For other uses, see Little Britain (disambiguation). Little Britain Characters on Little Britain: The Complete Second Series DVD cover Genre Sketch comedy Running time 30 mins Creator(s) David Walliams and Matt Lucas Starring David Walliams Matt Lucas Tom Baker Anthony Head Paul Putner Steve Furst Charu Bala Chokshi Joann Condon Ruth Jones Country of origin UK Original channel BBC Three (Series 1 & 2) BBC One (Series 3) Original run September 16, 2003–present No. of episodes 22 (including Pilot and Comic Relief special) Official website IMDb profile TV.com summary Little Britain is a character-based BBC radio and television sketch show written by and starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams. Its title is an amalgamation of the terms 'Little England' and 'Great Britain'. It made its debut on BBC Radio 4 in 2001, running for two short series of five and four half-hour episodes respectively. In 2003, it transferred to television, with an eight-episode series on the BBC's digital-only channel BBC Three. Two more series, of six episodes each, have followed since. The programme will return for a 2006 Christmas special [1] and Lucas and Walliams continue to deny press speculation that the third series would be the last.[2] The BBC regards the series so far as a success.[3] An American version is due in 2007 for HBO. There is also the possibility of a film version in the US. Contents 1 Background 2 Overseas 3 Style and content 3.1 Criticism 4 Charity sketches 5 Further series 6 American version 7 Little Britain: The Movie 8 The cast 9 Guest appearances 9.1 As themselves 9.2 As characters 10 Major characters 11 Catchphrases 12 Trivia 12.1 Doctor Who 12.2 Other 13 CDs 14 DVDs 14.1 Past releases 14.2 Future releases 15 Books 16 Stage show 17 References 18 Further reading 19 See also 20 External links 20.1 Official sites 20.2 Episode guides 20.3 Other related sites Background Most of the TV material was adapted from the radio version, but some new sketches featured recurring characters. As a result of its success, the first television series was repeated on the mainstream channel BBC Two. Although reactions to it were mixed, many critics were enthusiastic, and the show was commissioned for another run. The second TV series, featuring several new characters, began on BBC Three October 19, 2004. Because of its popularity, the scheduled repeats were "promoted" to BBC One, starting December 3 2004, which guaranteed higher ratings. However, this showing did not feature material from the original run that was deemed too offensive for the BBC One audience. A third series began on Thursday 17 November 2005 on BBC One, and ended six weeks later. After its transmission, it was unclear whether there would be another, as so many sketches were given dramatic twists and "wrapped up" — see individual character articles for examples. Lucas and Walliams were reportedly in talks for a fourth series with the BBC. Furthermore, they admitted in an interview they preferred to "kill off" certain characters in order to make way for new ones. Radio 4 began a rerun of all nine episodes in February 2004. Unusually, this overlapped with a rerun on digital radio channel BBC 7 of the first five, which began in mid-March. In June–July 2004, BBC 7 broadcast the remaining four. Overseas The show is aired in Continental Europe and Scandinavia on BBC Prime, in the United States by BBC America [1], in Canada by BBC Canada and Showcase Television, in Australia by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, in New Zealand by C4 (Channel 4, of CanWest), in Sweden by SVT, in Iceland on RUV, in Ireland by BBC and RTÉ, in The Netherlands on Nederland 3 by VPRO [2], in Finland by SubTV, in Norway by NRK, in the United Arab Emirates, in India, Pakistan & Malaysia by Star World, in Belgium on Canvas, in Italy by Jimmy, in Portugal on RTP, in Austria on ORF1, in Israel by Yes [3],in Switzerland by SF, in Hungary by COOL TV [4], in Singapore by Arts Central and in Spain by Canal +. Style and content The format of the show is a compilation of short sketches featuring familiar characters, linked by narration from Tom Baker (most famous as the Fourth Doctor on Doctor Who). The voiceovers take a wry look at Britain, with comically absurd statements on the nation's character, such as, "Britain ... We've had running water for over 10 years and we invented the cat" or, "Unlike other countries, Britain has people of two genders: male and female." The style of Little Britain has evolved over the years. The radio series and first season on TV tended to consist of surreal concepts taken to logical extremes (such as the witch employing contractors to build her gingerbread house or the man leaving increasingly bizarre messages on his answering machine.) The sketches that really caught the public's imagination, however, tended to be those which gave rise to memorable catchphrases. As the TV series went on, the humour began to rely on these as well as stereotypes of increasing