Renewed: Administrative Housekeeping

I know it is going to seem as though I have been just kicking back of late, but I assure you I have not.

I have been shuffling a lot of projects around, finding more effective ways of working and the outshot is this:

• My long-term personal blog is to be wound up. Whilst I do post there daily, I have found of late that the pressure to do so is making it ever harder to fulfil commitments here and elsewhere… so those who subscribe there but not here should be re-thinking. Of course, the content here is not as intimate, but as time goes on I am finding it easier to be myself – who knows, I may soon be using my real accent and everything!*
• This blog needs regular new posts; all part of the SEO so that people find the reviews when they are current. Not that I proclaim to be an expert in SEO or any other geekness, but I certainly know far more about it now than I did a year ago! This means that from time-to-time there have to be slightly off-topic posts so I will stop apologising for them. Likewise, I will stop apologising for ads… they are essential as I need to make a living. Your clicks would be appreciated, since I get the income for clicks rather than for just having them there at all… especially considering I do take the time to check through the settings in order to keep them vaguely relevant instead of just signing up for an ad-service and letting them put whatever they choose.
• Having finally decided to listen to those who give unsolicited advice, I shall start to write with more idea as to the outcome. No more sitting at a blank page and just running with whatever comes out. I am unsure how this is going to affect you or whether I even need to be telling you, but there it is anyway. It could be that being so organised this blog becomes sleeker, tidier and less haphazard; or maybe the opposite could be true as my brain melts down over having to be so structured with my other projects. Don’t know, don’t much care right now… but there it is.
• I will also stop using this blog as a means to avoid other (more important) administrative jobs, such as… I don’t know; tax returns for example. I spend far too much time mulling over which things to publish, whether this post needs a video or photo, do I already have a picture or should I head out on a shoot? … all at the expense of filling forms, mailing invoices and other equally tedious tasks… this ends today! (well, tomorrow!)

*for those who only know me for this blog I know that reference is lost; all I can say is that one day I will post an explanation, and when I do you will saviour that small moment of “Oh! So that’s what she meant!” but for now, just indulge me please!

So there you are… and since I am in the midst of three new pieces, not to mention the several I already have written and ready to be coded and published, I bid you farewell for now and look forward to the evolution of this blog.

Happy Holidays and other wishy washy greetings

I am aware that in general we should avoid assumptions about the beliefs of our readership and as such Christmas is one of those subjects we are supposed to ignore; however, I am Anglican, as are the majority of my readership and in our society at least, Christmas is celebrated by all regardless of religion.

In fact, my immediate neighbours are Muslim yet last year after I left them off my Christmas card list out of deference for the fact the festival held no importance to them, I was surprised to receive a gift from them; even more so to see their children joining in with the Christmas festivities at school, singing along with songs praising Jesus.

Whilst I do feel that respect should be given to those with different beliefs, I really have to say the situation we get in by trying to avoid enforcing our own religion on others (including using the insipid non-denominational phrase ‘Happy Holidays’) is ridiculous. It irks me all the more because in essence all we are doing is wishing someone a few days of peace, joy and happiness surrounded by those they love most- a great sentiment at any time of the year, surely! In fact, I was overjoyed a while ago when my neighbours delivered some food which was part of a day of celebration to them – I did not get on a huge rant about feeling offended that they were forcing their beliefs on me… in much the same way as my JW friend didn’t when he departed one day early in December saying “I won’t come around for a while now, because we like to sit back and let you all enjoy your festivities” to which I instinctively responded with “Ok, well have a nice Christmas then and I’ll see you in the New Year!”


I personally love Christmas. I like that it is the one time of year my constant list-making is not as open to mockery; excluding the one year I had to make a list of lists because I was sure I had forgotten something. Which I had as it happens so who had the last laugh? Actually, they did, because the need to list my lists somehow highlighted a personality flaw of which all around me had been aware for some time – but would they have laughed so hard had I never sent out cards? I think not!

I also love the whole process of decorating, making things with the kids and hiding in the kitchen for hours on end to appear with stacks of baked goods. It does seem to some that I hate it, especially as I get more stressed as time goes along, but I thrive on the stress and chaos and actually enjoy the constant need to be busy doing one thing or another. I have to admit to also deriving some sort of sick pleasure from seeing fear on the faces of those I love most as they open the kitchen door “WHAT NOW??!!” “nothing… it can wait….” I get left alone for the most part – which suits me no end!

The one place I fail is in the gifting thing. I am inherently bad at consumerism; in fact capitalism in general is far beyond me. I am shit at making money and even worse at spending it. In fact, even during a time when money really was no object, I still could not bear to spend anything. Of course, the hub-creature could – leaving us now with a fully kitted out workshop of around £30k worth of tools he can never use – but I’m not bitter… in the least. I do give nice gifts, don’t get me wrong; I don’t head out and buy tat for pennies, but think long and hard about what a person really needs and act accordingly… so the issue is not the gifts themselves, more the fact that I put off buying them until the absolute last minute. And that is where I find myself now – frantically hoping the mail order companies fulfil their promise of a timely delivery and then having to rush around visiting everyone on Christmas Eve…

I don’t receive presents, either. My parents give me a gift, the same thing every year and a gift for which I am very grateful; they make a hamper of Christmas snacks which is great because I hate having to do the clichéd big-shop of nuts, Mini Cheddars and Quality Street so they do it for me; fabulous, thoughtful and much appreciated. That is my only gift, though, excluding money sent by my grandparents. This is what happens, you see, when you make a stand against consumerism and all it represents; people think it means you want nothing. I consider myself a really easy person to buy for, being quite open about who I am and what I like, yet still it seems I am misunderstood. This is not just a Christmas thing, birthdays are the same. My best ever birthday present by far was from my greatest friend in the world; a huge bath bomb, a book token and a baby-sitting voucher. That gift completely summed me up and was the perfect indication that she totally understood everything I am yet she and my mother seem to be the only people to truly get me.

So anyway – I am hoping to pop back again before the day descends… but no promises, since I have a postman to greet, cards to write (yes, ok – I know they should be done by now!) and lots of cooking to do… most importantly a giant birthday battenburg for the hub-creature! So if you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen – but approach with care!

For no other reason than because I can, I link here to my Christmas soundtrack. Whilst radio and TV seem determined to force us to listen to the same few songs over and again, I have found some I really like to listen to; mostly because they are a little bit different. So here is the entire OTFAF Christmas playlist from Youtube: enjoy!



So have a Happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Pancha Ganapati, Yuletide or whatever your chosen festivity.

Hell, why don't we just celebrate them all! Be joyous, happy, blessed and share that love, peace and happiness with all around you!

Comedy Awards 2011: Post-Match Analysis

I have to analyse the events of last night’s British Comedy Awards because for the most part I seemed to do quite poorly.

The most important news is that I horrendously lost the penny gamble. It was going very well, as we had a huge roll-over from many un-won rounds, only for the brilliantly understated “Twenty Twelve” to help me scoop the pot.

