The Romans have conquered

5 December 2013

More power to the plebs! ITV2’s Plebs has won the coveted title of Best New Comedy Programme at this year’s British Comedy Awards. The announcement was revealed at last night’s British Comedy Awards Nominations show broadcast on Channel 4.

The ITV2 comedy focuses on the hapless Marcus (Tom Rosenthal), shameless Stylax (Joel Fry) and their lazy slave Grumio (Ryan Sampson) as the terrible trio attempt to make friends (well, girlfriends) and influence people in Ancient Rome.

The Romans’ mighty conquest saw them fight off strong competition from BBC 2’s Count Arthur Strong, BBC Three’s Cuckoo and Sky Arts sketch show Psychobitches.

Plebs’ reign at the British Comedy Awards may well continue on 12th December as Tom Basden, who co-wrote and plays Aurelius in the show, has also been nominated in the Best Comedy Breakthrough Artist category against The Last Leg’s Adam Hills, Count Arthur Strong’s Steve Delaney and Chickens’ Johnny Sweet.

Angela Jain, Director of Digital Channels and Acquisitions for ITV is, naturally, “chuffed to bits.”

She said:  “To be recognised by our peers like this is fantastic and in such great company is truly wonderful. Plebs was that perfect show - beautifully written and directed - hilariously realised and performed.

It's testament to the combined writing might of Sam Leifer and Tom Basden, to the incredible producing skills of Teddy Leifer and Caroline Leddy and Myfanwy Moore's perfect steering of the good ship Plebs. We couldn't be more chuffed to bits."

Tom Rosenthal, who plays Marcus and was nominated for Best Breakthrough Act at the 2011 British Comedy Awards, said ‘"We are all so thrilled to have won this award, finally bringing some glory to the Roman Empire. We will celebrate in true Roman style by drinking wine and building an arch."

Plebs was produced by RISE Films, run by brothers Sam and Teddy Leifer. Sam, who co-wrote and directed the show said: "Our parents are in a bind: They're deeply ashamed of this filth we've produced. But now it's won an award they'll feel compelled to brag about it. Either way, Plebs will be the true legacy of the Roman Empire".

Teddy, who produced Plebs said: “We're now working on Series 2 in which we make the huge leap forward from 27BC to 26BC. We might even see our Plebs in a chariot. We're very excited to be continuing on this ridiculous journey”.

The winner of 2012’s Best New Comedy Programme was Sky’s Hunderby written by Julia Davis, 2011’s winner was Channel 4’s Fresh Meat while 2010 saw BBC’s Miranda claim the prestigious title.  

The British Comedy Awards are hosted by Jonathan Ross and broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 from 9pm on Thursday, 12th December.

A variety of A-list guests will bestow the coveted awards on the cream of British comedy and viewers will discover who will be 2013’s King or Queen of Comedy.

There will also be three special awards given out on the night; The British Comedy Outstanding Achievement Award, The Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Award and the award for International Achievement.

After the awards, Lauren Laverne and new co-host (and winner of 2011’s Best Breakthrough Act) Angelos Epithemiou will host the After Party live on E4, interviewing the giddy winners as they step off stage.

The British Comedy Awards are sponsored by Foster’s.