The Cellar Tapes
May 17, 2010 3:52 AM Subscribe
"The Cellar Tapes" (1982) (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 and part 5) is a televised version of the revue show originally performed in 1981 by the Footlights - a group of comic writers-performers at the University of Cambridge. It is performed by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Tony Slattery, Paul Shearer and Penny Dwyer.
This is also available as an extra on one of the Bit of Fry and Laurie DVD sets. The vampire tale is definitely a highlight. Tony Slatterly's terrible "I'm Going to Shoot Somebody Famous" song, less so.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 4:25 AM on May 17, 2010
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 4:25 AM on May 17, 2010
Tony Slattery, Paul Shearer and Penny Dwyer must feel like total losers these days.
posted by Optamystic at 5:08 AM on May 17, 2010
posted by Optamystic at 5:08 AM on May 17, 2010
Tony Slattery, Paul Shearer and Penny Dwyer must feel like total losers these days.
Tony Slattery was a prominent comedian/actor in the 1980s and 1990s, and became a regular on the UK Whose Line Is It Anyway?—until it all went wrong.
Paul Shearer was one of The Fast Show team.
Penny Dwyer was a metallurgist with a major role in the construction of the Channel Tunnel. She died in 2003.
posted by rory at 5:57 AM on May 17, 2010 [6 favorites]
Tony Slattery was a prominent comedian/actor in the 1980s and 1990s, and became a regular on the UK Whose Line Is It Anyway?—until it all went wrong.
Paul Shearer was one of The Fast Show team.
Penny Dwyer was a metallurgist with a major role in the construction of the Channel Tunnel. She died in 2003.
posted by rory at 5:57 AM on May 17, 2010 [6 favorites]
It's amazing how well-formed the Fry & Laurie double act is.
posted by DanCall at 5:59 AM on May 17, 2010
posted by DanCall at 5:59 AM on May 17, 2010
Also some fun: Saturday Night Fry. The first series, I haven't heard the later second series which apparently was an entirely different show.
posted by dumbland at 6:32 AM on May 17, 2010
posted by dumbland at 6:32 AM on May 17, 2010
The QI with Emma Thompson was amazing. (I hope that clip has the best bits involving Stephen helping Emma out with her screenplay and such. Can't actually watch it right now.)
posted by kmz at 8:28 AM on May 17, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by kmz at 8:28 AM on May 17, 2010 [3 favorites]
Very much enjoyed seeing this on the Bit of F&L DVD, as mentioned. I didn't think "I'm Going to Shoot Somebody Famous" was just terrible. I thought it was also offensive and disturbing. But I loved pretty much everything else.
Are videos available of any other Footlights Revues? Are they worth watching?
Oh and here is a link to my favorite F&L sketch ever, Welcome to the Smug Hour. UK people who understand the background - please don't explain. I think it might ruin my enjoyment of it.
posted by Xalf at 9:56 AM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
Are videos available of any other Footlights Revues? Are they worth watching?
Oh and here is a link to my favorite F&L sketch ever, Welcome to the Smug Hour. UK people who understand the background - please don't explain. I think it might ruin my enjoyment of it.
posted by Xalf at 9:56 AM on May 17, 2010 [1 favorite]
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posted by severiina at 3:55 AM on May 17, 2010