The Comic Strip Presents...
- TV comedy drama
- Channel 4 / BBC Two / U&Gold
- 1982 - 2016
- 41 episodes (5 series)
Periodic series of satires and spoofs that helped bring alternative comedy to the mainstream and forge a comedy reputation for then-new Channel 4. Stars Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, Nigel Planer, Peter Richardson, Jennifer Saunders and more.
Press clippings Page 8
Nearly 30 years after their debut, the famous alternative comic troupe returns to Channel 4. Here, new boy Stephen Mangan plays Tony Blair as a film noir-style fugitive from justice, on the run after he's been accused of murder, in a piece that's like Hitchcock's 39 Steps crossed with Kind Hearts and Coronets-style black humour. Alongside him are the old regulars from The Comic Strip's previous films: Nigel Planer as Peter Mandelson, Robbie Coltrane as the detective on Blair's case, with appearances by Harry Enfield and Rik Mayall. Jennifer Saunders almost steals the show by playing Margaret Thatcher as a sexually predatory version of Miss Havisham. At the edge of acceptable taste - is it too early to make humour out of the death of Robin Cook? - "The Hunt for Tony Blair" puts a smile on your face even if there are not many laugh-out-loud moments. This is largely thanks to Mangan's turn as a smooth killer always ready with a voice-over justification about the "tough choices" he has to make, even when murdering an Old Labour homeless man. But despite its satirical digs at our old PM, Mangan's charming performance serves as a reminder of how likeable Blair once was.
The Telegraph, 13th October 2011So as The Comic Strip has been revived, it makes a certain sense that the result is a decade-mashing melange which tells a warped version of Tony Blair's PM years, taking place in an anachronistic Britain which looks like the 1950s, ripping off The 39 Steps, Sunset Boulevard, The Godfather and, understandably, The Comic Strip themselves. Or rather, Peter Richardson, for though never reaching the same heights as his former colleagues, the director pretty much was The Comic Strip. He's brought back some of the old crew, including Rik Mayall, Robbie Coltrane, Nigel Planer and John Sessions.
For some, the intentionally over the top nonsense of Blair going on the run from 'Inspector Hutton of Scotland Yard' after faking evidence for the Iraq War - complete with lines like "It felt like the whole world was against me, apart from Barbara Windsor of course" - will not be enough to excuse the spoof from its nastier accusations: Blair's shown murdering John Smith and Robin Cook, while Thatcher (played by Jennifer Saunders, naturally) is a monstrous Norma Desmond luring him to bed.
Yes, this isn't exactly sophisticated satire, but it is surprisingly funny in places, with Stephen Mangan capturing Blair's wide-eyed insouciance. While it references the 50s visually, it actually evokes nostalgia for the 80s, when having a childish pop at the people in power felt dangerous - like it could genuinely change things. And the darkest comic line is a real one: "Hey, in the end, only God and history can judge me," says Tony.
Andrea Mullaney, The Scotsman, 10th October 2011Comic Strip Presents: The Hunt for Tony Blair, preview
Ed West previews Channel 4's The Hunt for Tony Blair, a new one-off comedy by The Comic Strip team, starring Stephen Mangan, Jennifer Saunders and Harry Enfield.
Ed West, The Telegraph, 7th October 2011Stephen Mangan on playing Tony Blair for laughs
Actor Stephen Mangan is not sure Tony Blair will be watching when he plays the former Prime Minister in a spoof film noir put together by the reformed Comic Strip team.
Susan Griffin, Wales Online, 4th October 2011Stephen Mangan & Nigel Planer interview
Stephen Mangan (Green Wing, Episodes) plays Tony Blair, and Comic Strip veteran Nigel Planer (to this day probably best known for his portrayal of Neil in The Young Ones) is Blair's henchman Peter Mandelson...
Martina Fowler, TV Choice, 4th October 2011Stephen Mangan consigns Sheen's Tony Blair to history
Michael Sheen's decision to turn down The Hunt for Tony Blair gives Stephen Mangan the chance to outshine him.
Tim Walker, The Telegraph, 30th August 2011Catch me if you can: The Comic Strip reunited
Tony Blair's on the run, accused of murder. He has also bedded Mrs Thatcher. It can only mean one thing, finds Vicky Frost - The Comic Strip crew are back.
Vicky Frost, The Guardian, 28th August 2011Comic Strip returns with Tony Blair on the run
The Hunt for Tony Blair premieres in Edinburgh, with Stephen Mangan as Blair and Jennifer Saunders as Lady Thatcher.
John Plunkett, The Guardian, 26th August 2011When lampooning New Labour's no joke
The Comic Strip are returning with a satire targeting Tony Blair. Their timing couldn't be worse, says Gerard Gilbert.
Gerald Gilbert, The Independent, 5th July 2011Comic Strip reunite on Channel 4 to find Tony Blair
Rik Mayall, Jennifer Saunders, Robbie Coltrane and Nigel Planer are amongst the cast of a new Comic Strip special called The Hunt For Tony Blair.
British Comedy Guide, 14th June 2011