Mad in Dorset, and it hasn't failed us since.  From Brass Eye, Spaced, Father Ted, Peep Show, Black Books, The Inbetweeners, the list of comic triumphs goes on and if this year's Funny Fortnight is anything to go by, Ch4 Comedy is not resting on its laurels."

 

BEST EPISODE: THE INBETWEENERS (THE FIELD TRIP)

Before clenching the title of most successful Brit movie of 2011, this classic episode found the lads starting a new term at Rudge Park comprehensive - with the infamous sociology and geography field trip to Swanage coming up. A new girl, Lauren (Jayne Wisener), has joined the school, and Will (Simon Bird) has taken a shine to her. But she prefers Simon (Joe Thomas). Meanwhile, Jay (James Buckley) is on the lookout for the legendary Swanage MILF, and Neil (Blake Harrison) is desperately trying to deflect the advances of over-friendly teacher Mr Kennedy (Waen Shepherd).

Prod: Christopher Young; Dir: Ben Palmer; Prod Co: Bwark

 

ARCHIVE TREAT: BLACK BOOKS

The Bafta award-winning Black Books followed foul-tempered, wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black and his long-haired/ long-suffering assistant Manny, and was a showcase for the comic talents of Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig. In this episode from the first series, the discomforting presence in the bookshop of an oddly sensual cleaner forces Bernard (Moran) and Manny (Bailey) to accept a house-sitting job. There, they immediately manage to drink an unbelievably expensive bottle of wine. Meanwhile, Fran's (Greig) date with an available, attractive, charming man is exactly the sort of disaster you'd expect.

Dirs: Nick Wood/ Graham Linehan; Prods: Nira Park/ Julian Meers; Exec Prod: William Burdett Coutts; Prod Co: Assembly Film and Television

 

STAND -UP: DYLAN MORAN LIVE: YEAH YEAH

 

ARCHIVE TREAT: THE ALI G SHOW

Following his successful stint on The 11 O'Clock Show, Sacha Baron Cohen's Ali G returned to say 'Booyakasha' and 'Respect' to his army of devotees in his own hit TV series, featuring reports, studio items and chat. In this edition Ali gets the low-down on the FB Aiiii, there's rapping from Mohammed Al Fayed, and a (then) little-known Kazak reporter called Borat finds out what it takes to be a British huntsman.

Prod: Dan Mazer; Dirs: James Bobin/ Steve Smith; Prod Co: Talkback

 

 

COMEDY LAB: RICKY GERVAIS - GOLDEN YEARS

From 1999, and before The Office, before Hollywood and before The Golden Globes, Ricky Gervais played a crisis-ridden middle-aged man who strives to make it big in showbusiness.

Prod: Anne Lavell, Antoine Palmer, Prod Co: Freeform

 

COMEDY LAB: ANNA & KATY

Comedy Lab is Channel 4's unique comedy showcase that has unearthed many stars, including Peter Kay, Jimmy Carr, Dom Joly and Russell Brand. Here's another chance to see acclaimed double act Anna Crilly (a British Comedy Award Nominee) and Katy Wix (a Writer's Guild Award Nominee) bring their unique brand of character comedy to this one-off sketch show, featuring special guest appearances from Lee Mack among others. Anna and Katy introduce viewers to the biggest soap opera in Germany, daytime TV show 'Congratulation!' and Eamonn Holmes' latest game show 'Pointer', along with a range of silly characters.

Exec Prod: Ash Atalla; Prod: Jon Petrie; Dir: Tony Dow; Prod Co: Roughcut Television

 

BRAND NEW C4's 30 GREATEST COMEDY SHOWS

This Summer Channel 4 will be looking back at 30 years of iconic comedy shows with a prime-time, two hour documentary telling the stories behind them and looking at their enduring appeal and extraordinary influence on the history of British comedy - indeed world comedy. 

Taking in nearly four decades of ground breaking and often controversial comedy - from The Comic Strip Presents and Drop The Dead Donkey to Friday Night Dinner and The Inbetweeners - we'll see how Channel 4's output sparked a television revolution and continues to innovate to this day. 

Channel 4 viewers have been voting to have their say on their favourite C4 comedy shows with an online vote of 30 classic titles selected by a panel of comedy experts.  As we count down the list our documentary will tell the stories of the creation and influence of these shows, hearing from the wealth of talent who brought them to our screens.

Executive Producer: Mark Robinson; Director: Ali Lynch; Production company: Shiver