Phil Bowker has directed the latest shows in Channel 4′s comedy shorts series, Comedy Blaps. Co-written by David Earl (Derek, Extras) and Brett Goldstein (Derek, Stand Up For The Week) Cumbo stars Earl as Steve Gene Cumberland.
Nerys Evans – C4 comedy commissioner – says of Cumbo “He is a monster … a delicious mix of ego and vulnerability”. Across the three episodes we see Cumbo fly in the face of his friends who are settling down in life – as he sets out to show why he has the ability to attract any girl he wants. Excruciating and very funny – often at the same time.
Comedy Blaps were launched in March 2011 with the aim of allowing comedians and C4 to trial new ideas. A pilot platform for the digital era. Cumbo is available on the channel’s website, YouTube, Vimeo and iTunes.
Phil’s deft directing touch means that Cumbo – who could be a totally unsympathetic character in the wrong hands – retains a tragic attraction.
Margate – As Seen Through The Eyes Of Dominic Savage
Holidaymakers dance to the sound of Tony Savage on the organ at Margate Lido in the 1950's. The site is now a car park. Photo: Dominic Savage
As part of their ‘Writer’s Relay’ series in the Guardian newspaper – Dominic has contributed a charming piece about his home town of Margate. Dominic’s dad – Tony Savage – was the organist on the seafront at Margate for many years. And Dominic has many happy memories of the thousands of Britains who flocked to the Kent coast every year, simply to sit in a deckchair, have an ice cream and listen to his dad playing their favourite tunes.
Accompanying the story is a gallery of photographs from Dominic’s own collection which adds poignancy and colour to his words.
SuchSmallPortions has been an influential UK comedy website since it’s launch five years ago. So when it decided to compile a list of ‘the 100 most influential people in British comedy’, many in the industry were looking keenly in the direction of the site.
The list covers artistes, writers, producers and agents. With Commissioners and Channel Execs included in the mix as well.
Lloydy is in there at Number 10. That’s 2 places behind Monty Python. And a lot of places above….well have a look at the articles and you’ll see. According to SSP – “cerebral broadcast comedy owes its current shape to Lloyd”. Praise indeed.
Dominic Savage’s True Love is loved by the critics
"True Love" ran across the BBC1 schedules last week. And you can still catch up with the series on the iPlayer.
The critics fell in love with the drama – here are just some of the extraordinary write-ups that appeared in the press. The quality of the acting, the naturalism afforded by the improvised approach and the beautiful photography all caught the critics’ eye. Margate has never looked so gorgeous.
Dominic’s next project – "Fear" – is his first stage production. Written and directed by Dominic, the play opened at The Bush Theatre last week and runs until mid July. Please contact Stephen Gash if you are interested in going.