Trouble is that traditionally the last award is a chance for the stragglers to play catch-up (especially when they are in such a sulk as was the first-born!) so the penny bets are scratched and everyone places as much as they choose on the closer. Were I in a better frame of mind, I’d have done some sums and worked out how much to gamble to ensure I still won, but both girls went all-in; I doubt I would have stood a chance regardless. Horrible Histories being given the sketch show award for a second year sealed my non-winning fate. On the plus side, I did not come last; but as we know, in award shows there are only winners and losers: second place counts for nothing.

So the home-bound competition dealt with, what of the awards themselves?

I am not going to analyse each decision, because I did enough thinking when making my predictions. For the most part, I felt even those awards going against my hopes and expectations went nevertheless to deserving people, so I won’t be harping on about “Why the hell?” but I do have a few things to acknowledge…

It was amazing to see Armando Iannucci receive an award. Odd it was the Writers Guild award rather than, say, Outstanding contribution or something, because to be honest what he has given the world of British comedy is beyond what he has brought to the table as a writer, but I guess there is time yet for more acknowledgment. It is quite simple to see when looking at the array of comedy around right now just how influential Iannucci has been throughout, both in television and radio so to have that recognised in any form is amazing.

On the converse, I did find the choice of The Inbetweeners as winners of the Outstanding Contribution to be odd indeed. To have made an outstanding contribution, surely you would have to have influenced others and done something to aid the further development of comedy in general. Whilst a brilliant show, has The Inbetweeners yet had time to do this? Of course, the claim could be that they have contributed the wealth of talent that is (in particular) Greg Davies, Simon Bird and Joe Thomas (and I am aware others have worked on other projects too, but these three especially stand out right now) and as such this is Outstanding Contribution, but would this not be the point of the Best Sitcom award they received last year? In all fairness, there are plenty of shows which have contributed far more over a greater amount of time.

It was brilliant to see Stewart Lee receive the award for the Best TV Comic. I really did not think he would be chosen because of his non-conformist nature; a fact he acknowledged himself in his speech, stating that it discredited his entire career (I am paraphrasing; I am far too lazy for proper reporting). That said, I am overjoyed he won, in spite of the fact I had opted against him (having no faith in the system, see?!)

I found the decision to give the best female comic award to Victoria Wood a strange one. I do wonder how much of that was because of her past contributions rather than just off the back of her new show, especially given that many people had not even heard of her new show least still watched it.

I was sad that Greg Davies did not win the Breakthrough award; although I do think whoever won, I’d have been thoroughly disappointed for the non-winners… and part of me has to wonder whether they were all a little relieved not to have had to deal with the seemingly (in case there is something actually wrong with the guy) drunken antics of Freddie Starr. I have to say, I think Dan Skinner dealt brilliantly with the situation; still managing to make his thank you’s, whilst ushering Starr from the stage.



These awards also highlight something else which really grates at me; being the concept “If it doesn’t happen on TV, it doesn’t exist”.

My regular readers will be [painfully] aware (I do know I can be something of a nag!) that I much prefer radio. I guess it comes of being so obsessed by words rather than by their visual representation, or maybe it is simply down to my constant need to multi-task; whilst listening to the radio I can be writing, taking a bath, cooking dinner etc, whereas TV is more demanding of a person’s time.

Regardless… I am digressing once more…

One day I might decide to start editing out the digressions in order to make this whole blog seem more professional, but since they give a little insight into my thought processes, I wonder if I ought to just leave them… more to ponder on I guess!

So anyway:

Where is all the great radio comedy in these awards? The name implies an all-inclusive tone “The British Comedy Awards”: the awards for the entire comedy industry of Britain… so what of those working their asses off week-on-week on the stand-up circuit? What of writers churning out novels, magazine and newspaper columns, blogs etc which have huge followings and are consistently funny throughout?

I am getting far too deep for so late on a Saturday, but this is not just about the awards; it goes far deeper than that. It does irk me hugely when I tell someone I am going to see a particular comedian, or ask “did you hear X on the radio the other day?” only to meet with blank looks because having not been on a panel show or Live at the Appollo makes this person a no-one. Even more annoying when I reel off credits: wrote this; was on this; did that show with Y: still no response.

Or maybe it is simply more indicative of my fangirl nature that I expect everyone to be the comedy geek I am becoming?

Either way, I feel I have wandered so far from the point now I might need to take out a mortgage to buy a train ticket back, so I guess that is my cue to consider this post finished.


Obviously, the Youtube listing is light on radio shows, but a dig around brought up this Christmas gem from The Unbelievable Truth hosted by the brilliant David Mitchell... for my money one of the best radio panel shows, with a new series due to start at the end of the month.

Judgmental? Not me!

I have made the startling realisation that in spite of my constant mockery of some of my snobby neighbours, I am actually one myself. Ironically, my main project of late has been dealing with snobbery in its many forms and so after this dawning, I have looked back over what I have written to realise that in actual fact I have been pretty much describing myself… and here was me thinking I was the main character; wholesome, balanced and reliable but immensely put-upon. As ever, I am choosing to remain philosophical about it, though.

(There’s a funny thing; you know how sometimes a word leaps at you? I just noticed that was the third time today I have used the word philosophical… if I had my metaphysics head on, I’d be digging more on that one, but I am far too busy for that!)

So what mirror of shame made me see myself for all I am then? Funnily enough, it was a review I was writing for this blog; a DVD that I really wanted to hate, with the view that it was far beneath me but which actually had me laughing constantly.

And that is where it gets difficult, because as you know I do like to explain each thought and opinion, but as I was doing so and reading back I just kept thinking “Who the hell do you think you are?” – so I am afraid you are going to have to wait for that one until the right words start to fall into place. And yes, I am aware it is very near Christmas and you are waiting to decide what to buy, but there is little I can do about that now. Besides which, if you are so hanging on my words, I would think there is enough wisdom throughout this blog for you to make some decisions… check the widgets to the right and at the very bottom of the page. I do not include things just for the clicks; every item on the widgets is there for a reason – so that should help you! (and don’t forget to buy the book whilst you are there… it’s a decision you really won’t regret! I’m hoping for a kiss-based commission … reckon he must owe me a few by now!)

Back to topic at an alarming rate…

(because I am time-pressed today; out of the door in half an hour for baby’s school play and I have spent most of this morning doing some research completely unrelated to any of my work, although nevertheless entirely worthwhile!)

This realisation that I choose what I watch based on what do I feel the kind of person I perceive myself to be rather that what actually just makes me laugh left me reeling slightly as I looked within to see many other signs of this snobbery.

For instance: today is recycle day. I know that some places are finicky about stuff having lids and labels removed etc, but as long as your rubbish is clean that is all that matters to our local authority. That said, when putting out tins of beans, soup or anything of the Tesco value range I will always remove the label. Should I have used a can of Napoli tomatoes, a jar of capers or anything else appropriately middle-class, I do not worry so much. It isn’t a conscious decision, though, simply some sort of reflex action.

