Press clippings Page 27
Upstart Crow: Bard saved Elton from sitcom oblivion
Alack the day! Upstart Crow (BBC Two) has shuffled off its chortle coil. There was something for everyone in Ben Elton's learned Bardcom.
Jasper Rees, The Telegraph, 14th June 2016In the last in the series of Ben Elton's bard-based sitcom, the age of exploration promises great riches for London residents brave enough to fling savings at the futures market. Sadly for Shakey, though, family finances are floundering, so if a modest investment of his own is to blossom, the offer of a loan from rival Robert Greene will need to be taken. However, Greene's interest rates turn out to be even more injurious than anything the likes of Wonga could impose.
Mark Gibbings-Jones, The Guardian, 13th June 2016Upstart Crow to return for second series
Ben Elton's Upstart Crow will return to BBC Two for a second series.
British Comedy Guide, 13th June 2016Review: Upstart Crow, episode 5
I couldn't see a co-writing credit alongside Ben Elton's name for William Shakespeare, but as anyone with a basic grasp of English literature will spot this week's episode is a comical rewrite of Macbeth. And a pretty nifty one, with David Mitchell as the bard convinced that he has committed murder at the behest of his scheming wife so that they can move to the big house in Stratford before prices rise out of reach.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 6th June 2016Preview: Upstart Crow, episode 4, Love is Not Love
I'm not enough of a Shakespeare scholar to vouch for the accuracy of Ben Elton's historical sitcom, but as a comedy geek I can at least confirm that it is funnier than his last effort, The Wright Way.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 30th May 2016Review: Upstart Crow, BBC2, episode 3
There was a bit of chat on Twitter recently about how Upstart Crow is a refreshing real sitcom, contrasting it with the trend for non-sidesplitting studio comedies, which I guess means things like Going Forward and Mum. I think there is room for both. I like the more subtle comedies and while there is nothing subtle about Ben Elton's Shakespearen send-up I can certainly see the attraction of Upstart Crow if you just want stupid, painless laughs and smutty innuendo.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 26th May 2016Would I Lie To You? to record kids special
A special episode of Would I Lie To You? is to be recorded for Children In Need, with the guest list comprising of kids.
British Comedy Guide, 22nd May 2016David Mitchell and John Finnemore to star in Radio 4 sitcom
David Mitchell and John Finnemore are to star in Time Spanner, a time travel sitcom for Radio 4.
British Comedy Guide, 22nd May 2016On the eve of its presentation to Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare's controversial new play about the Mary Stuart - Mary The Frog-Jock - goes mysteriously missing. And Will's best friend Kit Marlowe (Tim Downie) is in the frame, in ye second parte of Ben Elton's Tudor comedy. Perhaps make that "tragi-comedy": this is no Blackadder II, and the usually assured David Mitchell as Shakespeare certainly seems a trifle uncomfortable barking out lines such as "I am not going bald, I have low eyebrows."
Ali Catterall, The Guardian, 16th May 2016Upstart Crow: joke's already wearing thin in episode 2
Last week's episode of Upstart Crow (BBC Two), Ben Elton's new ye olde sitcom starring David Mitchell as William Shakespeare, would have worked as a one-off stand-alone special for Comic Relief or similar. The thought of a whole series of the thing is a bit tiring.
Isabel Mohan, The Telegraph, 16th May 2016