
Frankie Boyle
- 52 years old
- Scottish
- Actor, writer and stand-up comedian
Press clippings Page 36
This comedy drama is an "accurate" retelling of the events surrounding the making of Monty Python's Life of Brian and the accusations against its blasphemy.
You know right from the start what you're letting yourself in for when Jesus comes onto the screen speaking Aramaic and then farts into a disciple's face. The main cast; Darren Boyd (as John Cleese), Charles Edwards (Michael Palin), Steve Punt (Eric Idle), Rufus Jones (Terry Jones), Tom Fisher (Graham Chapman) and Phil Nichol (Terry Gilliam) are great at portraying the original stars, or rather exaggerated versions of them. For example, Cleese is characterised as Basil Fawlty, Palin is the nicest man in the world and Idle is a "greedy bastard."
The programme was full of references to both Python and events relating to the modern day, and introduced by a rolling credit sequence akin to the way many episodes of Flying Circus had, which I personally found hilarious. There are other connections to the Python saga, too, like Palin's wife being played by Jones in drag (Rufus or Terry, take your pick).
Then there are the links to the actual film, such as the debate between bishops and devils which is akin to the People's Front of Judea talking about "what the Romans have ever done for us". Holy Flying Circus also refers to offensive comedy incidents in the present day, like Jerry Springer the Opera and just about anything to do with Frankie Boyle.
My favourite scene in the entire programme, however, was a cameo from Alexander McQueen as the BBC's Head of Rude Words. His wonderfully stiff performance as a typical Beeb executive reading out the rudest words he could think of was delightful. There was no racist, sexist or homophobic language - but there was a member of the Ku Klux Klan earlier on so you could argue that was covered as well.
I know many critics were dissatisfied by the fact it wasn't entirely factual. All I have to say to that is if you want something factual then watch a documentary.
Ian Wolf, Giggle Beats, 24th October 2011Frankie Boyle banks millions
Frankie Boyle has earned a hefty £2.5million fortune from his tasteless gags over the past year.
Nigel Pauley, Daily Star, 13th October 2011Frankie Boyle cracks new joke about Katie Price's son
Katie Price yesterday branded controversial comic Frankie Boyle a "coward" after the funnyman again joked about her disabled eight-year-old son in a routine.
Ben Archibald, Daily Record, 25th September 2011The contracts are coming at Chris Addison thick and fast these days: Skins; those ubiquitous Direct Line ads; then later this month he's presenting Show & Tell, a new E4 stand-up show in which up-and-coming comics do a short routine on a random object. In addition, to all that comes this six-week stint on Mock The Week - a show he is no stranger to, and which has badly needed a new permanent member since Frankie Boyle and Russell Howard left for pastures new.
Sharon Lougher, Metro, 8th September 2011Channel 4 lines up return for Frankie Boyle
Head of comedy at Channel 4 confirms Glasgow comedian criticised by Ofcom set to record pilot for topical talk show.
Patrick Foster, The Guardian, 21st August 2011Shane Allen: serious support for comic talent
Channel 4's head of comedy on the joy of backing edgy shows, from the Comic Strip's Tony Blair spoof to Frankie Boyle's audience baiting.
Patrick Foster, The Guardian, 21st August 2011Frankie Boyle working on new series for Channel 4
Channel 4 have confirmed that they are developing a new series with Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle.
British Comedy Guide, 18th July 2011Twitter users slate Frankie Boyle
Angry tweeters have demanded comedian Frankie Boyle apologise for comments he made about the model's son Harvey, after Katie Price: Standing Up For Harvey aired.
Rachel Tarley, Metro, 1st July 2011Boyle runs scared from Katie Price over Harvey 'joke'
Frankie Boyle has chickened out of a showdown with furious Kate Price.
Katie Begley, Daily Star, 30th June 2011Katie Price dares Frankie Boyle to meet Harvey
Katie Price has challenged Frankie Boyle to meet her disabled son Harvey after the comedian hit headlines earlier this year for making an ill-advised joke aimed at him on his Channel 4 comedy show.
Amy Duncan, Metro, 16th June 2011