I have always held pride in the fact that I wasn’t as much a snob as the rest of my neighbours, simply because my living in this neighbourhood is solely down to the fact that we received a payout from the hub-creature’s employers for their having destroyed our lives. My opinion was always that I was still the same person who used to live on the council estate we quite literally look down on from our current house, but thinking back I can help but notice that even whilst living on the estate, I did so with a huge element of snobbery. I remember looking at certain people with disdain, holding the opinion that I was certainly better than them simply because I had enough going for me that I could work my way out of the system, whilst they were destined to live in their nicotine-stained drug pit forever. And they will, for the most part, because the type of people I lived around had no ambition, no drive and no desire to better themselves: thus I was better than them.

It is not a nice thing to realise something you so hate in others is as prevalent through your own personality. Yet strangely I find myself sharing it with you all… such is the human condition, I guess. “I just realised I am not a nice person, pity me?” (There is a particular voice with which that statement needs to be read for the effect I want, I could pop round and read it out in the appropriate manner if you need me to, but you’ll have to front up the travel costs)

Anyway, I shall cease for now. So much in my head today and so little time to actually write; let’s hope enough of it sticks to the edges of my brain that I can scrape out something decent later!

And nope, no media because I am far too busy to hop aboard the youtube bus today... that and I already know where I will end up and it bears no relevance to this particular post.

The Need for Reform

I make no apologies for the lack of laughter or references to comedy within this post. I know that generally there might at least be a smirk at the banality of the humdrum but I am afraid this post does not even offer that. I am getting serious for just a minute or two, so if that does not suit your need right now, then simply await the arrival of the next ... I have a couple more reviews coming and some other brain-fuzz that needs clearing out so there will be more soon I am sure... after coffee!

Today’s moan-iness comes at the expense of the education system… in particular the whole debacle that is becoming of the GCSE.

I know, you are probably thinking this is more a June topic but for those unaware of the timings of such things, rising 16s across the UK are currently taking their mock exams so the subject is fairly relevant right now, especially in my household.

I do not want to start on the tone of “exams are getting easier” as is so trendy to do, because even were it true (and I wouldn’t know having only a vague memory of the content of my own GCSE’s) that makes little difference to the pressure felt by those sitting them. With pressure to have all post-16’s remaining in education, the system is being tweaked constantly to create an ‘everyone wins’ situation, but in reality is this and the fact the kids are hearing outcry from the nation’s media about how easy the exams are simply placing more pressure on them? If they are hearing that there is no way they can fail, the worry about what will happen if they do is surely all the greater?

So just what are these tweaks?

For those unaware of the process, I will explain a little from my own experience. Bear in mind, child one sat her GCSE’s two years ago, child two is sitting hers this year… my own were too long ago to be relevant, but I can see the way the system has changed just over the past two years.

The biggest change is that rather than having eighteen months of learning then six months of exam prep, revision and practice papers prior to a few weeks of frantically prying the knowledge from the back of your brain, the kids are tested on each module individually. And for those around my age, I do not mean in the form of coursework which was so demonised in our day (that seems to have fallen by the wayside) but that they are sitting exams at fourteen which contribute to their final results. There is some eight months or so of formal teaching, and then a round of exams on everything learnt so far; those topics are then deemed closed, knowledge forgotten and new things taught. I suppose it is endemic of the short attention spans of today’s youth that it is done this way, but is this a trait we should be pandering to? In ten years or so, when this generation are surgeons and the like, would you want to hear “I can’t really remember how to do this; we, like, did it in the first term or summat! ” How will this generation grow up to teach the next if they are unable to remember anything themselves? “Sir, I don’t understand!” “Neither do I, let’s just google it.”

Okay, testing at the end of year ten (the fourth year to oldies such as myself!) might give those performing well a great boost, but for the most part the kids have not developed the skills needed to learn, revise, remember and recall information before they are being given final grades on huge chunks of their exams. In our case, daughter did not perform well… we were not really expecting her to given the problems we were having at the time, but seeing such poor grades after having been predicted A’s B’s and C’s at the beginning of the year had her completely floored. Do we really think it is worth putting them through such a potentially harmful process? Living in an area with a fairly high rate of teen suicide it’s a worrying thing indeed to see your child lose all hope with one swift action, which left us all walking on eggshells for weeks after.

GCSE year two seems to offer pretty little opportunity for actual learning. Especially given that they are almost starting from scratch in some subjects, taking on a new module for their second round of examinations. I was quite stunned a few weeks ago when child two proudly announced “Mum, I got a B for my mock mock today!”… I know you went back over that sentence, didn’t you? What can I say but: yes, you did read it right…. Examinations are in June… so Mock Examinations are in December… and at the beginning of November the children were sitting mocks of their upcoming mocks… WHY?? That gives teaching time in this school year thus far of something like ten weeks out of sixteen – but consider for a moment that a lot of that classroom time is being spent on past papers, revision methods and such, are the children being taught a subject or are they simply being taught how to pass an examination? Are we placing more importance on receiving certificates than on the imparting of knowledge?

The current scandal over the release of information about examination contents perfectly highlights this. We all want our children to do well, don’t get me wrong, but why should teachers have the right to choose what they teach based on what will be tested? Surely an entire subject should be taught and the exam content should reflect that.

I do not understand the concept of modules at all if I am honest. For instance, one of daughter’s subjects is History. She received a half-GCSE last year based on the module of “Ancient Medicine”; this year’s is “The American West”. Now whilst I fully appreciate the concept of studying certain elements in detail, is it not quite important that the kids are taught about more specific historic occurrences? And is this maybe one case for the return of the old system of coursework, whereby there is room to study one or two topics in detail whilst other more general history is being taught?

History in itself is something I feel quite passionately about, mostly because I managed to get through my entire secondary education without a single history lesson in spite of the fact it was always a great passion of mine. I do not know if the subject exists on any plane nowadays (I could do a websearch and find out, I know, but the internet is attention-seeking in the worst way today!) but we studied Humanities; a bizarre amalgam of history, geography and religious studies which was taught by a group of teachers of all three subjects. Throughout the entire time at the school, my lessons were taught by geography teachers and their lack of passion for something outside the subject for which they had trained was always quite apparent! Of course, this meant that when choosing my GCSE subjects I stuck with what I knew so I walked away with a mediocre geography GCSE – with the benefit of hindsight, though, I’d have done far better at history… digressing again I know… sounding bitter? Not I!!

Anyway…

All of this complaining leaves me with one question:

Is the GCSE relevant to today’s society?

Does it fully represent the aims of the education system as-is?


