British Comedy Guide

NJ Capt Oates Diary

I was at the show last night and they didn't record this, so I'm sharing early. Obviously the topicality was tenuous - but I enjoyed writing it anyway :)
Alison

JUSTIN:A new exhibition has opened in Hampshire this week to mark the hundredth anniversary of Captain Lawrence Oates leaving Scott's ill-fated expedition to the South Pole, uttering his immortal final words, I'm popping out for a bit, leave the door on the latch.... We're lucky to have been lent, not only Oate's written diary, but his audio diary too.

GRAMS:NEWSJACK DIARY MUSIC

VOICEOVER: The audio diary of Captain Oates. Monday

OATES: Walked fourteen miles today. Very few toes left now. Had to eat another three today. Tasted a bit like chicken. After making camp tonight, found a bar of Fruit & Nut at the bottom of my rucksack. Offered it round when no one was looking. Wrote up my diary: I'm going out in a while, don't wait up. No that not right.

F/X: FURIOUS ERASING OF WORDS IN DIARY

VOICEOVER: Tuesday.

OATES: Weather getting worse. Snow everywhere. Not sure we're going to make it back. Found a tin of corned beef at the bottom of my rucksack. But the bloody key had come off. Threw it at a penguin to calm myself down. Realised I'm sexually attracted to the other men. Wrote up my diary: I'm coming out. I'll be outside if you want me. No that's not right.

F/X: FURIOUS ERASING OF WORDS IN DIARY

VOICEOVER: Wednesday.

OATES: I doubt we can last much longer now. Captain Scott suffered an injury just outside the tent. Tripped over a dead penguin, lying next to a corned beef can. I feigned surprise. Had to eat one of the dogs today. That was difficult - followed a Blumenthal recipe. Could have done without the dog shit sauce to be honest. Wrote up my diary: I'm going out with Doreen from the Nags Head. It might last a while. No that's not right.

F/X: FURIOUS ERASING OF WORDS IN DIARY

VOICEOVER: Thursday.

OATES: Did some writing in the snow with my wee to occupy the time. But just kept writing Scott You Bastard. And then my willy froze. Found a pot noodle at the bottom of my rucksack. Didn't want to eat it but useful for thawing out my willy. Wrote up my diary: I tried to p..p..p..pick up a penguin today. Now on the sex offenders' register. No I won't mention that bit.

F/X: FURIOUS ERASING OF WORDS IN DIARY

VOICEOVER: Friday.

OATES: This is it then. Its all over. Finished the box set of Downton Abbey and Frozen Planet. Nothing left to do. On the upside found a Waitrose ready meal in my rucksack. Taking it outside to eat it in peace. Wrote up my diary: I am going outside and may be some time. If I'm not back in an hour send out a search party. Oh I don't need that last bit. They'll know to do that.

F/X: FURIOUS ERASING OF WORDS IN DIARY

It's neatly written good characterisation etc. I particularly like the call back on the penguin joke.

Only problem is it's a bit aimless and I'm not sure what you were trying to say..

Yeah, it's good but felt a bit long and is just missing that pizzazz that it needs.

I missed the story and the one they actually did was very good, so you were up against it.

Dan

Thanks Dan and Sootyj. Good points. Now on the search for Ep5 pazzaaaazzzzzz

I enjoyed.

Quote: Tursiops @ March 16 2012, 9:11 PM GMT

I enjoyed.

:)

I like the idea of Oates working on his farewwell lines for days. Reminds me of Eddie Izzard's joke about Armstrong practising his "small step" speech in his head.

Not surprised it wasn't used in a topical news show, but there's a very good sketch here waiting to get out. Loved the bit about "they'll know to come and look for me". Also "Coming out" was clever. Didn't like all the contemporary references, though.

Share this page