From the Monty Python team to the Two Ronnies; British comedy is dominated by collaborative efforts. With numerous sitcoms and shows being produced by some of the funniest people this country has to offer there is only one question on everyone’s mind – who is the best comedic partnership?
Partnerships are an integral part of British comedies and have taken on a variety of different forms over the years. With duos among the most common examples of comedy partnerships, quartets and larger groups have also characterised the nature of comedy for the nation that loves to laugh. Whether you’re a fan of double-acts like French and Saunders or are more taken with larger comedy groups such as the team behind The Fast Show it is almost guaranteed that at least one British partnership will have caught your eye.
Monty Python
This merry group of comedic men created a highly successful sketch show, Monty Python’s Flying Circus as well as four fantastic films and transformed the face of comedy. Their influence has been so well respected and noted that it has led some to consider them the comedic equivalent of The Beatles.
Comprising six individuals (John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam) the satirical, surrealistic and occasionally dark comedies produced by this bunch have continued to amuse generations of British audiences.
The success of this group has been so recognised that in 2005 fellow comedians voted three of the members (Cleese, Idle and Palin) into the top fifty greatest comedians ever, with Cleese attaining second position behind satirist Peter Cook. The team has been responsible for the production of multiple funny videos that continue to be as popular with modern viewers now as with those of generations past.
The Two Ronnies
One of the best comedy double-acts ever, the difference in physical appearance and style was noted as one of the keys of this classic British team’s success. A sketch show that ran for over a decade, The Two Ronnies managed to captivate as many as 20 million viewers at its peak.
A number of the most popular sketches, including the well-known “Four Candles” sketch, were written by one half of the comedy due – Ronnie Barker, who become as well known for his ability to write comedy as his ability to perform it. Often producing his scripts under the pseudonym Gerald Wiley, Barker formed a strong partnership with fellow Ronnie, Ronnie Corbett, and produced one of the best British collaborative comedy duos ever.
The Fast Show
Another classic taste of British humour, the masterminds behind the fervently popular Fast Show have become well known for their contributions to the comedic world. With memorable characters galore and a host of humorous taglines and situations, this British sitcom has continued to be a popular favourite with people and celebrities of all ages. In fact, the Last Fast Show Ever, a special released in 2000 (three years after the end of its last series) featured a guest appearance by actor Johnny Depp who is said to have asked writers Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson to appear in the show himself.
Fans, such as Depp, could therefore be in for a pleasant surprise following announcements that The Fast Show 2011 will be available to view. Giving audiences the chance to see some of the favourite characters once more, this online series will be brought to viewers thanks to premium lager makers, Fosters.
French and Saunders
Proving that British comedy isn’t just for men, French and Saunders are one of the most well-known female comedy duos to hit our screens. Made up of real-life school friends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, the partnership entertained audiences with their sketch show of the same name.
Widely popular throughout the 80s and 90s, this duo kept their popular show going for twenty years with numerous specials being released. Their popularity saw French and Saunders feature in the list of the top fifty comedy acts ever alongside three of the Monty Python members.