Ok, that’s two questions, so before I descend into a Monty Python sketch it is impossible to climb out of I will continue and hope no-one else notices…


Given that the end-goal is a system in which every child leaves school with a qualification, you would have to question if subject-specific certificates are needed at all. Maybe the way forwards is a US-style award representing the fact that a certain level was achieved across the board. There is a certain comfort from knowing before the completion of your final year of school whether you have done all you need to… and this would certainly avoid all the uncertainty that comes of results day. One has to wonder if that is not something government are trying to sneak past us in the form of the Baccalaureate; whether they might one day announce that this is the new way of doing things… but would this necessarily be a bad thing? An all-in qualification which shows a standard has been reached over a range of subjects is surely a better gauge than a collection of unconnected grades. How many employers look at a CV and refuse someone an interview on the basis of that D grade at GCSE art, after all?

And with the age of compulsory schooling raising to seventeen in 2013 and eighteen in 2015 one would have to wonder if testing at sixteen in any form will be either relevant or necessary. To my mind, a formal test is only really needed on leaving compulsory education to give an idea of standards to potential employers or higher education providers so we could cut out the pressure placed on our 14-16’s altogether.

BCA 2011

At the risk of ruining my chances at winning the annual penny gambling contest with my older kids, I do need to talk a little about the nominees for this year’s British Comedy Awards being shown live on Channel Four this Friday evening… since that is kind of the point of my being here!

Best New Comedy Programme

This is a difficult one to call. I personally liked all the shows, but I do feel of the four nominees, Spy is probably the weaker; there were points at which the gags seemed far too obvious and contrived in spite of their hilarity. I really wouldn’t like to call between the others, though. I think Friday Night Dinner almost snuck un-noticed onto our screens so viewing figures won’t have been great but it was hilarious and definitely deserving of a nomination. Twenty Twelve at times became more farcical than perhaps it needed to be so tentatively that leaves Fresh Meat as my choice to win. I say tentatively because I know it was ripped apart by a lot of reviewers when it first arrived; but the actual viewers seemed to enjoy it and that has to count for something.


Best Comedy Entertainment Programme

Much as I would love to see this award going to Stewart Lee I do not think that is going to happen because he is a little too Marmite and whilst there a solid, loyal audience for TV Burp, I don’t think they represent a comedy audience as such so I would also rule out a win on that basis. It is difficult to choose between Chatty Man and An Idiot Abroad, simply because they are such a hugely different format. Both are very funny; both are entertaining; I suspect, though, that An Idiot Abroad will take the award in this instance.

Best Sketch Show

I have to admit, I did not manage to catch an episode of This is Jinsy. Notably, none of my friends seemed to either. This in itself seems quite telling, although from the many trailers it did look really good. The One Ronnie was fabulous, and you would have to wonder if this will be given the win just off the back of the legacy with which it comes, but for my money it was not the best and as a one-off show is that enough to warrant the award? Horrible Histories is fabulous and did surprise a lot of people with its win last year, but have they done enough to win a second year? I suspect it to be more a case of whether the opposition are considered strong enough to knock them off the pedestal; sadly with sketch shows seeming to be out of fashion nowadays, there is little to compete but what we see here is a selection of shows of an equal standing so it really could go either way. I am not sure; I definitely think the stronger shows in this category are Histories and Come Fly With Me, but I am not sure how I would decide between them. In fact, during the time spent writing this, I have trawled around the web and found a few Jinsy clips and that is actually really good too… rather too close to call here, so I think simply for marking a point in comedic history, The One Ronnie will walk away with the prize.

Best comedy panel show

This is another tricky category and there are other panel shows I would like to see nominated which have been seemingly overlooked. None of the shows up for this award have brought anything new to the table over the past year, but then do they need to? All are extremely popular with their particular audience and as such choosing a winner just comes down to which demographic those making the decision fall into. I know I am going to be hated here, but I see little value in Celebrity Juice. It’s not a household issue: two of my girls love it; the hub-person loves it; I can not stand the show. I have tried to watch it, but there is something about it that just stops me cold – so I definitely would not want to see it win and more importantly I do not think it will. Were this a category determined by public vote, however, I am aware it would probably walk it, simply because the majority of its audience are of the X-factor generation who would vote on what colour underpants Jonathon Ross will be wearing throughout the ceremony were they given the opportunity. I fatigued of Shooting Stars over this last series. It’s not them, it’s me… I changed and things just didn’t feel right. Maybe I have outgrown it or maybe I suffered from over-exposure in the early days… whatever it is, I am not sure they have what it takes to win. Have I Got News and Would I Lie are the stronger contenders by far. I can’t really choose between them, but to say that I personally prefer Would I Lie… so I am going to make that my prediction and cross my fingers that they win again.

Best Sitcom

Again, it’s really hard to call this one. With two seasoned shows and two very strong newcomers, it’s difficult to decide which way I would like to see this pan out. I can honestly say I would be happy with the decision whichever happens to win, but I have set myself a task here to predict one way or the other and so I shall! I have already given my opinion of Twenty Twelve and Friday Night Dinner… both very funny and great viewing. To be honest, it would be good if Twenty Twelve were to win, simply on account of the fact that it’s not a sitcom which will have great longevity. Ok, so there may be a series to be made from the event itself, but there is nothing beyond. That said, both Miranda and Peep Show are brilliantly written, have a huge audience and bring the comfort that comes of knowing what to expect from your entertainment. Ok, I am being wishy-washy, I know – I’m going to plump for Twenty Twelve here… but I really don’t care if I am wrong as they are all fab!

Best Comedy Drama

I have to admit to having been a little disappointed in The Hunt for Tony Blair. I don’t know why, maybe I had really high expectations borne of having grown up watching the original offerings from the Comic Strip… maybe my opinion was clouded slightly by my political disinterest. I can’t really say, but I do not feel it will win. Maybe I will be proven wrong; I hope not. Misfits is okay I guess; it’s something different, but I see little of the comedy element in it. And I know this is not a category in which you are supposed to fall about laughing, but to me Misfits is more a light drama than a comedy one. All of which leaves me having to decide between Psychoville and Fresh Meat. I really loved both, so another tricky decision… I have covered both shows in this blog so I shan’t repeat myself. In terms of which of the two would I most like to watch at this moment in time? Psychoville. So therein lays my decision.

Best Comedy Entertainment Personality

To be honest, I am completely over Graham Norton; sure he was great, what ten years ago but I am fatigued by the effort of putting up with his nonsense now. It does annoy me immensely that he so often has a guest at his side being completely ignored whilst he plays at the diva thing. By contrast (and no, not on account of them both being gay, but as they have a similar personality!) Alan Carr will play the fool for a while, then actually sit and listen to what his guests have to say. In all honesty, I don’t watch either with any regularity mostly because I’m not too into the whole ‘celebrity’ culture; but I have seen enough to feel that neither is worthy of this award on the basis of these shows. Harry Hill is great and I am very much looking forward to seeing what he comes up with when he finally breaks free from the binds of TV Burp. It’s a great vehicle for him, don’t get me wrong, but I do feel he has pushed the show as far as he can and as such I don’t see him being given this award other than as a ‘thank you and goodbye’ style gift. I think Charlie Brooker is by far and away the best in this category, not to mention being pretty hot news right now with his brilliantly sinister Black Mirror.

