Taking my cue from Chortle.co.uk, because my memory isn't so good and the show runs for a couple of hours. Never manages to completely finish within its allotted time either. Anyway, this is the 16th year these awards have taken place. Probably would think that across the categories pretty much all shows might get a shout at a nomination, but there's still work not here that show there is a true selection process but it isn't necessarily entirely representative or accurate. Anyway, Ricky Gervais himself said, "Who runs this debacle?" because 'Peep Show' {Twitch Post} from Channel 4 didn't appear anywhere even though he said something like "...it's one of the best things on TV right now..." - and he isn't wrong either, it's a hidden gem. No appearances from 'The Smoking Room', 'Ideal' and a fair few other shows from recent times either.
Best Comedy Actor : Chris Langham, for 'Help' {Twitch Post}. Been around for an age, clearly talented Langham wins for his performance alongside Paul Whitehouse (of 'The Fast Show' - {Twitch Post}) which largely features just the two of them : Langham and a psychologist to Whitehouse's broad range of characters. Very varied approach and moods in this expertly acted little show that was buried in the schedules, yet discovered and loved by the comedy fans. R2 UK DVD seems to be delayed.
Best Comedy Actress & Best Newcomer : Ashley Jensen, for 'Extras' {Twitch Post, one of many}. Straight out of nowhere and clearly surprised to win, Jensen's performance alongside Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant was perfectly matched to their social faux pas comedy of underachievers in the world of films. So much more than the 'famous people for the audience figures' piece that was initially suspected by many, a great short series. R2 UK DVD at Amazon.co.uk.
Best New TV Comedy : 'The Thick of it' {Twitch Post}. Chris Langham again, in a show about the world of politics from Armando Iannucci {Twitch Post}, the man behind 'The Day Today' and 'Alan Partridge' if you want a style pointer. Not seen this myself, waiting for it to switch from Digital TV to Terrestrial and make an appearance on BBC 2 early in the New Year.
Best TV Comedy & Ronnie Barker Writer of the Year Award : 'Little Britain' {Twitch Post, one of many}. Walliams and Lucas were surprised live on stage during their tour featuring characters from the show, to be awarded with the first of these two awards. The second, much later in the show, caught them backstage afterwards. Immensely popular catchphrase based show with lots of gross-out humor, very easy to watch and great fun. Not the most meaningful, not the best in my opinion, but understandably chosen. R2 UK DVD Box set of Series 1 & 2 at Amazon.co.uk (cheaper at CD-Wow).
TV Comedy Drama : 'Shameless'. Wanted to post about this before, a highly recommended comedy drama that's done very well for Channel 4 in the last couple of years. Cast is largely first-timers, style is pretty innovative and unusual. Perhaps the best show of this type since Channel 4's 'Teachers' (also very much recommended). R2 UK DVD Box set of Series 1 & 2 at Amazon.co.uk.
Best International Show : 'The Simpsons'. Again, Matt Groening turns up at the Awards, this time with Dan Castellaneta who did the lengthy acceptance speech as Homer Simpson. A real treat and one of the most memorable moments of the show, very funny stuff. Of course, the show needs no introduction or explanation, loads of DVD box sets out there in American and the UK.
Best Comedy Film : 'Festival' {Twitch Post, Review}. Surprise winner, little seen British film about the comedy fringe at the Edinburgh Festival, and the Perrier Award that's given out there each year. A great training ground and goldmine for new comedy talent, Edinburgh is a great subject for a film. Haven't seen this, but watched the trailer a few times. R2 UK DVD at Amazon.co.uk.
Well, there the main awards, the true comedy shows. There are always a few awards for popular entertainment shows in there, things like 'The X Factor' which is a comedy for the auditions, then a contrived talent show as it drags on. Anyway, one of the shows that was expected to do better was 'Extras', which only managed two of its five awards (both to Ashley Jensen, obviously), the other was 'The Catherine Tate Show' {Twitch Post - R2 UK DVD At Amazon.co.uk} which was pipped to the post for the Peoples Choice Award - the one chosen by live phone vote.
[Source : Chortle, Previous Winners at Chortle too].
Have to agree with Gervais, PEEP SHOW is one of the best things on TV at the moment. I've already made my lukewarm feelings for LITTLE BRITAIN well known. Best comedy writing? Now THAT is a joke!
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