Steve Delaney

Review: Count Arthur Strong at Exeter

Having perfected the character over thirty years, Steve Delaney is now no longer dramatically younger than the Count is presumably supposed to be himself. But rest assured, in Count Arthur Strong he has created a comedy character as enduring as Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge and whether appearing on stage, radio or TV, he remains very funny.

Steve Delaney and Graham Linehan's old-school comedy must surely be given a third series, and ought to be slap bang in primetime. This run has edged diffidently towards greatness, with several moments where plot and character have meshed to make something sublime. The finale has bittersweet jeopardy as Michael (Rory Kinnear), a sitcom character who isn't trapped, considers leaving, while Arthur (Delaney) finds success as an unorthodox TV psychic. The transitions from stupid to serious are remarkably deft.

Radio Times review

If you've ever wondered how to deal with a cold caller, the unquenchable Count Arthur Strong may give you an idea or two. That phone call opens an emotional rollercoaster finale, crammed with lovely gags, sad scenes and cockle-warming surprises.

It's breakthrough time for both Arthur and Michael (genius double act Steve Delaney and Rory Kinnear), but while the Count becomes increasingly bumptious over his new-found TV fame, Michael is just a walking knot of anxiety when Hollywood beckons.

If this series is now out for the Count, it exits on a delirious high. Delaney and co-writer Graham Linehan originally said they wanted to make a sitcom with a heart. They have triumphed resoundingly.

Review: Count Arthur Strong: Someone Up There Licks Me!

Existing fans of the Count will not be disappointed, and these are growing rapidly in number. It has taken Steve Delaney many years to make Count Arthur an overnight sensation, and he may be en route to making him a national institution. He should feel very at home there.

Why Count Arthur is still going Strong

Who knew 10 years ago that Steve Delaney's tragicomic portrait of a delusional old man would be vying with Miranda for primetime TV celebrity? He may have morphed into a lovable old duffer, but he's still a fiercely brilliant creation.

Review: Count Arthur Strong at Norwich Playhouse

He's an "old-fashioned comic" is how some describe Count Arthur Strong. Well, he might be old-fashioned in terms of the nature of his act. Steve Delaney's character creation is an ageing variety star who is as suited to the modern world as gravy is to ice cream (even when he attempts "topical" humour, he mispronounces it "tropical").

Radio Times review

There's always been competitive tension between writer Michael (Rory Kinnear) and his father figure, the heroically deluded Arthur (Steve Delaney). And that reaches snapping point, as a TV documentary team plans a profile of Michael. "Just for once, Arthur, step back and let me have a moment," says Michael. "Don't ruin this for me."

Famous last words, of course - Arthur's new career as a living statue threatens to hijack proceedings. His inability to stand still is a standout moment, as is his confusion at a cups-and-ball trick. And how nice to see Rory Kinnear ace a traditional sitcom, very much the domain of his father Roy 40 years ago.

Despite its nonsensical timeslot, the Count is delighting his fans with a warm blend of character comedy, well-honed pranks and, when you're not expecting it, stabbing pathos.

Radio Times review

Nocturnal roadworks motivate Arthur to stand in the local elections in this magnificently nutty episode. Canvassing under the slogan "We're listening", he assembles a campaign team from the café regulars, including John the Watch (security) and Eggy (health secretary), while grammar Nazi Michael is ideal as head of communications.

Despite the puzzling indignity of his graveyard slot, Steve Delaney's creation is a rich and rounded one. I love the small details of his eccentricity: in particular, the times he becomes so exercised that he almost but not quite makes his hat fall from his head. It's a beautifully silly outing topped by a majestic dovetailing of plot strands.

A second series and a transfer from BBC Two for Steve Delaney's unabashedly trad sitcom. Walking wet wipe Michael returns to Bulent's following months of writer's block and Candy Crush only to find that his mentor Count Arthur has knocked out a steamy manuscript on a whim. When a mishap involving said manuscript seems set to derail Michael's career, a daring heist is the only solution. Despite the change of channels, this is still thin gruel when compared to Count Arthur's more inventive radio adventures.

Radio Times review

Spirited buffoon Count Arthur Strong returns to wade through more malapropisms with his pals from the scruffy café. Arthur, a former actor long past his glory days, carries on like an actor playing himself in a film of his life. He's an acquired taste, a Radio 4 staple where he was adored and derided equally, and now a television presence, whose first series two years ago didn't trouble a mass audience.

This is all irrelevant, of course, if you find Arthur (created and played by Steve Delaney) a joyously funny poltroon very much in the vein of Harry Worth. As we return, Arthur's friend Michael (smashing Rory Kinnear) arrives after six months in Yorkshire, suffering from writer's block. And he finds that Arthur has written a "racist" novel, a "Fifty Crates of Plates for the over-70s".