Best TV Comedy Actor

I’m afraid I have to count Darren Boyd out here from the outset. Spy was a great programme, don’t get me wrong; and he was brilliant in it. The trouble is, I have yet to see him play a different character, so does this performance make him the best actor? Not really. Part of me really wanted Jack Whitehall to be utterly bad in Fresh Meat, much as so that I could yell at my screen “Stick to what you’re bloody good at!!” but he wasn’t. That said, was he acting or simply acting up, being a parody of the persona he portrays on-stage? I genuinely believed in his character, but just where is the line between JP and Jack? But I do have to say he seemed to really flourish in his role and I guess that is what counts. Hugh Dennis is of course fantastic; as is Outnumbered. The difference is that whilst the show flounders as viewers start to wonder if they still want to watch or not, Dennis is still performing his role as well as he ever has. He is credible and completely at one with his character throughout, as are all on the show. Hugh Bonneville has performed so many different roles throughout his career that it is perfectly clear where the line between performer and character lies, but with this in mind, I wonder it acceptable to expect more of him? There is never a moment you slip into that mindset of totally believing in the character, being always aware of the actor behind the mask. I am drawn here… I very much suspect the award will go to Hugh Bonneville, but I am going to stick my neck out and cast my vote in the direction of Jack Whitehall.

Best TV Comedy Actress

I really would hate to be part of the committee (or however it works!) who have to make these decisions. These four are all excellent! I have already passed comment on Outnumbered, so will say nothing more than that Claire Skinner plays her character brilliantly. I am going to be a little contentious here; Miranda Hart is amazing, funny and a marvellous entertainer… but is she an actress? I have seen her on a few chat shows and, of course, her Comic Relief Fame Academy appearance and she does come across very much as the character she portrays. Even her role on the equally brilliant ‘Not Going Out’ seems simply an exaggerated form of the same character. So whilst in my mind she absolutely deserves her other nominations, I really do not think this is one for her (and my opinion was much the same when she won this category last year). I thought Tamsin Greig was great on Friday Night Dinner, she really could be any world-weary mother, trying desperately to hold on to their children, if only for one night of the week. By far, though, the runaway in this category absolutely has to be Dawn French. Her performance in Psychoville was outstanding. Working with a script so dark and deliberately unfunny leaves the onus on the performers and French did brilliantly at holding onto the comedy whilst showing the more sinister side to her character; she managed to perfectly balance both elements so that we were always slightly scared of what might come next whilst still seeing the funny behind it so she is my choice to win this one!

Best Comedy Breakthrough Artist

I know I have already said I have not been too into Shooting Stars, but I do love Dan Skinner. He cropped up on something a few days ago and I was trying to remember the first time I saw the character of Angelos, but I could not remember beyond that it must have been some four years or so ago (calculated using the cunning method of ‘where was I living?’, only slightly more reliable than ‘Ip-dip dogshit’) … does this constitute a breakthrough? More a chiselthrough, I’d have thought, but either way I approve. I did feel Tom Rosenthal was slightly over-shadowed in Friday Night, much as one would expect, I guess; he was great, but I do not know that I would call his appearance a breakthrough in any respect. By contrast, we have Micky Flanagan – who I did say (must have been in another blog, because it was about this time last year!) would be one to watch for this year; his career has certainly taken huge steps as I predicted (Yup… I am going to put myself up for the role as the new Psychic Sally since someone broke the last one!) Greg Davies, too, has had a highly productive couple of years. I do not understand the reasoning for his nomination coming off the back of Ask Rhod, though – his performance there was hardly breakthrough, but in terms of his career taking off, well this certainly seems to have been his year. I am torn, though. The term ‘breakthrough’ suggests a dramatic emergence and in that context, it really should be Micky Flanagan who wins since Greg has been digging away at it, gradually building to his current position – but having put in the hard slog, does that not make Greg more deserving? It’s another really close call, but I’m going to have to gun for Greg Davies on this one and if anyone asks me why, I shall simply answer “Because”.

Best Male Television Comic

I have already covered my opinions on Harry Hill here. I think that what he does now is certainly entertaining, but I wouldn’t necessarily rank it as comedy; at least not in the sense of the others on this list. I am desperately hoping we see a return to stand-up when he finally closes the door on Burp, though… he used to be amazing! Charlie Brooker is great; his dry, quick-fire wit works brilliantly on whatever show he happens to be. I have already chosen him to win another award, though, and were I in charge I certainly wouldn’t want to be giving him two, just in case it goes to his head! I am of course being flippant… mainly because having cleared the only entry on this selection I see as being superfluous I am left with three people I would very much like to see win. Rob Brydon is brilliant, highly entertaining and just naturally very funny. I always feel that he truly does bring out the best in his guests seeming to be genuinely interested in what they have to say even if inside he maybe isn’t. That said, however, I really want to see Stewart Lee win this award for his Comedy Vehicle. In my opinion, Lee always delivers so he absolutely deserves this prize for his efforts!

Best Female Television Comic

I have to admit, I hadn’t heard of Victoria Wood's Angina Monologues so cannot really comment on it. That does make it quite difficult to pick my potential winner, as I might be immediately passing over what is by far the best, but I have neither the time nor the inclination to head off on another Youtube jolly right now. And yes, I know, I harp on about lazy reviewing all the time, but you will I hope note the fact that I am not formally reviewing the show, I am quite honestly admitting to having not seen it. Jo Brand is always a great addition to any panel show, as is Sarah Millican. I find it strange that each are nominated for one particular show here rather than for their performance as a whole, but either way both are always funny, relevant and highly entertaining. I have to be honest, the last Red Nose Day is a complete blur to me, as much has happened since, but I find it odd that Miranda Hart is nominated on the basis of this appearance and not those she has made on panel or chat shows since; either way I would be tempted to declare her the winner of this category simply because I passed her over previously, but I am not a people-pleaser, I never have been, so much as it pains me I have to bypass her again and flip an imaginary coin for Sarah Millican or Jo Brand. I think I am going to fall on the side of Millican because she does give the heartiest belly laughs whatever show she may be on.

People's Choice for the King or Queen of Comedy

Nominees are:
David Mitchell
Jack Whitehall
Miranda Hart
Jo Brand
Graham Norton
Sarah Millican
I am not going to fully analyse this selection: partly because I do not think it would be ethical to do so; partly because it is the “people’s” choice and the people for the most part are idiotically unpredictable; mostly because I really do not care so much who wins this one. I know for whom I will be voting (should I choose to do so) and I have a suspicion as to who will win, but I shall leave it at that.
Head here for the phone numbers etc

The Café: Sky One

Sky One have really stepped up their output lately. Here at Camp FE, we very much enjoyed the recent new comedy ‘Trollied’ which I had intended to talk about on this blog at various points, until it became too far into the series for anyone to catch up, and now we have a new offering in the form of The Cafe.

