13 November 2002

Comedy Review, Alan's diet of cheesy peas at The Fast Show

Setting up the stage for The Fast Show Live at the Odyssey Arena on Sunday 3rd November was both a chore and a pleasure. It was hard work, as some of the set pieces for the lavish music hall façade took eight men to lift, but unloading the truck revealed an Aladdin’s cave of treasures.

There was no need to explain what each prop and piece of scenery was for – it was obvious. The stately home for Ralf and Ted, the perfumery for Arabella Weir’s caustic cosmetic advice, “You really are a minger – no offence”, the gypsy caravan for Bob Fleming and his country life co-presenters, “Ahem! Achoo! Arse!” a little electric car for the Offroaders, “It’s gripped, it’s sorted!” the gentleman’s outfitter’s for Ken and Kenneth, “Where you with a laydee lat night sir? Prominent Adam’s apple, thick calves…are you sure it was a laydee sir?” and when we came across a giant wedge of cheese, an enormous pea and this tin can, the temptation was too much and I had to do the cheesy peas dance, (pictured).

Charlie Higson confided to me that he and Paul Whitehouse had developed the concept of The Fast Show from a much older style of humour. Ask your dad, (or your granddad) about Tommy Hanley’s ITMA radio show, (It’s That Man Again). They had spent long hours in the BBC archive listening to old recordings and rediscovered the art of quickfire delivery and an audiences love for well recognised catch phrases.

Fans of the series were well rewarded with this live tour. All the old favourites were there, Big Dave Angel – Eco Warrior, Rowley Birkin QC, Swiss Tony, Ron Manager and The set piece finale, The Channel Nine Nativity. When a donkey’s head stuck it’s head round the manger door and said, “That’s the hardest job in the world that is – The Messiah, Son of God” I nearly wet myself.

Sadly there was also an air of finality to the show. Ralf and Ted celebrated their unspoken love in song, the drainage in the bottom field had been sorted, Colin Hunt proposed to Doreen and the cheeky Cockney thief professed to a change of heart, having discovered Jesus. Sadly there will not be another TV series and this is the last Fast Show ever…until another generation delves into the BBC’s dusty vaults and rediscovers the formula.

A.T.