Damian Lanigan
- Writer
Press clippings
According to The Radio Times, Massive is a 'hip' new sitcom about Mancunian mates setting up a record label. But I am well past 40 and a dedicated Radio 3 listener, and there wasn't a single pop reference here I didn't get - what sort of a definition ofhipnessisthat? The mates are Shay and Danny, played by Carl Rice and Ralf Little, who evidently hasn't been deported to the Moon in reprisal for Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps after all. We have a sorry excuse for a legal system in this country. Damian Lanigan's script has a sprinkling of good lines, mostly delivered by Johnny Vegas, as Shay's thieving dad. Prison's all right,
he said. Couple of years, read a book, do some sit-ups and out the other end.
But too many of the jokes are predicated on the assumptions that fat girls are unattractive but frequently gagging for it, and that alcoholics do the funniest thing.
Got the post-holiday September blues? Then can I recommend a new TV double act to put a smile on your face? Along with the rest of the cast who star in upcoming BBC3 Manchester comedy series Massive.
Ralf Little and Carl Rice play Danny and Seamus, best mates since they bonded over Oasis in 1994. The on screen chemistry between Ralf and Carl gives the six-part series a head start.
The first two episodes are not to be missed. Just some of the delights include Johnny Vegas as Shay's petty criminal dad Tony. Plus Beverly Rudd and Faye McKeever as Droylsden bun-shop divas HearKittyKitty.
Created and written by Damian Lanigan, Massive is yet another burst of fresh air from BBC Comedy North.
Ian Wylie, Manchester Evening News, 8th September 2008