The café in question is Cyril’s, named after the late husband of the show’s matriarchal figure Mary. The café is owned by Mary’s daughter, Carol whose own daughter, Sarah helps out whilst awaiting the publication of her books for children. So far, episodes have based off-season, so things are quiet giving us the chance to get to know the characters and I would like to see it stay that way, if I am truly honest.

I have to say I absolutely love this show! That said, I do wonder how much of the appeal for me lies in the familiarity of having lived in a tourist region and worked in plenty of cafés such as this one; I have to ponder a little over whether there is as much interest from those who have never known the drear of an off-season seaside town, the tight-knit community feeling that comes of being stuck in a place that dies once autumn hits or the impossibility of a group of people tucking into a cream tea without the inevitable creamfirst/jamfirst row*.

The show is written by and stars Ralf Little and Michelle Terry and is scripted in such a beautifully understated way. There are no big gags around the corner, no moments of slapstick or cheap jokes, no drawn-out setup for an obvious ending; simply the observations of the quirks and idiosyncrasies we see as we go about life. It is a peculiarity to me that even those characters for whom we are supposed to feel little respect have such a level of realism and humility that we are just drawn completely into their world, understanding them to such a huge extent.

This series could be based in pretty much any café in any seaside town; the characters and conversations will always be the same and it is that tone of reality that makes it a truly special comedy.

You can watch the trailer for the series here and find links to watch episodes you have missed.

In terms of adding media, I would love to link directly to the show’s theme, “Beyond the Sea” sung by the brilliant Kathryn Williams but in my hours of searching I can find only one version which has really poor sound quality, so instead I am linking to another song by the same singer. She has a truly beautiful, haunting voice and I hope having her song used for this show brings her the renown she deserves.




*Whilst being a long-standing argument, I have to state that it is actually born of pure logic that cream being the more resilient substance should come first: FACT. The pressure required to remove proper quality clotted cream from the knife would always force the jam from the scone. It’s a matter of physics… I am sure if you asked a scientist, they would give you the name for the process too. And since I am on the subject… should you be lucky enough to get the crystally bits from the top of the cream – do not send it back declaring it is ‘off’, be sodding grateful… that’s the best bit! Damned grocks!

Jimmy Carr: Being Funny

There is little Jimmy Carr says that does not have me falling about laughing, although I do judge each new offering on its own merit.

This particular DVD is as one would expect: crude, juvenile and downright offensive… so it should not surprise you in the least that I loved every moment!

If you like your comedy safe and held within clearly defined boundaries, maybe this is not the DVD for you, although I am sure we can find something suitable for you in the annals of comedy history.

If you have never seen any of Jimmy Carr’s stage shows, you should be aware that his TV persona is very much “Jimmy-lite” so if you have ever felt offended by anything he has said on television, you should possibly also avoid this… or any of his other DVD’s for that matter, but then you possibly would not be bothering to read this review anyway, so not to worry!


Were I a ‘stars and rankings’ type of reviewer, I would very much put this near the top of my chart with full stars – absolutely brilliant!

Click > Buy > Watch > Laugh
‘Tis a simple process!

Twenty Questions (Halved)

I know you will think this is another procrastination ploy, but it really isn’t. In truth, I have had such an über-productive day I have time to stop and do something I have been meaning to do for a while now.

I love that so many of you send me questions from time-to-time about the blog and other stuff, so I thought I’d take a moment or two to address some of them; I thought I’d do it publicly in order to stop the same questions being asked time and again (see, a time saver not a waster!)

Why do you opt for anonymity?

In general, I write because I love to use words not because I want people to recognise me so tend to take on more ghost-writing/pseudonym work so I can write for the sake of it. In terms of this blog itself, I like that I can be really honest and open about the things I want to write about. There are certain people in the real world who do not know quite how ill the hub-person is or how bad our life gets and I really do not need the fuss that would be generated by their knowing. I prefer to just be able to knuckle down and get on with things but still have the room to make a passing reference if it feels relevant.

For all your talk of worry about the husband, you don’t sound as if you care much…

On the contrary, I do care greatly (I think you are confusing caring for love, they are two wholly different concepts!) Firstly, detachment is a great tool for hiding from negative situations and as you should know I am a great hider! Secondly, the man with whom I live is not my husband as I knew and loved him; my husband died nine years ago, leaving someone else to use his body. I made a decision at that point to either stick around and look after this new person or to bolt and leave him to fend for himself. I signed up for “sickness and health” so waited in the hope that my husband might one day return.

What is your favourite [insert noun here]?

I have no favourite film, book, comedian, DVD, animal etc… The concept of favourites is much the same as the concept of genre; it all depends on mood. To use the word favourite suggests that you will always choose that above others and I just can’t commit to that in any context. As a for instance: I love the film “The Usual Suspects”, but if I am in the mood for a good hearty laugh, I won’t find it there, so will choose something else – therefore The Usual Suspects is not my favourite film; my most read book (ignoring the blatant over-reading of Chris Corcoran’s Random Thoughts!) would be a book of poems by T.S Eliot, but that isn’t my favourite book by a long shot because I have read far more thought-provoking ones… I could go on, but I am sure you get the point!

Describe your ideal man…

I have been asked this a few times (hence it’s peculiar inclusion here!) but it is wholly irrelevant. In fact, I am only answering at all as I have been asked more than once, and that is the point of this…
So, to be glib… um, tall (very)… stunning blue eyes… maybe a bit of a beard… um… into rugby… perhaps even just the slightest bit Welsh… NOT REALLY!!
Honestly, see the previous question; were I looking for a man (which clearly I am not – even though it has been a while!!) I wouldn’t have an ‘ideal’... next question please…

How do you relax?

Believe it or not, this is my relaxation. I spend much of my time working feverishly on various projects (I’m not sure how many projects a person should ordinarily juggle, but I am currently working on 4 larger things between writing articles and doing the little jobs I’ve picked up of late) so when I am not spending time on them, I will be burying myself in something vaguely funny and writing about it here.
I do also meditate when I have the time, but can rarely find that special place nowadays as I need to keep an ear open for the hub-person. Reading and very long baths are great for a true switch-off.

Would you consider yourself an animal lover?

I’ve always found that a peculiar phrase; it conjures up an odd image indeed! But yes, I like animals. It comes mostly of growing up in the countryside, surrounded by cows, sheep and horses. We also spent a lot of evenings as a child driving around Exmoor watching the deer and ponies and as a parent I have spent pretty much the last fifteen years or so at one zoo or another so animals are very much a part of our lives. In fact, Miss Middle so loved our local zoo that we had to buy season passes as we were there almost weekly when she was younger… but before you ask; no, I don’t have a favourite animal… or zoo for that matter… but I could tell you some I don’t like!

