The New Statesman (1987)
- TV sitcom
- ITV1
- 1987 - 1994
- 28 episodes (4 series)
Sitcom parody of 1980s Conservatism. Tory MP Alan B'Stard holds the largest majority in the House: his interests are money, power, sex, and himself. Stars Rik Mayall, Michael Troughton, Marsha Fitzalan, Rowena Cooper, John Nettleton and more.
Press clippings
'Great sitcoms are missing from our TV screens and our lives - we need them in these times'
Even if "we're all doomed" under the Tories, as Dad's Army's Pte Frazer would say, shows like George And Mildred, Are You Being Served?, Robin's Nest and Three's Company still make us laugh.
Siobhan McNally, The Mirror, 24th January 2024The Re-Evaluation Game: The New Statesman episode 1
It's surprising (and questionably depressing) how relevant this particular episode still is given the corruption in politics and the way deals are made with politicians friends and associates.
Alex Finch, Comedy To Watch, 3rd December 2020The best of British satire: 7 vintage shows
Spitting Image is returning. Some are expecting the new series to represent the welcome, and long overdue, rehabilitation of British satire. Others fear a toothless, joyless effort. Either way, it will face some tough comparisons - most notably with itself. The satire boom of the 60s precipitated a long line of insightful, scabrous, satirical shows. So here, in no particular order, are seven of the best.
Tim Dawson, The Spectator, 27th August 2020Biography extract: how Portillo inspired B'Stard
Mark Searby, the resident film critic on BBC Radios Northampton and Suffolk, has written a new biography about Rik Mayall, concentrating on his work and compiled from more than 30 interviews with the likes of Alexei Sayle, Nigel Planer, Laurence Marks & Maurice Gran and more. In this exclusive preview, he describes the genesis of Alan B'Stard, the anti-hero of The New Statesman.
Mark Searby, Chortle, 28th October 201910 satire shows we need back on our TV screens
It's fair to say that we don't have much satire on TV at the moment. So, are we really beyond satire now? Have things become too surreal? Well, I'm not so sure. In no particular order, here are ten shows that I think need a revival in these turbulent times.
Rhianna Evans, Super Ink, 7th August 2019A Look Back At: The New Statesman
The New Statesman went on to become one of ITV's most successful sitcoms, running for four series and three spin offs.
Super Ink, 13th May 2019The Best Politically-Powered Comedies
What is it about the violently egotistical, easily corrupted, self-doubt-riddled nature of your typical politician that makes them such a perfect target for comedy?
BBC, 1st September 2018Sitcom star Peter Blake dies
Actor Peter Blake, who was famous for a number of sitcom roles in the 1970s and 1980s has died. He was 69.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 23rd July 2018Development stalled on The New Statesman spin-off
Work on The B'Stard Legacy, the spin-off from Rik Mayall sitcom The New Statesman, has stalled. Writers Marks & Gran say they are struggling to find a lead actor, plus get a TV channel that would be willing to broadcast the show's "scurrilous filth".
British Comedy Guide, 14th December 2017The New Statesman spin-off announced
A spin-off from Rik Mayall sitcom The New Statesman has been announced. Creators Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran are now working on new TV show The B'Stard Legacy.
British Comedy Guide, 29th March 2017