Press clippings Page 6
Writers' Guild Awards 2018 shortlists
The shortlists for the Writers' Guild Of Great Britain Awards 2018 have been announced. Nominees include the writers of This Country, Back, Inside No. 9 and Sarah Kendall, John Finnemore and Kevin Eldon.
British Comedy Guide, 5th December 2017Penned 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 2017Timewasters is no waste of time
Daniel Lawrence Taylor's sitcom about a time-travelling jazz band is well worth your time.
The Velvet Onion, 25th October 2017Funny Cow review - Maxine Peake blazes
Peake is hypnotically belligerent as an ambitious club performer trampling over prejudice and sticky carpets on the 1970s comedy circuit.
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 11th October 2017Weirdest musical moments in British comedy
A selection of some of the strangest songs and musical moments in British comedy.
Anglonerd, 9th October 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 2017Filming underway on new movie Eaten By Lions
Jack Carroll and Antonio Aakeel will star in new film Eaten By Lions, with Johnny Vegas, Vicki Pepperdine and Kevin Eldon amongst the cast list.
British Comedy Guide, 29th April 2017