vulgarity. Criticism However, the second and third series have not been without their critics, who have been particularly vociferous at the perceived treatment of minority groups. For example, Johann Hari, writing in The Independent, stated: "Little Britain has been a vehicle for two rich kids to make themselves into multi-millionaires by mocking the weakest people in Britain. Their targets are almost invariably the easiest, cheapest groups to mock: the disabled, poor, elderly, gay or fat. In one fell swoop, they have demolished protections against mocking the weak that took decades to build up." [4] Similarly, Fergus Sheppard, writing in The Scotsman, had this to say: "The latest series of the hit BBC comedy Little Britain may be hauling in record viewing figures, but it has also sparked a previously unthinkable chorus of criticism, with claims that the show has lost its way, trading early ingenuity for swelling amounts of toilet humour in the search for cheap laughs, and becoming increasingly offensive." [5] Although the series' supporters have dismissed these attacks, the suggestions of unhelpful attitudes towards race are hard to shake off, since regular characters in series 3 included an obese black woman (played by Walliams) and an unattractive Thai bride (played by Lucas). This is in contrast to the first TV series, which contained a sketch apparently aimed at racist attitudes: two men in blackface (as once seen in The Black and White Minstrel Show) are shown unable to find a room in a bed and breakfast. Charity sketches In 2005, to raise money for Comic Relief, David Walliams and Matt Lucas made a special edition of the show, dubbed Little, Little Britain. The episode included a variety of sketches with celebrities. These included George Michael, Robbie Williams and Elton John. Further series Matt Lucas and David Walliams have recently signed a three-year deal with the BBC. The duo are currently planning a new show — one in which some of their best-known characters return, but it will be a "totally new and different series". [6] It is due to be broadcast in the autumn of 2007, and two new Little Britain Christmas specials will air Boxing Day 2006. The special, Little Britain Abroad will take the characters and put them into locations other than Britain.[7] American version Walliams and Lucas are due to create an American version of Little Britain for HBO. Little Britain will follow the model of The Ali G Show, a series and character created by British comedian, Sacha Baron-Cohen, which was later also created for American audiences for the network. Simon Fuller has been recruited to co-write the series with the duo, along with a team of American writers.[8] Little Britain: The Movie Walliams and Lucas have revealed that they are developing a film version of the series for the US. "We've got a sort of film development deal and we might also do something for tv out in the US."[5] The cast Matt Lucas and David Walliams play all the main characters in the show. Other cast: Tom Baker: Narrator Anthony Stewart Head: The Prime Minister (2003–2005) Rob Brydon: Roman De Vere (2005) Ruth Jones: Myfanwy Geraldine James: Mrs. Pincher (2004) Ruth Madoc: Daffyd's Mother (2004–2005) Paul Putner: Various Steve Furst: Various Charu Bala Chokshi: Meera (2003–2005) Joann Condon: Fat Pat (2003–2005) Evie Garratt: Nan (2003, 2004) Stirling Gallacher: Prime Minister's wife/Margaret Nigel Havers: Leader of the Opposition Sally Rogers: Various David Foxxe: Various Guest appearances Since its debut on television, Little Britain has featured guest appearances from celebrities and television personalities, the most prominent of these being Anthony Head as the Prime Minister. As themselves Vanessa Feltz (Marjorie Dawes sketch, series 2) Mollie Sugden (Liz and Clive sketch, series 1) Robbie Williams (Emily and Florence sketch, Comic Relief special) Jennie Bond (Peter André sketch, series 1) Elton John (Daffyd sketch, Comic Relief special) George Michael (Lou and Andy sketch, Comic Relief special) Cat Deeley (Anne sketch, series 3) Keith Harris (Deleted Scene - Peter Andre sketch, series 1) Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee (Deleted Scene - Peter Andre sketch, series 1) David Soul (Hospitalized girl's parents sketch, series 1) Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan (Lou and Andy sketch, series 3) Derek Martin (Marjorie Dawes sketch, series 3) Trisha Goddard (Vicky Pollard sketch, Comic Relief special) Bruce Forsyth (Lou and Andy sketch, series 2) As characters Ruth Madoc, Simon Callow, Christian Coulson, Mark Gatiss, Nigel Havers, Jon Culshaw, Imelda Staunton, David Baddiel, Indira Varma , Jamie Theakston and Siobhan Hayes. Major characters This is only a list of the most popular or well-known characters. A full list can be found here: Main article: Little Britain characters Lou (right) and Andy (left) Vicky Pollard sniffing Pritt Stick Marjorie Dawes: "Dust is low in fat" Carol Beer: "Computer says 'No'." Vicky Pollard: