'Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle' was recommended to me by a fellow I.M.D.B. user. I am not familiar with Mr.Lee and his works, but on the strength of this I was impressed, both with his material and his delivery. He took as the theme of his first show bestselling books, particularly those penned by celebrities such as Jeremy Clarkson and Chris Moyles. He read aloud the first page of Moyles' latest, and I was weak with laughter. Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling also came under fire. Having endured numerous shows in which the modern world is treated almost like a sacred artifact, it is good to see 'angry' comedy again.
The monologues were interrupted by sketches featuring Kevin Eldon ( brilliant in 'Big Train' ) and that-bloke-who-played-'Father Stone'-in-'Father Ted'. These were a bit hit-and-miss to be honest, but did not damage the show. The rap parody went on a bit, but then I guess it was meant to. The format might owe a debt to Ben Elton's 'The Man From Auntie' but that was hardly original in its day either.
Checking the credits I see the names Christopher Morris and Armando Iannucci attached. I rest my case. These gentlemen have been behind some of the best television comedy of the past two decades, including 'The Day Today', 'Knowing Me Knowing You With Alan Partridge', and, of course, 'I'm Alan Partridge'. What a contrast this was to the mindless dross to be found on B.B.C.-3, such as the Corden and Horne show and 'The Mighty Boosh' ( I don't give a monkeys if it has a loyal fan base, it is still rubbish ).
Let's hope that Lee can keep up the standard for the rest of the series. He may decide to demolish one ( or maybe more ) of my beloved icons over the next few weeks, but I think I can find it in my heart to forgive him.
The monologues were interrupted by sketches featuring Kevin Eldon ( brilliant in 'Big Train' ) and that-bloke-who-played-'Father Stone'-in-'Father Ted'. These were a bit hit-and-miss to be honest, but did not damage the show. The rap parody went on a bit, but then I guess it was meant to. The format might owe a debt to Ben Elton's 'The Man From Auntie' but that was hardly original in its day either.
Checking the credits I see the names Christopher Morris and Armando Iannucci attached. I rest my case. These gentlemen have been behind some of the best television comedy of the past two decades, including 'The Day Today', 'Knowing Me Knowing You With Alan Partridge', and, of course, 'I'm Alan Partridge'. What a contrast this was to the mindless dross to be found on B.B.C.-3, such as the Corden and Horne show and 'The Mighty Boosh' ( I don't give a monkeys if it has a loyal fan base, it is still rubbish ).
Let's hope that Lee can keep up the standard for the rest of the series. He may decide to demolish one ( or maybe more ) of my beloved icons over the next few weeks, but I think I can find it in my heart to forgive him.