Press clippings Page 108
Office creators Gervais and Merchant get serious
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant explain why they have left the world of TV sitcoms behind to make a coming-of-age drama set in 1970s Reading.
Neil Smith, BBC, 13th April 2010Jonathan Ross is on his way out, but all hail Graham Norton, whose chat show is breezy, silly and a perfect nightcap at the end of the first day of the working week. I particularly like the way all of his guests end up on the sofa together, rather than each scurrying off to the green room after their moments in the spotlight to giggle self-consciously while everyone else has their turn. Some of the best bits of the last series involved high jinks between the stars, like the hopelessly solipsistic Katie Price coming under the withering gaze of a mischievous Jo Brand. Or model/actress Lily Cole looking lost as she droned on about her new film, while Sue Perkins and Isabella Rossellini were there just to enjoy themselves. Tonight's guests Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant should be good value as they discuss their new film Cemetery Junction. They'll be joined by actress Christina Ricci, and there's music from Pixie Lott.
Alison Graham, Radio Times, 12th April 2010Stephen Merchant interview
Ricky Gervais's low-key creative partner Stephen Merchant explains why there's no shame in schmaltz.
Craig McLean, The Telegraph, 12th April 2010Kris Marshall's boozy rant at Ricky Gervais
My Family star Kris Marshall has been caught on video in an astonishing drunken rant at comic Ricky Gervais.
Philip Whiteside, The News Of The World, 11th April 2010Telegraph columnist and ubiquitous TV host Graham Norton returns with a new series of his anarchic chat show. Tonight's guests include comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who discuss their new film Cemetery Junction. They'll be joined on the sofa by actress Christina Ricci and there's music from Pixie Lott.
The Telegraph, 10th April 2010For this two-hour bonanza in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, Channel 4 recently assembled 24 of Britain's best comedians to perform in front of a live audience at the O2 arena in London. So - deep breath - Jack Dee, Andy Parsons, David Mitchell, Fonejacker, Jack Whitehall, Jo Brand, James Corden, Jason Manford, John Bishop, Kevin Bridges, Kevin Eldon, Lee Evans, Mark Watson, Michael McIntyre, Noel Fielding, Patrick Kielty, Rich Hall, Rob Brydon, Ruth Jones, Sean Lock, Catherine Tate and Shappi Khorsandi take turns on stage to make it the biggest live stand-up show in British history. If that's not enough for you, Alan Carr and Bill Bailey perform with Stomp and Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Johnny Depp provide additional sketches.
David Chater, The Times, 5th April 2010Now here's a treat for an Easter Monday night; just as you look back fondly on the four-day bank holiday weekend and look forward not too fondly to returning to work tomorrow, Channel 4 have taken it upon themselves to cheer you up. They've skimmed the cream of comedy talent for a gala night dedicated to making us laugh, while raising funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital's Children's Charity. The night will fund two new anaesthetic rooms, allowing parents to stay with their children right up until they enter the operating theatre. Make sure you watch tomorrow's brilliant documentary, Great Ormond Street (9pm BBC2), to get some idea of the astonishing work done at the hospital. The cast of comics is a glittering one: David Mitchell, Bill Bailey, Catherine Tate, Jack Dee, James Corden, Jo Brand, Jonathan Ross and many, many others will perform stand-up routines in front of a capacity crowd at the massive O2 Arena in London. As a nice little bonus, Robert Webb, Ricky Gervais, Derren Brown and Johnny Depp, who can't be there in person, have filmed comic sketches especially for the night.
Alison Graham, Radio Times, 5th April 2010Ricky Gervais in his most 'postmodern' interview ever
The comedian talks about everything from relationships to body image.
Ginny Dougary, The Times, 3rd April 2010Ricky Gervais blasts Hollywood
Ricky Gervais has launched a withering attack on Hollywood over suggestions he dramatically slimmed down to kick start his film career.
Robert Mendick, The Telegraph, 3rd April 2010Ricky Gervais - Directing is no joke
As Ricky Gervais's new film, Cemetery Junction, opens, James Mottram asks what it takes for TV comedians to be successful at the movies.
James Mottram, The Independent, 2nd April 2010