The most sinister and dark comedy on telly? (League of Gentlemen, The)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	League of Gentlemen, The
Date:	11/02/09 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: dark comedy

Disadvantages: too dark for some

WHAT IS IT ABOUT:
This bizarre comedy sitcom follows the lives of the oddest people you can imagine, living in Royston Vassey. Each character is played by one of three of the creators of the show, heavily made up with make-up and prosthetics. The show is similar to a sketch show, in that it features different sketches, but these are held together (albiet tenuously) by a main storyline.

IS IT ANY GOOD:
This show is definitely not for everyone, and requires a VERY open mind to enjoy. The comedy is very dark e.g. incestuous innuendo. The characters are, at times, sinister and scary - it's definitely adult content only. An example is that there's a local shop, run by a weird looking brother and sister: Tubbs and Edward Tattsyrup. When a hiker comes in to pay a visit, they burn him. When a police officer later comes to investigate, the sister says "we didn't burn him". It's bizarre, odd and uncomfortable black humour, but it works.

Another example - Benjamin stays with his Uncle and Aunt who are slowly revealed to be obsessed with germs and masturbation: I guess you can tell whether you'll like it now or not.

Sadly, I can't watch much of this as my wife hates it, and in desire of a peaceful life I end up watching Wife Swap or something equally woman orientated.


There have been three seasons, each with a different focus, but the style is always the same.

IF YOU LIKED IT:
The latest series of the Mighty Boosh is a similarly bizarre comedy that requires an open mind to enjoy.

Also, there are three books out:
A Local Book for Local People (2000) London: 4th Estate, ISBN 1-84115-346-X
The League of Gentlemen: Scripts and That (2003) London: BBC Worldwide, ISBN 0-563-48775-5
The League of Gentlemen's Book of Precious Things (2007) London: Prion, ISBN 1-853-75621-0


IN CONCLUSION:
A dark and sinister comedy that pushes the boundaries on what is and isn't funny.

Summary: watch it