Sunshine on Putty: The Golden Age of British Comedy from Vic Reeves to The Office
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Author Description
The definitive history of a golden age in British show-business, Sunshine On Putty is based on hundreds of interviews with the leading comedians of the era, as well as managers, agents, producers, directors, executives and TV personalities.In the 1990s, British comedy underwent a renaissance – shows like The Fast Show, The Day Today, Shooting Stars, The League of Gentlemen, The Royle Family and The Office were hugely popular with critics and audiences alike. Just as politics, sport, art, literature and religion seemed to move towards light entertainment, the comedy on the nation's televisions not only offered a home to ideas and ideals of community which could no longer find one elsewhere, but also gave us a clearer picture of what was happening to our nation than any other form of artistic endeavour.From Ricky Gervais' self-destructive love affair with dairy products to Steve Coogan's suicidal overtaking technique; from the secrets of Vic Reeves' woodshed, to the stains on Caroline Aherne's sofa; from Victor Meldrew's prophetic dream to Spike Milligan's final resting place, Ben Thompson reveals the twisted beauty of British comedy’s psyche.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the cultural significance and creative evolution of British television comedy during the 1990s, a period defined by a radical shift in tone and form. Author Ben Thompson utilizes extensive primary source material, including hundreds of interviews with performers, producers, and industry executives, to construct a comprehensive history of this comedic renaissance. He argues that these programs functioned as a vital mirror for the nation, capturing the shifting social and political landscape of the era through a lens of absurdity and observational satire.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Detailed analysis of seminal 1990s programs including The Fast Show, The Day Today, and The Office.
- Insights into the professional dynamics between comedians, agents, and television executives.
- Examination of the transition from traditional light entertainment to more experimental and cynical comedic formats.
- Exploration of how comedy became a primary vehicle for expressing national identity and community ideals.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
This text provides a dense, well-researched account of a transformative decade in British media, suitable for readers interested in the mechanics of television production and cultural history. The author's reliance on first-hand testimony offers a grounded perspective on the creative processes that defined the era.
Page Count:
496
Publication Date:
2004-10-15
Publisher:
Harper Perennial
ISBN-10:
0007181329
ISBN-13:
9780007181322
Media Studies
British Culture
Television history
Comedy
Comedians
Community Tags
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