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Original poster

What 'Count Arthur Strong' supposed to be about?

53 replies

GameSetAndMatch · 06/08/2013 20:16

only put it pn cos Ben from Horrible Histories is on it tonight.

DCs having a good laugh!

it looks a bit 70's type sitcom but im not getting it?

as i said DCs laughing head off but im a bit meh!

anyone?

OP posts:
Original poster
GameSetAndMatch · 06/08/2013 20:17

just remembered hes reminding me of Harry Worth, was that his name? from the 70's?

ooh, its Ben!

Rory Kinnear looks just like his dad!

OP posts:
Davros · 07/08/2013 09:07

He's a spoof character, e.g. Alan partridge or Keith Lemmon, who behaves in a ridiculous way and says stupid things which make some of us laugh. He's quite a developed character with the illusion of "being in show business" who is supposed to have had some moderate success many years ago and believes he is some sort of star. There have been 6 (or possibly 7) radio series already, you could get some of those on iplayer if you are interested enough. Many people hate him, I love him myself. Hth

JessicaBeatriceFletcher · 07/08/2013 09:24

He's been on BBC Radio 4 and doing the touring circuit (theatres) for years and has developed a cult following - but he tends to be Marmite. People either find him incredibly funny or don't get it at all. I'm in the former camp and there are episodes of his radio show that had me literally crying in laughter and I once had to pull the car over to finish listening to it because I was laughing so much.

The character has changed slightly for the TV - his radio show featured several recurring characters who aren't involved in the TV version - and some of the things that worked so well on radio just wouldn't on TV.

But there is a spot of Harry Worth about him.

Original poster
GameSetAndMatch · 07/08/2013 11:20

i only saw the 1 prog last night so just dont get it really. but because DC liked it i may persevere.

thanks for explaining!

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MrsTaraPlumbing · 07/08/2013 18:11

I loved it on Radio but things sometimes Do NOT transfer well when you can see them

Bunbaker · 07/08/2013 18:13

I haven't seen last night's episode and didn't listen to it on radio, but I find it really funny in places. The one with him sitting for the artists had us in stitches.

TiggyD · 07/08/2013 22:24

He was also a recurring character in "The Remains Of Hamish And Mcoll" on radio. I'm a big fan. I know it's a marmite thing. I like the move to TV. It's now co-written with the legendary Graham Linehan who wrote Father Ted, Black Books, IT Crowd and the Direct Line ads with Al Armstrong.
There is less Count Arthur in it now. He was a bit hard to listen to when it was just him on the radio. Rory Kinnear has joined him with a truely great comic performance up there with David Jason, Ronnie Barker and Harry H Corbett. Brilliant.
Give it a go on I player, but you should really watch them in order as there is an ongoing storyline.

BeerTricksPotter · 07/08/2013 22:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ComposHat · 08/08/2013 00:24

Yes, DW adored it on the radio and on stage, I quite liked it but wasn't bowled over.

I much prefer the TV series, there's a lot more depth and a twinge of sadness to go with the broader slapstick comedy, I also think Arthur's a bit more sympathetic (or at least more worthy of pity) than in his radio incarnation.

I think it is brilliant.

JessicaBeatriceFletcher · 08/08/2013 09:05

Compos - yes, they have softened him slightly. In the radio show, he was insufferable (in the right way for radio comedy) whereas in the TV show he is more likeable. The bit at the end of the first episode was really very touching and unexpected (and totally unlike the radio Arthur).

So far for me the second episode was surrealistic heaven. Jack the Ripper tours from an ice cream van. Had me in fits.

Davros · 08/08/2013 10:07

I think the second episode is the best too. They have added some touching moments which works well on TV. I also think that changing the set of other characters has worked well as I would forever be disappointed in who they chose to play Wilf ior Sally (who is Sue Perkins in my mind) etc. I was amazed at Malcolm when I saw him on the live shows, in my mind he was a tall skinny bloke but I did get used to him. I love the Michael character.

Nancy66 · 08/08/2013 15:57

I'm really liking it - never heard it on the radio though.

ComposHat · 08/08/2013 16:23

Just watched last night's episode.

Aw poor Arthur!

dowagerdorris · 08/08/2013 16:41

Completely and utterly awful IMO.

TiggyD · 08/08/2013 19:22

Good news! It's been commisioned for a secong series!!

LunaticFringe · 08/08/2013 19:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NobodyPutsTomArcherInTheCorner · 08/08/2013 19:30

I LOVED him on radio and I LOVE him just as much on tv. I think it transfers to tv very well.

Best thing on tv atm by miles.

out2lunch · 09/08/2013 20:51

brilliant

Furball · 09/08/2013 22:31

I love it too.

YY about the ice cream van

and also literally fell off the sofa laughing at the slice of ham phantom of the opera mask and also the black bin bag sound of music outfit.

Furball · 09/08/2013 22:31

and when he couldn't pronounce les miserables Grin

ComposHat · 10/08/2013 02:07

His Jack the Ripper tour when he got him mixed up with Robin Hood:

'He robbed from the rich and slaughtered the prostitutes'

Original poster
GameSetAndMatch · 10/08/2013 18:56

okay ill give it another go. may get into it. DC likes it anyway.

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BeerTricksPotter · 10/08/2013 20:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Panzee · 10/08/2013 20:43

I cannot stand it on the radio which is odd because I love all of Linehans other stuff. I've not bothered with e TV version.

Bea · 11/08/2013 23:39

found him hard to like on radio... but dc's have found it hilarious... and hus me too! Loved the one in the Back room during the riot and "Doctor Two!"... best line???

"It's out of my expertise... I'm AFRAID!" brilliant! Grin

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