One of the more sick-making events in the Australian media over recent months was the Oz’s Dennis Shanahan’s slobbering over John Howard in the lead up to the 2007 election.I’m sure you remember.
“The ‘little master’ John Howard is set to defy the polls and be returned for a record…
“Oh wait, he’s been tossed out on his arse.
“Bugger.”
The other was the Age’s slobbering over Chris Lilley.
I’m sure you remember.
“Chris Lilley is a comedy genius. Chris Lilley is the comedy messiah. Anybody who doesn’t like Chris Lilley is a yucky poo-head.”
And on and on it went, especially in the “Green Guide”*.
Now, not content with disgusting us most of last year, the Age is now set to take on the English for their effrontery in not falling to their knees at the shrine of Lilley.
The journo, Lucy Battersby reports in today’s paper;
The ABC production, which was sold to BBC3 in May, premiered on Tuesday night and was watched by 194,000 viewers. While creator and star Chris Lilley was recently awarded Logies for most popular actor and most outstanding comedy, the British reviews suggest new audiences may take a while to warm up to his comic style.
Leaving aside the question why is this in the news section, I’m amused by the line “new audiences may take a while to warm up to his comic style”, suggesting there is no option that the Brits too will fall into line.
Comedy often doesn’t translate well into other countries and the negative reviews do have a point, especially this comment;
"Summer Heights High is a richly detailed and determinedly offensive creation. At the same time, it's a bit too studied, and not as shocking as it wants to be. Nor as funny."
I have no strong feeling about Chris Lilley either way, other than to say Summer Heights High was not the work of transgressive genius the Age wanted it to be.
But cripes Luce, ease up a bit.
*You note - I name no names.
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23 comments:
Australia has such a dearth of good comedians that everyone jumps all over the first one with half a talent.
But then they go to a country like Britian which has many brilliant comedians and tv shows and find they don't measure up so well.
Good point Boogey.
Anybody remember the whole "Rove will be the next face of latenight US television" hype?
It's like when Australian actors go to the US to seek work.
In Oz - "OMG, you're XX, I just love you in [insert aussie soapie/drama], can I have your autograph/endorsement/babies?"
In US - "Who the fuck are you? Just serve the bloody fries, and lose that grating accent."
I must be a yucky poo head then. I've never thought he was even mildly amusing.
It's like when Australian actors go to the US to seek work
cf. Kerry Armstrong.
Earlier this year, the meeja was full of "why has this brilliant actress not succeeded in the US"
Then Bed of Roses came out and answered that question.
To Puss, I say "embrace your yucky poo-headedness".
Of course, British actors seeking work in the US often encounter the same thing, the difference being that Britain actually has a thriving and supportive tv industry where good actors can flourish.
I don't think though that the issue over here is necessarily financial, more that it needs to discard the tired old players currently infesting it.
Finally someone sees what is going on.
I lived in London for 12 years, four of which were working for an Aust/NZ magazine as its Promotions and advertising manager.
We had everyone from the 'B' list ex Neighbours star to some unheard of band called Baby Animals (fronted by the most obnoxious woman we had ever interviewed) on our doorstep asking to be interviewed or my favourite " I could be the celebrity art reviewer".
All thought they were "big & important" in the entertainment world... yet they forgot that a 'TV Week free' world exists beyond NZ.
Mind you has anyone seen Russell Brand? Don't think he is going to make out outside of the UK...but then look at Minogue.
I remember the Baby Animals, homesick.
Fuck I hated that band.
Yes Boogey she and her little band were 'down under divas' ( sorry I actually coined that phrase afte seeing them live after much alcohol).
Now don't get me started on the Comedy night I organised starring Jimoen and DAAS. Oooo that Paul gent deserved a good kicking.
Boogey, homesick I'm sure you'll be as pleased as punch that Baby Animals are thinking of reforming.
It's obvious their lead singer is still a wanker.
And I've met Paul McDermott a couple of times too.
He is indeed a cunt.
The Baby Animals are reforming. I've heard from secret sources that they have been rehearsing.
I like Chris Lilley, but he doesn't exactly have a lot of competiton over here.
Homesick I always find it hilarious when Neighbours actors quit the show to earn phat cash from doing "pantos" in London. Where are you now, Kristian Shmidt?
I didn't mind DAAS so many years ago. Paul McDermott was prbably my least favourite member, but I still enjoyed the first version of Good News Week, and even his hosting of Strictly Dancing. But The Sideshow really marks the nadir of his appeal.
And whatever happened to Tim Ferguson? He seems to have disappeared from TV ever since Don't Forget Your Toothbrush a decade ago.
From memory, Tim Ferguson wrote a couple of failed television shows, wrote a bitter article in the entertainment media decrying the failure of Australian television to recognise genius (ie - him) and fucked off forever.
wrote a bitter article in the entertainment media decrying the failure of Australian television to recognise genius (ie - him) and fucked off forever.
One down.....
To be fair though, some Aussie stinkers have deservedly tanked in the last few years, so perhaps Darwin's laws are still functioning marginally.
Paul McDermott is a bitter, failed "comedy" star.
Rather like Dave Hughes in five years time.
Clam Watch next week, BTW.
some unheard of band called Baby Animals (fronted by the most obnoxious woman we had ever interviewed)
mmmmm... Susie DeMarchi in leather pants... mmmmm
And to think you mocked me for my Julia love, Fad.
At least I have some class.
I wonder what the Americans will make of Kath and Kim?
Rather like Dave Hughes in five years time.
Oh, dear baby Jesus, please let this be true.
And let him share dismal, absolute failure with Carl Fucking Barron.
Homesick I always find it hilarious when Neighbours actors quit the show to earn phat cash from doing "pantos" in London. Where are you now, Kristian Shmidt?
The one in particular that I'm refering to was none other than a pretentious young thing called Jessica Muschamp. She played Rachel Friend's characters sister.
She was rather afronted when our receptionist had no idea who she was (as did none of us) and she had to go into great detail about her small role in Neighbours. Someone asked her which panto she was booked for... went down like a lead balloon.
Seeing as you're all on the frontline so to speak.. any good comedians doing the rounds in Australia at the moment?
Any worth looking out for?
And to think you mocked me for my Julia love, Fad.
At least I have some class.
Everything is relative. I could shave my arse and walk on my hands backwards and still have more class than 99.9% of my clients (and be more attractive)
I wonder what the Americans will make of Kath and Kim?
Stick them in Guantanamo?
One could only hope.
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