teenage chav with serious attitude problems, and sixteen children Daffyd Thomas: out homosexual who believes he is the "only gay in the village". However, he is very obviously not, despite his attempts to deceive himself. Lou Todd and Andy Pipkin: Andy is in a wheelchair (of which he has no need) and Lou is his kindly yet oblivious caregiver. Marjorie Dawes: merciless leader of the Fat Fighters weight loss group who believes that a diet of dust is a good way to lose weight, and enjoys taunting her group, despite being overweight herself. Edward 'Emily' Howard: "rubbish transvestite" who tries to convince everyone that he is a "laydee" Sebastian Love: smitten aide of the Prime Minister — woe betide anyone who comes between them Anne & Dr Lawrence: part-time mental health patient and her caregiver. Anne frequently has deranged outbursts, though she has occasional moments of lucidity. Dennis Waterman: a minuscule out-of-work actor (a caricature of his real-life namesake), who always wants to "write the theme tune, sing the theme tune" (Series 1–2) Mr Mann, Roy, and Margaret: Mr Mann always visits Roy's shop to buy an impossibly exact item, for which Roy has to ask Margaret (who is never seen but apparently limbless) Carol Beer: listless bank worker (then travel agent) who processes customers' requests on her computer, usually responding flatly, "Computer says no..." (Series 2–3) Harvey Pincher: a soon-to-be-married upper-class man, who shocks outsiders of his family by his unusual habit — he is still breast fed (Series 2) Dudley Punt and Ting Tong Macadangdang: middle-aged man and his awkward, mail-order Thai wife (Series 3) Catchphrases Here are some of the most popular catchphrases to appear in the show: "Yeah I know," as well as "Don't like it" and "I want that one." "Yeah but no but yeah but...", "Oh my god I so can't believe you just said that!" and "Don't go giving me evils!" "Dust? Anyone? No? Dust?" "I can't be-lieve it!" and "Call me Bubbles, everyone does." "I am the only gay in the village.", "Yeah I'm gay, get over it!" and "Another Bacardi and Coke please, Myfanwy." "Computer says no." "I am a lady!" "Margaret! Margaret!" ....................................... "Yes?" "So they want me to star in it, write the theme tune, sing the theme tune..." "Wicky woo!" and "Top of the morning, where's me breakfast?" "Look into my eyes, look into my eyes, don't look around the eyes, look into my eyes, 3-2-1, you're under!" and "3-2-1, you're back in the room!" "Bitty..." "EH EH EHHHH!" "Yeeeeeesss." and "Maybe I am and maybe I'm not." Trivia Doctor Who There are many references to the popular science-fiction series: In Jeremy Rent's Office in the pilot episode, you can see a picture of Tom Baker (the show's narrator) in his Fourth Doctor costume on the wall. In an Andy and Lou sketch from Series 2, some yobs shout abuse at them in the park. Andy snaps and beats them up when they shout, "Oi, Davros!" — Davros is the (similarly wheelchair-bound) creator of the Daleks. At least three characters are named after actors who have portrayed Doctor Who : Matthew Waterhouse played Adric, a companion of the Fourth and Fifth Doctors; Michael Craze played the First and Second Doctor's companion Ben Jackson; and Mark Strickson portrayed Vislor Turlough, a Fifth Doctor companion. One of the Judy & Maggie (Women's Institute) sketches in Series 2 features actor Paul Darrow as a Conservative MP. He played Avon in Blake's 7, as well as roles in the Doctor Who stories "Doctor Who and the Silurians" and "Timelash". In the pilot's Dennis Waterman sketches, his agent was named "Sir Michael Craze", an allusion to Michael Craze, who played Ben Jackson, a companion to William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton (the First and Second Doctor, respectively). The name reappeared in a sketch for the Matthew Waterhouse character, in which it was identity of the play producer to whom he pitched ideas for various musicals. One of Tom Baker's narrations refers directly to Doctor Who (and Blackadder — another TV series in which he appeared) when discussing popular video rentals in season one. In an episode of Season Two, Dennis Waterman's agent is discussing an upcoming appearance of Sixth Doctor Colin Baker and also offers Bonnie Langford. Other Lou and Andy are the only characters to appear in every single episode of the show (including the Comic Relief special), Marjorie Dawes is in second place: she appears throughout the recurring series. Several sketches were removed from Series 1. Two featured April and Neville, another pair included the Peter Andre character, while also excised were some in which Mr Cleeves and the Piano Player appeared. Lou and Andy are named after Lou Reed and Andy Warhol. Jamie Theakston appeared in Series 2, having previously worked with Lucas and Walliams on Rock Profile. On "Little Britain Night" on BBC Three, the duo announced that they will do a Christmas special of the programme in 2006. In Series 3, there is an homage to One