British Comedy Guide

The fundamentals

I'm interested in parody sketches, i.e how to write them effectively.

Experimenting with familiar characters and paying off the bit with an unexpected situation or response seems like a very simple fundamental but is it repeatable.

Will x + y get you the laugh and how big a determining factor is length of the bit or it's relevancy to current events.

Anyone interested in contributions or critiquing or generally over analysing the mechanics?

Here's my attempt:

Dave
Captain Jack Sparrow?

Captain Jack Sparrow
I'm Captain Jack Sparrow.

Dave
The Pearl?

Captain Jack Sparrow
My ship, mate. The Black Pearl. No galley as can match her for speed...

Dave
Two minor faults.

Captain Jack Sparrow
Shit off.

(REVEAL THEY'RE AT AN MOT TEST CENTRE.)

Dave
Failed on rudders and sails.

A MAN WALKS INTO A HARDWARE SHOP.

THE SHOPKEEPER IS BEHIND THE COUNTER AND READY TO SERVE HIM

CUSTOMER: Four candles.

SHOPKEEPER PUTS FOUR CANDLES ON THE COUNTER.

CUSTOMER PICKS THEM UP, PAYS AND WALKS TOWARDS THE DOOR.

CUSTOMER (CONT): Brilliant!

ENDS.

THAT WAS A SKETCH FROM MY NEW PROJECT "THE TWO RONNIES MEET THE FAST SHOW".

Experimenting with familiar characters and paying off the bit with an unexpected situation or response seems like a very simple fundamental but is it repeatable.

Will x + y get you the laugh and how big a determining factor is length of the bit or it's relevancy to current events.

You just pickled me ed in man

Stylee TingTing

I think that works really well. Brevity is key. I could never have got it that tight. Plus it pops a bit more with the camp pirate phrase against the MOT indifferent attitude.

Rood Eye
Bit elite? You'd have to know the 'fork handles' sketch really well or recreate the whole thing to scale and set it up for comic relief or something. I dunno. Bit like saying Chance the Gardener is a familiar character.

Quote: some yoke @ 19th September 2014, 8:45 PM BST

Rood Eye
Bit elite? You'd have to know the 'fork handles' sketch really well or recreate the whole thing to scale and set it up for comic relief or something. I dunno. Bit like saying Chance the Gardener is a familiar character.

Chance the Gardner! I love Chance the Gardener but you're right to say he might not have much appeal among the great unwashed.

As for the 'Four Candles', I'll think of something with a simpler set.

A man walks into WH Smiths and says can I have four kindles please?

A WEIGHTWATCHERS MEETING

SEVERAL PEOPLE SIT AROUND IN A SEMI-CIRCLE

ONE OF THE GROUP IS A LARGE, RUDDY-FACED MAN WITH GINGER HAIR. HE LOOKS NERVOUS.

GROUP LEADER: Tonight, it gives me great pleasure to introduce our newest member, Auric Goldfinger.

QUICK CLOSE-UP OF THE LARGE, RUDDY-FACED MAN

POLITE ROUND OF APPLAUSE

GROUP LEADER (CONT): If you'd like to tell us a bit about yourself?

AURIC: You expect me to talk?

GROUP LEADER (QUITE STERNLY): No, Mr Goldfinger. I expect you to diet! (THEN MORE GENTLY) But if you could just tell us a bit about yourself first.

ENDS

1. ESTABLISHING SHOT OF THE EIFFEL TOWER

2. AN APARTMENT INTERIOR

A MAN AND WOMAN ARE LYING TOGETHER ON THE FLOOR

SUDDENLY, THE MAN TURNS THE WOMAN FACE DOWN AND PULLS DOWN HER JEANS.

HE REACHES INTO HIS POCKET AND PRODUCES A PACK OF BUTTER

MAN (TO CAMERA): I like *this* butter

HE REACHES INTO ANOTHER POCKET AND PRODUCES ANOTHER PACK OF BUTTER

MAN (CONT): But I also like *this* butter

GIRL (TO CAMERA): I don't do this in real life. (PAUSE) I don't, honestly. (PAUSE, THEN TO SOMEONE OFF CAMERA) That's just in case my parents are watching.

DIRECTOR: CUT!

ENDS

Last Tango in Paris and Goldfinger! (who I'm not sure is fat enough for a weight watchers bit). The references are too obscure which I think strains the sketches. Still, inspired me to write:

INT, OFFICE DAY.

Ben
Have you ever seen Last Tango in Paris? It was on TV last night.

Simon
No, I hate Woody Allen films.

Ben
This isn't Woody Allen.

Simon
Sounds like Woody Allen.

Ben
No, this is different believe me.

Simon
Let me guess; the plot involves a middle aged man buttering up a young girl while being extremely anal.

Ben
Well, yes.

Quote: some yoke @ 21st September 2014, 1:08 PM BST

Goldfinger! (who I'm not sure is fat enough for a weight watchers bit)

Really?

http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/thefw.com/files/2012/09/goldfinger.jpg

Quote: some yoke @ 21st September 2014, 1:08 PM BST

The references are too obscure

I have a feeling the scenes I've parodied are in fact among the most well-known in the history of world cinema.

I might be wrong of course, but I don't think I am.

INT recording studio day.

Teenage Boy band enters, bouncing with youth and enthusiasm-

MANAGER
Great news boys, we're doing the new Bond theme.

(Boy band is excited, manager hands over lyrics to the last one.)

BAND MEMBER 1
(Sings) Goldfinger.

BAND MEMBER 2
(Sings) Goldeneye.

BAND MEMBER 3
(Sings) The man with the Golden Gunnnnnnnnnn.

MANAGER
They're going a little darker with this one.

LAST MEMBER.
(Reads lyrics flatly) Black gold. The insurgent ties the Semtex to his chest. Back gold, as the barrel rises, it's pointed at a baby's head.

BAND MEMBER 1
(takes lyrics scans and sings to the tune of Goldfinger)
Drone Strikes

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