Spitting Image (the revival series, on Britbox)

[OceanBlue]

The revival of Spitting Image should be starting sometime this autumn on Britbox (hopefully). Can you get Britbox on Sky (in the Apps section)?

Been looking forward to this revival. Hope it lives up to the original.

[CV19]

I don't have Britbox, but I've heard of the Spitting Image revival. I suspect somehow that the satire won't be as biting as that of the original shows, particularly in the present climate - but you never know. I gather Roger Law, who was one of the creators of the original series, will also be involved in this revival. One thing's for sure, we do need good satirical comedy with all that's been going on lately.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by CV19

I don't have Britbox, but I've heard of the Spitting Image revival. I suspect somehow that the satire won't be as biting as that of the original shows, particularly in the present climate - but you never know. I gather Roger Law, who was one of the creators of the original series, will also be involved in this revival. One thing's for sure, we do need good satirical comedy with all that's been going on lately.

We certainly do need some satirical comedy at the moment. Have I Got News for You should be back in a few weeks time (whether they will be back in the studio, I have my doubts. I had read a few weeks ago that they had started filming in August a new series of Catchphrase without a studio audience. I'm a bit torn about whether an audience is needed for HIGNFY, as I enjoyed the series from earlier this year, finding it funny more often than not). I'm not surprised there wasn't a new series of Mock the Week this year (usually it would start in June-July, have a break over August and be back in September).

I was reminded of Spitting Image last week when I heard in a shop the Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle song On My Own (they were prevented from getting to the top spot in the UK by The Chicken Song).

[CV19]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

We certainly do need some satirical comedy at the moment. Have I Got News for You should be back in a few weeks time (whether they will be back in the studio, I have my doubts. I had read a few weeks ago that they had started filming in August a new series of Catchphrase without a studio audience. I'm a bit torn about whether an audience is needed for HIGNFY, as I enjoyed the series from earlier this year, finding it funny more often than not). I'm not surprised there wasn't a new series of Mock the Week this year (usually it would start in June-July, have a break over August and be back in September).

I was reminded of Spitting Image last week when I heard in a shop the Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle song On My Own (they were prevented from getting to the top spot in the UK by The Chicken Song).

Ah yes, I do remember The Chicken Song (1986 I think?). I'm pretty sure there was even an album released at some stage.

Looking forward to Have I Got News For You, but for me it's a shame the new Spitting Image shows couldn't be shown on the regular terrestrial channels. The original series on ITV used to get quite good viewing figures considering it was always shown fairly late on a Sunday evening, although the last couple of seasons did see a dip in the number of viewers unfortunately. I rarely ever missed it. For me, it was the perfect way to end the weekend before going to bed and returning to work on the Monday morning.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by CV19

Ah yes, I do remember The Chicken Song (1986 I think?). I'm pretty sure there was even an album released at some stage.

Looking forward to Have I Got News For You, but for me it's a shame the new Spitting Image shows couldn't be shown on the regular terrestrial channels. The original series on ITV used to get quite good viewing figures considering it was always shown fairly late on a Sunday evening, although the last couple of seasons did see a dip in the number of viewers unfortunately. I rarely ever missed it. For me, it was the perfect way to end the weekend before going to bed and returning to work on the Monday morning.

Yes, The Chicken Song was in the UK music singles charts that year. I remember buying it (a memorable novelty song, but I wish I could go back in time and buy the singles I didn't get then).

Network were releasing Spitting Image on DVD (although I'm not sure if they've included the election specials), then the series stalled. They resumed the series but then stalled again (they only had a few series left to release).

One of the celebrity puppets on the show I remember well was Sir Roger Moore's (the eyebrows ).

[CV19]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Yes, The Chicken Song was in the UK music singles charts that year. I remember buying it (a memorable novelty song, but I wish I could go back in time and buy the singles I didn't get then).

Network were releasing Spitting Image on DVD (although I'm not sure if they've included the election specials), then the series stalled. They resumed the series but then stalled again (they only had a few series left to release).

One of the celebrity puppets on the show I remember well was Sir Roger Moore's (the eyebrows ).

Back in the late 90's, UK Gold (as it was known then) were showing the very first series of Spitting Image, although I don't think they showed any of the episodes from the later series. There were lots of sketches with Ronald Reagan as I remember as the first series dates back to 1984.

I still recall many of the puppets, and it was said at the time that both politicians and celebrities who had a puppet created, would regard this as an honour and an indication that the person concerned had actually achieved something in life.

However I do remember two people in particular who apparently despised their puppets - Melvyn Bragg and Barry Norman. During an interview, Norman admitted he hated his and couldn't figure out why they portrayed him with a large mole on his forehead, and Melvyn Bragg didn't like the exaggerated nasal-sounding voice they gave him. I'm sure there were probably others who weren't too happy with their puppets either but didn't want to admit it.

[HotRats]

How can you satirise a prime minister who changes lies mid-sentence and has no sense of shame or embarrassment?

I'm old enough to remember Herr Jeremy Von Wilcox

[CV19]

Originally Posted by HotRats

How can you satirise a prime minister who changes lies mid-sentence and has no sense of shame or embarrassment?

I'm old enough to remember Herr Jeremy Von Wilcox

Yes, me too. Wilcox goes right back to the first series in 1984 (I was still at college at the time), and he was always giving Margaret Thatcher advice - usually concerning the unions.