Foot in the Grave and its character Victor Meldrew when Bubbles De Vere says the popular catchphrase, "I don't believe it!", as her first line in the series. On October 10, 2005, waxworks of Lou and Andy were unveiled at Madame Tussaud's in London, having been announced three months earlier, and cost in excess of £100,000 each. This event tied in with the DVD release of the second TV series. In 2005, Heat magazine reported that a request by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to appear in one of the sketches was turned down, with Walliams and Lucas stating that they did not want to be seen as biased towards Labour in the run-up to the general election [6]. Gary and Jason did not appear in Series 2. However, Lucas and Walliams did film a sketch, which was planned to be shown at the end of the last episode. The sketch wasn't broadcast, although it appears as a deleted scene on the Series 2 DVD, involving Gary, his sister and his mother visiting Nan's, when they discover Nan and Jason having sexual intercourse. Lou and Andy were parodied in a Dead Ringers sketch in which they were replaced with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.[7] In the series the village of Llandewi Breffi is spelt slightly differently from the real village of Llandewi Brefi (which has only one 'f'). Furthermore, Daffyd 's name in the series is also spelt slightly differently from the real Welsh name Dafydd. CDs The complete radio series (along with much supplemental material, including the pilot show), was released on 7 November 2005 as Little Britain... on Radio (ISBN 0-563-50414-5). Subsequently issued were: Little Britain: Best of TV Series 1, 3 October 2005, ISBN 0-563-50495-1 Little Britain: Best of TV Series 2, 3 October 2005, ISBN 0-563-50495-1 Little Britain: Best of TV Series 3, 1 May 2006, ISBN 0-563-50428-5 DVDs Past releases Little Britain: The Complete First Series, 11 October 2004, BBCDVD1494 Little Britain: The Complete Second Series, 10 October 2005, BBCDVD1675 Little Britain: Series One & Two, 14 November 2005, BBCDVD1864 In January 2005, a half-hour episode was specially commissioned and released on DVD in aid of the Comic Relief charity fundraising event. It features guest appearances from Elton John, Robbie Williams, Simon Callow, Trisha Goddard and George Michael, and was broadcast 11 March 2005. Little Britain: The Complete Third Series, 11 September 2006, BBCDVD1919 Future releases Little Britain: Series One, Two & Three, Due For Release 13 November 2006, BBCDVD2101 Little Britain: Live, Due For Release 13 November 2006 Books Little Britain: The Complete Scripts and Stuff: Series One (2004): London: HarperCollins: ISBN 0-00-719302-5 Little Britain: The Complete Scripts and Stuff: Series Two (2005): London: HarperCollins: ISBN 0-00-719872-8 Little Britain: The Complete Scripts and Stuff: Series Three: (2006): London: HarperCollins: ISBN 0-00-721365-4 Matt Lucas, David Walliams and Boyd Hilton: Inside Little Britain: London: Ebury: 2006: ISBN 0-09-191231-8 Stage show See Little Britain Live The 2005–06 Tour is a stage show of Little Britain sketches that played at venues throughout the UK. Tickets quickly sold out. During February 2007 Little Britain Live will show in Australia at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney [8] & [9]. References ^ 'Visit Little Britain Off've the Telly' BBC Radio 1. URL accessed 3 July, 2006 ^ Little Britain TV Series Four DavidWalliamsFans.com. URL accessed 3 July, 2006 ^ 'BBC Statements of Programme Policy 2006/2007' BBC, URL Accessed 3 July, 2006 ^ Independent Online Edition: Why I Hate Little Britain URL accessed 3 July, 2006 ^ Scotsman.com: Little Britain's in trouble... no buts about it URL accessed 3 July, 2006 ^ BBC News: Lucas and Walliams reign set to last URL accessed 20 July 2006 ^ "Little Britain Christmas special lineup revealed". Retrieved September 5, 2006. ^ Times Online. "Little Britain aiming for huge remake in America". Retrieved August 25, 2006. Further reading Julia Snell (2006). "Schema theory and the humour of Little Britain". English Today 22: 59–64. DOI:10.1017/S0266078406001118. See also Cross-dressing in film and television External links Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Little Britain Official sites BBC Little Britain site BBC Radio 4 Little Britain site BBC Three Little Britain site Episode guides Little Britain episode guides & the 2006 Christmas Special Little Britain at the Internet Movie Database Little Britain episode guide at TV.com Little Britain at the British Sitcom Guide Little Britain episode guide at TVRage.com Other related sites Little Britain LittleBritainFan.com Little Britain Fans Little Britain BBC idents at Idents.tv. Little Britain video clips at www.comedyclips.nl Little Britain Fansite Little Britain Top Sites Search Term: "Little_Britain" Categories: BBC television comedy | Little Britain | UKTV programmes | 2000s TV shows in the United Kingdom

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