Little Britain - Series 1 Filming Sir Ted Robbins
Listening to the lemon drizzle cake A project76 field trip

It was a very funny radio programme and then it became a very funny TV show. We were there from the very beginning, i.e. the pilot and season 1. As obsessive fans, which is what we are, we went and queued outside the BBC a lot and hung around the bar until we were let into the studio where it was being filmed, laughed and cried a lot, and repeated this process over and over and over again.

Highlights of the queuing process include the astonishing appearance of most of the Top Of The Pops audience, which consisted of two types: 16-year-old council scum girls with jewellery that would turn Mr. T into a green-eyed monster, or the mutton dressed as lamb type who eased themselves into leggings with the help of a lot of lard or maybe an olive oil based spread of some sorts. Still, they weren't what were there to see, just a pleasant bonus freak show.

The BBC bar sells big packets of crisps, chocolate and all sorts of drinks that are kept behind a glass cabinet so you can't actually touch them, but they don't just tempt you and refuse to satisfy , you can actually purchase these delights. And a Bagpuss pencil case from the BBC shop if that's what floats your boat.

Anyway, I digress. A lot. We were treated to the stand-up comedy delights of Mr. Ted Robbins who upon first viewing appears to be a man doing an impression of a 1970s Northern club comedian. But that is what he really is! He was there for every episode too and although the same material every night got a little trying, he is a very nice man and a lot better than other warm-up 'comedians' we have seen. He seems to be contracted to appear in one sketch every night too, this is how he is paid I think.

The main attraction: Lucas and Walliams. They don't even need to try to be funny. I had seen Matt in stand-up many years ago and he scared me with his bizarre voices and incredibly hysterical stuff. The man has a scary brain for sure. And David Walliams is another person who can make me laugh with just a look. Which he did quite a lot, especially when snogging old ladies and lusting after Anthony Head. Oh yes and he also killed Mollie Sugden. Several times in fact because of retakes. Matt's best character from the radio was still my favourite: Daffyd, the only gay man in his village. A scary little man who reminds me of several people I have known over the years.

Matt and David are funny because of the little things they bring to their characters, like the way Vicky Pollard wees in a swimming pool or kicks her rucksack across the floor. Or in the way that Sebastian turns into a scary jealous schoolgirl when anyone else talks to the Prime Minister who he wishes to have more than just a working relationship with. Pure genius!


A run-down on some of the characters can be found here. Back to Index.
Series 1 filming report; episode reviews: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Series 2 filming report; episode reviews: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Comic Relief 2005
Series 3 filming report; episode reviews: 1 2 3 4 5 6

More good websites to see: BBC's Little Britain Page; Tara's David Walliams Site; Observer 'Screen' Article; Little Britain on TV Tome .