Now this will really test my memory, but if I'm not mistaken every time he appeared, you would hear very briefly a rendition of that wartime song "We're Gonna Hang Out The Washing On The Siegfried Line" which was appropriate considering that Wilcox was in fact a very elderly Adolf Hitler.

[drush9999]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Yes, The Chicken Song was in the UK music singles charts that year. I remember buying it (a memorable novelty song, but I wish I could go back in time and buy the singles I didn't get then).
.

I bought that as a kid, but the B-Side I've Never Met a Nice South African is where it's at, still give that song a play every now and then

[Aclea]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

We certainly do need some satirical comedy at the moment. Have I Got News for You should be back in a few weeks time (whether they will be back in the studio, I have my doubts. I had read a few weeks ago that they had started filming in August a new series of Catchphrase without a studio audience. I'm a bit torn about whether an audience is needed for HIGNFY, as I enjoyed the series from earlier this year, finding it funny more often than not). I'm not surprised there wasn't a new series of Mock the Week this year (usually it would start in June-July, have a break over August and be back in September).

HIGNFY and Mock the Week are both apparently under threat of cancellation from the incoming new boss at the BBC as part of his desire to move the BBC further to the right to, er, show its not biased, particularly in its comedy department. Which, of course, has nothing to do with placating the current government, which has made no secret of its desire to get rid of it because, y'know, Netflix.

[drush9999]

Originally Posted by Aclea

HIGNFY and Mock the Week are both apparently under threat of cancellation from the incoming new boss at the BBC as part of his desire to move the BBC further to the right to, er, show its not biased, particularly in its comedy department. Which, of course, has nothing to do with placating the current government, which has made no secret of its desire to get rid of it because, y'know, Netflix.

I could see either or both of those moving to Channel 4 if that happened.

[Aclea]

But would they be able to find room for them with all the property, cookery and nice middle class dinner party shows in their schedules? Especially with the government threatening to defund them for replacing Johnson with a block of melting ice on their party leaders debate last year.

It'll be interesting to see if the new regime at the BBC gets behind Spitting Image (yes, I know Britbox is a partnership with ITV, but the BBC seem the more active partner): like the above shows, historically it took the piss out of all political hues, but still was regularly attacked as biased left wing propaganda.

[CV19]

Originally Posted by drush9999

I could see either or both of those moving to Channel 4 if that happened.

I certainly miss those Bremner, Bird and Fortune satirical shows from years ago, which I'm sure were on Channel 4. Those head-to-head interviews that both John Bird and John Fortune did together were pure comedy gold, and a joy to watch.

[Aclea]

Bird and Fortune definitely stole the show from Bremner.

[CV19]

Originally Posted by Aclea

Bird and Fortune definitely stole the show from Bremner.

Yep, I'd probably agree. Rory Bremner was a good impressionist, but Bird and Fortune were absolutely superb. My memory is fading a bit here, but I'm sure there were some shows made (possibly by Channel 4) which featured just Bird and Fortune by themselves. There was no Rory Bremner involved, and I think they were basically extended interviews which allowed them more time than they would have had on the Bremner show.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by Aclea

HIGNFY and Mock the Week are both apparently under threat of cancellation from the incoming new boss at the BBC as part of his desire to move the BBC further to the right to, er, show its not biased, particularly in its comedy department. Which, of course, has nothing to do with placating the current government, which has made no secret of its desire to get rid of it because, y'know, Netflix.

I hope not, especially with the former. I know some think the show was better when Angus Deayton was the host, but I prefer it with the guest presenters. I don't know what is going with the BBC at times. Sometimes it seems like they're lecturing people. I used to watch the BBC news a lot, but these past few weeks I've hardly watched the news.

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by CV19

I certainly miss those Bremner, Bird and Fortune satirical shows from years ago, which I'm sure were on Channel 4. Those head-to-head interviews that both John Bird and John Fortune did together were pure comedy gold, and a joy to watch.

I never watched a single edition of the Bremner, Bird and Fortune show on Channel Four, but I do remember seeing bits of the Bird and Fortune interviews.

Have checked Network's website for their DVD releases of Spitting Image, and it looks like the most recent release was of the twelfth series. Turns out (having checked EpGuides) that that was the final series. So they have completed the series.

[CV19]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

I never watched a single edition of the Bremner, Bird and Fortune show on Channel Four, but I do remember seeing bits of the Bird and Fortune interviews.

Have checked Network's website for their DVD releases of Spitting Image, and it looks like the most recent release was of the twelfth series. Turns out (having checked EpGuides) that that was the final series. So they have completed the series.

I think you would have enjoyed Bremner, Bird and Fortune - it was good topical satire, rather like Spitting Image, but I'd say the Bird and Fortune interviews were the highlight of the show.

In fact if I'm not mistaken, I'm sure Rory Bremner voiced some of the puppets on Spitting Image for part of the series. I always recall Steve Nallon doing Thatcher's voice.

[HotRats]

Probably my favourite scene from Spitting Image, the finale of the '87 Election Special. I seem to recall it ended with the Alastair Burnet puppet saying "and now, back to the puppets" at which point it cut to the real Alastair Burnet, not looking too happy. Doesn't seem to be on Youtube

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ohhib

[Aclea]

The version of Tomorrow Belongs to Me at the end was especially memorable.