Five British comedy legends
Certain figures in British comedy are timeless, delivering laughter across generations. In this article we look at five British comedy legends who have etched memories in history, bringing feelings of nostalgia, happiness and warmth to thousands upon thousands of fans worldwide.
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Rowan Atkinson: The master of physical comedy
Rowan Atkinson, better known in some parts of the world as Mr Bean, is arguably one of the most recognisable figures in British comedy. He has succeeded in creating a comic language with nothing but a raised eyebrow, an exaggerated grimace and his famously awkward movements. Atkinson's brilliance lies in evoking laughter without uttering a single line, making him an international superstar.
Bean, who appeared on the screens for the first time in 1990, has become a cultural phenomenon: the show is aired in more than 190 countries and it has been translated into numerous languages.
The ability of this man to make us laugh with something as simple as trying to get a sandwich or falling asleep in church remains unparalleled in the world of physical comedy.
2. Victoria Wood: The queen of wit and observation
Apart from being a comedian, Victoria Wood was also a playwright, actor and singer; sharp observational humour combined with her keen wit earned her praise. Her groundbreaking series Victoria Wood As Seen On TV and the sitcom dinnerladies showcased her unique talent to mix humour with everyday life. Most of her performances were mixed in sketches, stand-up comedy and songs, providing the audience with a diverse, engaging experience.
Victoria Wood's comedy touched on the most mundane things in life; things everyday people could relate to, from the absurdities in shopping to people's idiosyncrasies about relationships.
3. Morecambe & Wise: The nation's comedy sweethearts
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise are often described as Britain's best-loved comedy double act. During the 1960s and 1970s, their TV programmes were a regular feature of British television. Their 1977 Christmas Special attracted over 28 million viewers - a figure that remains one of the highest television audience figures in the country's history.
What was most remarkable about Morecambe and Wise was the chemistry between them: the ease with which they mocked or built on anything that reached their ears. They created a rapport that audiences who realised they were being entertained by old friends. The Breakfast Sketch, where they get up and prepare breakfast in time to The Stripper music is an example of pure comedy gold. They will always be remembered as one of the greats thanks to their effortless marriage of slapstick, wit and heart.
4. Monty Python: Pioneers of absurd comedy
Monty Python's Flying Circus introduced a new kind of humour to mass audiences, one that was more absurdist and broke all conventions. The Pythons - John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam - ushered in surreal-type sketches that parodied everything from societal norms to political ideologies. Their way of humour - made up of nonsensical punchlines, surreal situations and wordplay - became a benchmark for what comedy could be.
Films like Monty Python And The Holy Grail and Monty Python's Life Of Brian showed what they could do via the big screen too. A study by the BFI suggests Monty Python And The Holy Grail is in the top 10 most-viewed British films in the world.
5. The Two Ronnies: Masters of sketch comedy
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett were a British comedy team that worked on various shows, but owing to their performances, they are predominantly remembered as The Two Ronnies. From 1971 to 1987, their TV series was a masterclass in sketch comedy, wordplay and even clever puns. Be it the iconic "Fork Handles" sketch or Corbett's leg¬endary armchair monologues, The Two Ronnies brought laughter into millions of households every week.
The partnership lasted over 30 years. A survey by The Daily Mail in 2020 determined The Two Ronnies was the most-loved-of-all-time British comedy sketch show.
From comedy legends like Rowan Atkinson and Victoria Wood to the hilarious duo of Morecambe & Wise, Monty Python and finally, The Two Ronnies, each has played his or her part in setting milestones in the world of comedy not only in the UK but all over the world. They have made millions happy by providing laughter. What these comedians contribute goes beyond the simple elements of humour; they reflect society, humanity and the often ridiculousness of life itself. Capturing moments of joy, these legends have woven themselves into our collective consciousness as a way to remind us that among life's greatest gifts is laughter.
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