RELATED SEARCHES
Sponsored British Comedy Results:
British Comedy: Comedians, Peter Sellers, Benny Hill, Monty Python And Absolutely Fabulous
By:
Published: November 26, 2007
Clapping coconuts together with Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot and whistling along to the sultry sax of the “Pink Panther Theme” are just some of the many memorable moments associated with British comedy. Each culture’s sense of humor leaves in imprint on the comedy world. But British comedy, in particular, has made many contributions to the comedy community through its famous movies and talented actors.
The popularity of British comedy is greatly due to the antics of Monty Python. As one of the leading British comedy groups, they earned their fame in 1969 with the opening of the comedy sketch show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The show’s success lead Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and other members of the group to star in five films, several albums and books. “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is one of their most notable films. Produced in 1975, this film parodies King Arthur’s pursuit of the Holy Grail, and has since become a cult classic in British comedy.
In addition to its movies, British comedy has earned much of its reputation through its comedians. Benny Hill, for example, was a popular British comedian and writer. Known for his traditional variety theater programs, Hill was responsible for writing all of his own material. His talent was so well-received that he later starred in four different television series, including “Show Case” and “The Benny Hill Show.” Hill also played significant roles in many films such as the “Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Another famous contributor to British comedy was Peter Sellers. Commonly referred as the greatest comedian of all time, Peter Sellers joined Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Michael Bentine to create a successful comedy team known as The Goons. This group gained most of its appeal through its unconventional approach to British comedy; each member mocked each social class in turn, used sounds effects, and improvised regularly. Sellers went on to act in many movies, reaching a new level of success when he played Inspector Clouseau in the 1963 movie “The Pink Panther.”
British comedy is also well known for its sitcoms. “Absolutely Fabulous,” also known as “Ab Fab,” was a particularly popular show that aired for 13 years. “Absolutely Fabulous” chronicles the shenanigans of Edina Monsoon, played by Jennifer Saunders, and sidekick Patsy Stone, played by Johanna Lumley, on their shallow journey to achieve wealth and fame. “Ab Fab” mostly features physical comedy derived from the pair’s typically intoxicated state.
Like any other culture, British comedy brings a unique sense of humor to the world it entertains. Known for both its traditional and unorthodox comedians, British comedy provides a versatile approach in making people laugh. The talent of its actors and film productions has made British comedy an essential contributor to the entertainment world.
Sources:
"Absolutely Fabulous." Wikipedia. 20 Nov. 2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolutely_Fabulous.
"Biography." PSAS. 2006-2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://www.petersellersappreciationsociety.com/HTM L/Biography.php.
"Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Wikipedia. 20 Nov. 2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python_and_the_ Holy_Grail.
Moran, Albert. "Hill, Benny." Museum.tv.com. 2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/H/htmlH/hillbenn y/hillbenny.htm.
Related Articles
The popularity of British comedy is greatly due to the antics of Monty Python. As one of the leading British comedy groups, they earned their fame in 1969 with the opening of the comedy sketch show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The show’s success lead Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and other members of the group to star in five films, several albums and books. “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is one of their most notable films. Produced in 1975, this film parodies King Arthur’s pursuit of the Holy Grail, and has since become a cult classic in British comedy.
In addition to its movies, British comedy has earned much of its reputation through its comedians. Benny Hill, for example, was a popular British comedian and writer. Known for his traditional variety theater programs, Hill was responsible for writing all of his own material. His talent was so well-received that he later starred in four different television series, including “Show Case” and “The Benny Hill Show.” Hill also played significant roles in many films such as the “Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Another famous contributor to British comedy was Peter Sellers. Commonly referred as the greatest comedian of all time, Peter Sellers joined Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Michael Bentine to create a successful comedy team known as The Goons. This group gained most of its appeal through its unconventional approach to British comedy; each member mocked each social class in turn, used sounds effects, and improvised regularly. Sellers went on to act in many movies, reaching a new level of success when he played Inspector Clouseau in the 1963 movie “The Pink Panther.”
British comedy is also well known for its sitcoms. “Absolutely Fabulous,” also known as “Ab Fab,” was a particularly popular show that aired for 13 years. “Absolutely Fabulous” chronicles the shenanigans of Edina Monsoon, played by Jennifer Saunders, and sidekick Patsy Stone, played by Johanna Lumley, on their shallow journey to achieve wealth and fame. “Ab Fab” mostly features physical comedy derived from the pair’s typically intoxicated state.
Like any other culture, British comedy brings a unique sense of humor to the world it entertains. Known for both its traditional and unorthodox comedians, British comedy provides a versatile approach in making people laugh. The talent of its actors and film productions has made British comedy an essential contributor to the entertainment world.
Sources:
"Absolutely Fabulous." Wikipedia. 20 Nov. 2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolutely_Fabulous.
"Biography." PSAS. 2006-2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://www.petersellersappreciationsociety.com/HTM L/Biography.php.
"Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Wikipedia. 20 Nov. 2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python_and_the_ Holy_Grail.
Moran, Albert. "Hill, Benny." Museum.tv.com. 2007. 23 Nov. 2007. http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/H/htmlH/hillbenn y/hillbenny.htm.
Featured British Comedy Products:
