The Mitchell and Webb appreciation thread

[The Curmudgeon]

I thought I'd show you American Dwellers a rare thing in Britain right now - a funny sketch show. The Mitchell and Webb Look is a back to basics sort of sketch show, instead of just wheeling out grotesque characters who say the same shit every week, Mitchell and Webb instead give an assorted array of one-off sketches (and the odd recurring character).

This is a one off..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRYNsJcoky0

and this is probably their most famous characters, "the surprising adventures of Sir Digby Chicken Caesar, about a tramp (and his sidekick, Ginger) who narrates his story like he's in a 1940s adventure serial.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVefEGCdq4s&feature=related

You never know, this show may well be buried on some channel somewhere, and its well worth keeping an eye out for. Its very British (as you can probably tell) but its very funny.

Mitchell and Webb also star in one of the UKs best sitcoms (yes, they still exist), the brilliant "Peep Show", which is impossible to watch without hiding behind your fingers in cringing embarrassment. It's superb stuff. If you see any of these shows on TV - don't miss them.

[patsypending]

I love these two. Not carnally, obviously. I haven't watched Peep Show yet - I think it clashes with something else. Probably Desperate Housewives, or something.

[The Curmudgeon]

Oh, well, as long as it was for something worthwhile.

[Isis]

I love Peep Show, its bloody hilarious!!!!! and That Mitchell and Webb Look......

definately a good recommendation there TC!!!

[trashcanman]

That was British (see: funny) as all hell. I'll keep an eye on BBC America for it. I don't see any other station picking something like that up. Have you seen "Upright Citizens Brigade"? It was along the same lines and beyond hysterical. It's fairly unknown -I couldn't even find any sketches from the television show on Youtube- but I know the DVD's are out. Keep an eye out for that one.

[The Curmudgeon]

I've looked up Upright Citizens Brigade (never heard of it) and it's available to buy on DVD but that's about it. I'll keep an eye out for it on ebay and see if I can get it for a decent price. Thanks for the tip.

Seeing as you liked the first two, here's another two gems from M & W that I was going to put on yesterday but coudn't find it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO5WoLnOOlU

Translation: "Baddies" = the extremely childish word for villain.

and

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWWAAMju8fY


Thinking about it, BBC America could show this, because it was a pretty big hit over here. You never know.

[patsypending]

I saw Christopher Morris on your Wall of Awesome, Mudger. I wonder what our American friends would think of The Day Today?

Ich nich lichten. Classic.

[The Curmudgeon]

The Day Today is just frighteningly good - frightening in that it isn't that far removed from reality.

Brass Eye is better though.

[mikado]

Mitchell & Webb had an awesome radio show, and the tv show seemed a right letdown by comparison, not least because it recycled most of the jokes. I did like the Angel Summoner and the BMX Bandit though.

Peep Show is brilliant. As were Brass Eye and The Day Today.

[The Curmudgeon]

That happens all the time with TV comedy, Mikado. The League of Gentlemen, The Day Today, Mary Whitehouse Experience, Little Britain etc were all on the radio before they hit the TV, and I think most of them re-use the material that got them popular.