You once described yourself as a “perpetual learner” – explain (please)

Did I? Since leaving college I have always been taking one course or another. I had wanted to go on to Uni and become a teacher, but my father forbade it, telling me it was a waste as I would only get married and have children once I left university. But I showed him! By… erm… leaving home, getting married and having children… but I have since taken an OU course towards a degree… and once life is more settled I will take the rest I need to complete. Just so I can say “Yes, I have one!”
I have also taken home study courses in psychology, accounting, child day care, project management (ironically!) and have studied Reiki, crystal therapy and am currently studying past life therapy amongst other things.
I also devote a lot of time to learning new languages. I have been learning Polish for a long time (although it is far easier now as I have the Rosetta Stone to help me!) and have learnt Welsh and a little Vietnamese (just because I can!) and because I worked with children with autism and Down’s syndrome, learnt some basic Makaton.
I do feel it is important to be constantly updating your own skill-set, so am always looking for something new to learn.

Are you a musical person?

Not sure of the context… I don’t whistle as I walk if that is what you mean.
I do love music, yes. I have a whole philosophy pertaining to music that I won’t go into here. I had music taken away from me for a few years when we were subjected to a particularly unpleasant neighbour (the long and short being that her music was always so horrendously loud that even if we tried to listen to our own, we could not hear it above hers) It is only in the last two years or so that I have felt like listening again, so have changed my tastes immensely. I do feel, though, that whilst we have memories, they are simply thoughts and pictures, whilst adding a piece of music to the memory takes you right back into the moment with all its emotions, smells and textures.
In terms of playing music, I always wanted to play the clarinet and cello but my parents could not afford lessons, who knows, maybe that will be my next “something new”… I did play the recorder (descant, treble and tenor!) in my primary school orchestra and had a keyboard I taught myself to whack out a few tunes on.

You seem to have an opinion on most things – what is your stance on piercings/tattoos?

Hehe… do I come across as opinionated? I’d like to think not…
Piercings and tattoos, eh – my opinion is that they should be mandatory, such as to stop those whinging mopes who claim everyone with a tattoo is somehow a second class citizen.
Obviously, not really – but I do believe each to their own. I personally have my ears each pierced twice and have one tattoo, with more of both planned. I do not think tattoos or piercings reflect a person’s ability to do a job, so should not be relevant to deciding whether or not to accept an application from someone, although I would question the merit of employing someone with a number of bad tattoos, simply because either: a) they do not realise they have made a poor choice in their artist and as such clearly would not have the aptitude to work at whatever role I am trying to fill or b) they did realise their artist was no good but either returned to them for more work regardless (doesn’t care enough) or went to a different artist without figuring out how they chose badly in the first place (lacks initiative and/or has very bad problem-solving skills) This to my mind is the only level of judgment that should be allowed on the basis of body art. (Oh, except if the job is, eg, in a nursery/day care centre where certain piercings could in fact be a danger, therefore it would be acceptable to request that they be removed.) I do always find it funny when you go into, for example, a DIY store and see people with yellow tape across their eyebrow… because, yes, that looks far more acceptable. When I saw a chunk of metal in your face I wondered if you had the aptitude required to take my money in exchange for a bag of nails, but with that yellow tape instead, I am sure you can do this! Careful now, don’t stab yourself in the face with them!

Honestly!!
But apart from that, I have no stance as such…

You once mentioned “losing faith” – so are you a religious person then?

No.
I am a spiritual person, there is a difference. I personally do not believe going to church makes me a better person (I have a vague recollection from my A-level days of a quote to that effect, probably by Marx, but I can’t remember it now!) In fact, if I don’t go to church, I am happier, more rested and better able to spread joy, so in that context going to church is a bad thing! I also find that a lot of the church people I encounter are extremely judgmental and condescending.
I do believe in a God-head, but as an idea, not a person. I have read a variety of religious texts and note that they are all pretty much bringing in the same stories (for instance, many religions have a story of the son of their chosen God being born of a virgin) but in my mind these stories are metaphorical rather than factual and have simply been adapted to suit the crux of the followers of that particular religion.
I have studied the Ascended Masters and hold very much to the multi-religion ideal they represent and this multi-faith approach is very much in keeping with my general eclectic style. Either way, my belief system is a simple one: live a good life, deal with the sh!t you get dealt in the best way you can, do not mistreat people or the world in which you live and your life will pretty much work out ok…. Sounds alright, wonder if I can get that on a bumper sticker?

Anyway, that’s the ten most-asked questions. If you have more, don’t be shy. I have enjoyed the challenge of answering these, so it’ll be good to do it again sometime!


Since we closed on an ideological note, I’ll leave you with this piece of excellent philosophy from the fabulous Bill and Ted:

A Letter to Santa

Whilst Christmas trends and rituals change over time, there will always be a constant: The letter to Santa.

I remember hours spent trawling through mum’s many catalogues looking for all those treasures I so desperately wanted.

I remember it being quite difficult trying to list all the things I really wanted whilst knowing I probably would not get any of them. For my parents, Christmas was a huge financial burden. If only they had realised that the only things I really wanted were the top two items on my list; those items which had been on my list every year for as long as I could remember. Yes; all I really wanted was a Mr. Frosty and an Astro Wars. Whilst Astro Wars has long since been forgotten, passed over in favour of more modern computer games, I have been desperately awaiting the day I look at the list of one of my children and see Mr Frosty, so I can cheerfully oblige and finally get to say “Yes, I own one!”, but sadly with eighteen parenting Christmases under my belt, I am starting to suspect this may never happen.

There is something great, though, about the last child growing old enough to write her list unaided. Christmas holds little enough wonderment and surprise once a person reaches adulthood, particularly in a home such as mine where I am solely responsible for all aspects of gift-buying, wrapping and opening... so the awe with which I approach opening Santa’s letter on his behalf cannot be understated (although when asked by baby had I read her letter, I of course had to deny! “No, sweet, it was addressed to Santa; I just left it to be collected!”)

So what of her wishes for this year? Well, I have to wonder if I’m not being tested; whether she has maybe reached the stage of doubt and decided she is going to see just how magical Santa actually is; partly because something on her list is an item of clothing belonging to a television character; partly because one item is simply “An Argos catalogue”; but mostly for the bizarre entry “A hard-hat for a boiled egg”.

Having spent many hours scouring some highly bizarre web-shops, I can find absolutely nothing that constitutes a hard hat for a boiled egg, the closest being this:



Which, whilst being very cute and everything just does not seem to be what she is asking for.

So my request for today: if anyone has a hotline to Santa, please ask him just what baby means and where I can buy it from!

Ta Muchly!

John Bishop: Sunshine Tour

There is no getting away from the fact that John Bishop is every ounce comic genius. That said, I do wonder how much longevity there is in the character of “Working class scouser makes good” he portrays. Yes, this DVD was very funny and although it was one I borrowed for the purpose of this review I will be buying it myself at some point, but I do feel as though he needs to come up with something new for the coming year in order to hold on to his current position as one of the best comedians on the circuit.

