Griff Rhys Jones
- 71 years old
- Welsh
- Actor, executive, comedian, writer and producer
Press clippings Page 3
Penned by Hebburn writer Jason Cook, Griff Rhys Jones plays mercenary murder mystery writer David Van Der Clane, who's helming a budget coach tour of super-fans to the locations from his novels, ending up at Blackpool Tower. Except soon they're getting bumped off. There's a fine cast including Johnny Vegas, Sian Gibson and Una Stubbs, but even Kevin Eldon and Mark Heap find it hard to wring out any laughs. Whodunnit? Who cares?
Ben Arnold, The Guardian, 11th November 2017I don't think I've ever seen a more impressive cast lined up for a TV comedy than the one Gold has assembled for its special one-off original commission Murder on the Blackpool Express. So I ought to namecheck them, oughtn't I?
There's Johnny Vegas, Sian Gibson (best known for Peter Kay's Car Share), Nigel Havers, Una Stubbs, Griff Rhys Jones, Nina Wadia, Sheila Reid, Kevin Eldon, Mark Heap, Kimberley Nixon, Katy Cavanagh, Matthew Cottle, Susie Blake and Javone Prince. There you have them: some of the best comedic talent from the past half a century or so - and a lot for the scriptwriters and directors to live up to.
Where do you go with that lot? Well, Blackpool, obviously, on a "literary coach tour" with Vegas driving and Gibson as the guide, but also a journey of detective investigation to discover exactly which of the assembled odd bods did for pensioner Marjorie, murdered by means of a dodgy cob with coronation chicken filling. There's one clue for you. Remember: Means, Motive, Opportunity. Enjoy.
Sean O'Grady, The Independent, 11th November 2017Review: Murder on the Blackpool Express, Gold
The Christmas spirit has already started this year. Not just with the John Lewis adverts but with this comedy.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 11th November 2017Murder On The Blackpool Express preview
While Murder On The Blackpool Express is probably not an instant classic, the playfulness of its fine cast make it an affable diversion, and a happy slice of family viewing (9.30pm actually seems like too late a slot) that could bear many a bank holiday repeat.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 11th November 2017Murder on the Blackpool Express review
Murder on the Blackpool Express, the latest original comedy-drama from GOLD, was a nicely rambunctious Northern take on a classic multi-suspect whodunnit recently given the big-budget film treatment (again).
Jeff Robson, i Newspaper, 11th November 2017Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson star in Murder On The Blackpool Express
The cast has been announced for Gold comedy Murder On The Blackpool Express with Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson leading an all-star cast.
British Comedy Guide, 10th July 2017The Miser review
This play is only remotely likeable when it is openly mocking its own failings.
Annabel Mellor, West End Wilma, 15th May 2017Review: The Miser - Garrick Theatre, London
This nearly 400-year-old play does all but disappoint.
Cavelle Leigh, The Reviews Hub, 14th March 2017Review: The Miser
A top-notch comedy cast are starring in The Miser at the Garrick Theatre in London's West End. Here is Sophie's review of the show...
Sophie Davies, The Velvet Onion, 13th March 2017The Miser review
An evening that is often very funny indeed, albeit one that certainly chooses immediate comic fizz and fervour over finesse.
Tom Birchenough, The Arts Desk, 13th March 2017