TV’s COMIC STRIP PRESENTS  RETURNS TO SOHO FOR 2 NIGHTS ONLY, 44 YEARS LATER 

On Wednesday, 6th November and Monday, 11th November, the legendary core of the Comic Strip TV series returns to Soho to The Phoenix Arts Club in Charing Cross Road,  44 years since they on stage began at the Raymond Revuebar in Walker Court, Soho, 1980 – namely Alexei Sayle, Nigel Planer and Peter Richardson the series creator and writer-director of 30 the Comic Strip’s films, 

For two nights only the Phoenix Arts Club will show six seldom seen films out of the 42 that they made between 1982 and 2016. The Comic Strip’s filmed series opened up Channel 4 TV in November 1982 exactly 42 years ago with Five Go Mad In Dorset featuring Rik Mayall, Ade Edmondson, French & Saunders, Nigel Planer & Peter Richardson the series creator – giving birth to modern British Comedy as we know it. 

Notable screenings to watch out for include two overlooked Comic Strip TV specials, starring Alexei Sayle, Ade Edmondson, and Dawn French. The Red Nose Of Courage (1992), which has Alexei as a Circus Ringmaster who’s son Coco The Clown runs away from the Circus to become an MP called John Major (Ade). He’s forced to return to do night time Clown work, while leading a double life as the Leader of the Tory Party. Leader of the opposition Glenys Kinnock (Dawn French) falls for him not realising that Coco is her ‘nemesis’ John Major. Screened only once publicly on BBC 2 on election night of 1992 – this is a great ‘lost comedic masterpiece’, with music by Jeff Beck, who makes a cameo appearance.

Also showing is Strike, starring Peter Richardson as Al Pacino playing Coal Miners Trade Union leader Arthur Scargill, in a Hollywood film written by a Welshman from a Miner’s town played by Alexei Sayle. This is a masterful satire of Hollywood’s ineptitude and the British Film Industry’s ‘playing Poodle to it’ in the era of Goldcrest Films‘ epic flop Revolution. Portrayed well by both Robbie Coltrane as the Hollywood Mogul, and Nigel Planer as a British Film Production ‘trendy’. The Film won the Best Comedy of 1988 with The Golden Rose of Montreux at The Montreux Festival, and a BAFTA, among many accolades. It’s a great rediscovery!  

The Phoenix Arts Club, located in the heart of Soho. The screenings are sure to bring a nostalgic joy for long-time fans while introducing new audiences to these classic films.

Tickets and Trailer

Tickets are available now for this unmissable event, and fans are encouraged to book early as these screenings are expected to sell out quickly.

• Book your tickets here

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the Comic Strip’s sharp, satirical humour, this event promises to be quite the event! For more insights and updates on entertainment in London, stay tuned to EyeOnLondon.

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