Charlie Higson

Advertising man and stage magician Norman Hunter first created his quintessential absent-minded professor in the 1930s, in a couple of well-loved children's books. He then took a 33-year break, reviving Branestawm in the 1970s when he knocked off a string of books of comically disastrous experiments, which became fixtures of the story-reading show Jackanory for a new generation.

Nothing much had changed: Branestawm still existed in a dreamy, madcap world where "doing science" meant blowing things up and it was understood that geniuses were exempt from normal behaviour, like dressing properly or remembering anything.

Now, science tends to mean computerised calculations and even landing a rocket on a comet does not exempt a chap from apologising for a dodgy shirt. In fact, not all scientists are even chaps. But we still have this idea - popularised by dramas like The Social Network or Sherlock - that no-one can be that clever and still be, well, "normal".

Charlie Higson, who revived another old franchise for the pre-teen set with his Young Bond books, has adapted Hunter's characters for a nostalgia-soaked family romp, nominally set in the 1930s but actually set in a delightfully artificial never-was.

Harry Hill makes his thespian debut as the eccentric academic, though it's more of a broad performance than actual acting. But he's surrounded by a capable, in-on-the-joke cast including Ben Miller, Simon Day, Vicki Pepperdine and Higson himself. A basically-modern little girl sidekick (Madeline Holliday) stands in for the hoped-for young audience, gleeful over bangs and mess but still, perhaps, getting hooked on science into the bargain.

Charlie Higson wants to revive the spirit of 'Carry On'

Oh Matron! Fast Show alumnus Charlie Higson says he wants to revive the spirit of the Carry On films by establishing a troupe of British comics rattling out movies at a rate quicker than a Sid James cackle.

Charlie Higson creates Jekyll & Hyde for ITV

ITV commissions action adventure drama Jekyll & Hyde written by Charlie Higson.

Charlie Higson: Let children experiment with explosives

Children should be encouraged to conduct explosive science experiments, free health and safety, the Young Bond novels writer and Fast Show creator Charlie Higson has argued. Harry Hill, who trained as a neurosurgeon and plays the Professor, said he hoped the drama, in which he defies an officious health and safety officer to demonstrate the excitement of madcap experiments to a young girl, will help boost interest in science among young people.

Julian Clary, Charlie Higson for East Anglia uni degree

Julian Clary and Charlie Higson are to receive honorary degrees from the University of East Anglia.

Radio Times review

It's been a while since lovably awkward pair Ted and Ralph appeared on our screens, but this isn't quite the new dawn it might seem. As die-hard Fast Show fans will know, Charlie Higson, Paul Whitehouse et al revived the characters for an online-only lager-sponsored series (cheers, Foster's) that started in 2011. Here, those sketches are broadcast for the first time on actual TV to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary.

So there's another chance to see Rowley Birkin QC burble his way through an incomprehensible anecdote (which can only end one way) and we pay a fresh visit to Jazz Club ("Nnnice!") to see an over-the-hill crooner. Best of all, for those who fondly remember generic cop show Inspector Monkfish, John Actor is back, this time as "a tough uncompromising butler".

It was one of the most successful sketch shows of its time and spawned a host of catchphrases (and a taste for cheesy peas). Seeing the Fast Show back tonight, as part of BBC2's 50th anniversary celebrations, is a bit like stepping back into a much loved pair of comfortable old slippers you've found at the back of the wardrobe.

Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse are still as loveable as upper crust Ralph and the subject of his devotion, loyal estate worker Ted, although times have moved on and the topic of stilted conversation is now Lady Gaga, Twitter and Facebook.

Caroline Aherne will always be inexplicably funny as the "Scorchio" forecasts weather girl and it's great to see Swiss Toni back on fine (and even ruder) form telling a young protege how riding a bike, "is like making love to a beautiful woman".

It's a lovely treat to have the team back. And no, Arabella Weir, your bum doesn't look big in that!

Seventeen million: the audience figure The Dick Emery Show regularly pulled in - and the number of years his Saturday TV show seemed to plough on for (just under two decades, in reality). Which likely explains why catchphrases such as "Ooh, you are awful ... but I like you!" (the first part also being the title of his ridiculously entertaining 1972 film) seem so indelibly carved into the comedy bedrock. Here, David Walliams and Charlie Higson reflect on this gifted mimic's appeal.

Charlie Higson: 'Storytelling is bigger than ever'

With Crackanory bringing stories for grownups to Dave, its star Charlie Higson talks to Charlotte Runcie about our long heritage of telling tales.