The Comic Strip Presents…

About this event

Launched in 1982 on the very first night of Channel 4 broadcasting to the nation, The Comic Strip Presents… brought alternative comedy to the masses, beginning with the Famous Five parody Five Go Mad In Dorset. Over the next two decades, acts including Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Jennifer Saunders, Doon Mackichan, Phil Cornwell and Nigel Planer popped up in a number of episodes, all under the stewardship of Comic Strip writer/director/godfather Peter Richardson. This special event will see Peter Richardson, Doon Mackichan and Phil Cornwell join us at the Midlands Arts Centre to reminisce about their work with The Comic Strip Presents… and the late Rik Mayall, alongside screenings of 1992’s Red Nose Of Courage, 1998’s Four Men In A Car and a look back at cult BBC comedy Stella Street, which saw Cornwell excel playing the likes of Michael Caine, Mick Jagger and Jack Nicholson alongside John Sessions in a bizarre soap opera. Best Of Rik Clips featuring Rik Mayall’s funniest moments with the Comic Strip Red Nose Of Courage (1992) Ex PM John Major (Ade Edmondson) runs away from the circus to become an MP. Under pressure from his circus manager dad (Alexei Sayle), Major is obliged to work evenings as part of a clown act, even when he’s Prime Minister. But then he falls for the Opposition Leader (Dawn French)… Interval Best of Phil and Stella Street Featuring scenes from the hit BBC series starring Phil Cornwell and John Sessions. Live onstage Q&A with Peter Richardson, Doon Mackichan and Phil Cornwell. Four Men In A Car (1998) Four salesmen heading to a conference in Swindon have the journey from hell, involving road-rage, a snowstorm, food poisoning and a farmer’s wife wielding a shotgun.