But I am digressing…

Plenty of new material, mixed with a little of the stuff we have been seeing on his many television appearances throughout the year, but not so much that you have that “Seen it before” feeling.

A great offering from a brilliant entertainer; most definitely worth buying and watching many times!

Greg Davies: Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog

Pretty much as one would expect, this DVD is brilliant!

Greg Davies' delivery is brilliant; methodical, deliberate and engaging; drawing the audience completely into his world and making feel complete empathy towards him.

There are a few emotional moments within this performance which I would like to think are real, although the cynical side of me would suggest that they might simply be part of the act – I have to say I would feel incredibly cheated of my own emotional investment in his tales were I to discover this were the case, though!

I have so much more to say (as I am sure you will expect!) but I am keeping these short so as to get them all done in a timely fashion!

I know people are wanting to know what to buy and Christmas is almost upon us, so I will simply close by saying that if you appreciate a good, hearty laugh this should definitely be on your Christmas list.

It's Behind You (And other such cliches!)

With Christmas fast approaching, the subject of panto becomes almost unavoidable.

I was asked back in the summer to help fine-tune a panto script for a really small group in the heart of middle-England with the main issue being: “We need time to change between appearances since there are only four of us!” I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of this; as projects go it was something different for me and did take my work in a new direction for a while, but much as I appreciate the concept of immersion therapy it did little to cure my dislike of the pantomime concept.

I appreciate the whole issue of tradition and everything, it's just that I feel panto is more for the performers than the audience. Going to the theatre shouldn’t be so much bloody hard work; yet the pantomime audience is expected to provide all the entertainment themselves whilst the actors just dick about on the stage wearing everything the wardrobe manager procured throughout the year in order to justify their stretched budget.

Perhaps it’s just my perception that’s a little screwy – I know many people who go to our town panto every year and thoroughly enjoy every moment; I just leave exhausted, thinking about how I could have gone for a run instead and still had time to do some work before everyone returned, feeling just as hot and weary yet a little better about myself.

In any case, spending almost the entire year thinking panto really has me stone-cold at the start of the run of ours here.

Most often, there is at least the lure of a celeb or two hidden within the cast. In our case, we do not even have that. What we have is “the voice of” one; and not even a proper star, either – one of those “Who?” “You know; her off that thing!” celebrities.

I guess part of that particular problem is that I don’t buy into the whole reality TV thing and those are very much the only type of stars that come to a place like this. For years now, there has been a guy wheeled out in our town for every big event lauded as a “Local hero” … now I thought this was an ironic title, since he really doesn’t have the look of a celebrity, but I discovered just a few weeks ago he really does have celebrity status from having appeared on another reality show I don’t watch some four years or so ago.

And here’s another thing: when I choose to rise above the wave of inane ‘entertainment’ that is X-Factor, Big Brother et al and seek enrichment from other sources, why is it that it is I who is made to feel like a second-class citizen when a name is thrown at me I do not recognise?
And why is it that we are made to endure these people in one show after another in spite of their complete lack of any entertaining qualities whatsoever? Case-in-point… Amy Childs - I could launch into a huge rant here, but I will say just one thing: WHAT THE FUCK!! I was astounded to see someone so vacuous appearing on panel shows – I’ll be honest, I truly thought it was a comedy character I had not yet come across (albeit not a particularly good one!) In order to illustrate my point, I want to draw a comparison with the fictional creation Gayle Tuesday (for those who remember!) but in all honesty, she had far more personality and character than the bizarre creature we are currently having paraded across our screens. Are we really all so zombified that whatever it is she offers constitutes entertainment? We do need to realise that simply being on the television is not enough to make someone a celebrity; especially in a time when it appears pretty much anyone can get themselves on!

Is it just me, or is this in fact a huge insult to those who work bloody hard to develop their skills, build a following and truly entertain their public?

Especially given that in this case in particular, the thing which has made her a ‘celebrity’ is actually something we all learned to do at the age of three.

Yes, an actual piece of historic artwork as made by one of my loverly angel-creatures many years ago...





But anyway – she’s an easy target so I’ll leave it there I guess.

Since I mentioned her earlier, I’ve had a trawl and found this clip from Gayle Tuesday’s mid-90’s show “Gayle’s World” featuring the fabulous Sheila Hancock! Not the funniest clip on the web, but I was looking for something in particular and headed down a path that landed here, so it seems fitting...

Sarah Millican: Chatterbox Live

I have to admit to being slightly disappointed in this offering. I wondered at first if maybe my mood wasn’t right when I’d watched it, but have tried several times and it’s still not grabbing me, I have to say.

Don’t get me wrong, I find Sarah Millican very funny. I love that she punches the conventional image of a female comedian square in the face and pushes boundaries as she does. I find that on every panel show, every radio show and every television appearance she makes me laugh endlessly, but I honestly found my interest waning part way through this performance. The main problem for me was that there seemed little new material at all. In fact, some of the set we see on the DVD is the same material she was doing when we first saw her emerge on the circuit. And yes, ok, that stuff was funny – but we heard it already. Now it’s getting a little old, I’m afraid.

I don’t want it to seem like I didn’t laugh at all, because I did. There were chuckles, but mostly accompanied with the thought of “when’s she getting to some new stuff?” I couldn’t help but think that with the benefit of a section of completely new material the use of the old stuff would have been more bearable but that was not really forthcoming. There seemed far too much time dedicated to a section of audience participation, too. Performances almost solely dependant on the audience do not really fit well on a DVD simply because the audience at home do not have the investment in it. Maybe that is the problem, perhaps it just doesn’t translate to DVD well? Although you would think someone would have advised her thus before allowing her to put the effort into making this first offering.

Or maybe I missed something myself. It is possible that having watched it four times the whole point still eludes me.

Either way, this one disappointment will not colour my opinion of her; I do feel she has much to offer the comedy world, just maybe not on this occasion.

Milton Jones – Lion Whisperer

In the interests of disclosure, I should say from the outset that Milton Jones makes me fall about with laughter at every television and radio appearance. It will not surprise you, then, to hear that I loved this dvd!

His quick-fire delivery is not for all, I admit; and I do prefer to watch/listen to Jones alone… not for the reasons you might think! – but because invariably someone will make a noise, I will miss an entire joke and that is it!

I do appreciate that such a paced performance can be hard for some to keep up with; a fact of which I am hugely aware after the hub-creature sat stoically throughout, unable to process the puns and missing out on the laughs, so maybe this isn’t for anyone with any kind of diminished brain function, but for everyone else – freakin’ hilarious!

I absolutely love the way Jones is so effortless in his performance, flowing seamlessly from one subject to another with seldom a pause. There is something quite ethereal about the way he does this without creating an air of chaos and discord.

As you would expect, this performance gives nothing especially challenging, nothing contraversial and nothing unsuitable for younger kids; the laughs just roll in one after another, giving the viewer the opportunity to relax and just allow the laughter to happen.

Absolutely brilliant!!

You know the drill:

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