Chelmsford 123

[Peak District]

The sadly unvalued comedy, 'Chelmsford 123', seems to be fated never to see the light of day in the USA. Admittedly, an historical comedy set in Chelmsford during the the Roman occupation seems a difficult stretch, BUT it is well worth the effort.....unfortunately, the show disintegrated, due I think, to a marital dispute which involved two of the main actors.

The ever-changing opening credits smack of Fawlty Towers (a.k.a 'Wartery Voles') and the scheming tribal chief Badvok is nothing short of magnificent.

You must see the Celtic Games (one of the events, 'freestyle sheep throwing') and there are some snappy exchanges between characters. The episode which was performed mostly in Latin (with subtitles) was obviously the inspiration for Mel Gibson's latest film............................

[scubabudgie]

Originally Posted by Peak District

The sadly unvalued comedy, 'Chelmsford 123', seems to be fated never to see the light of day in the USA. Admittedly, an historical comedy set in Chelmsford during the the Roman occupation seems a difficult stretch, BUT it is well worth the effort.....unfortunately, the show disintegrated, due I think, to a marital dispute which involved two of the main actors.

The ever-changing opening credits smack of Fawlty Towers (a.k.a 'Wartery Voles') and the scheming tribal chief Badvok is nothing short of magnificent.

You must see the Celtic Games (one of the events, 'freestyle sheep throwing') and there are some snappy exchanges between characters. The episode which was performed mostly in Latin (with subtitles) was obviously the inspiration for Mel Gibson's latest film............................

Sad but true, a wonderful series, yet underestimated enough even by Channel Four - the show's own producers in England - to just ignore its legion of fans and let it quietly drop off the face of the earth. I tried several times in the UK to get information as to who actually had any tapes of it. Would really LOVE to see it again.
Would you know by any chance whether Rory McGrath (Badvok) was one of the two miscreants you mentioned as responsible for the show's demise?

[Peak District]

As I understand it, Rory McGrath was so angry at the whole mess that he swore that the series would never see the light of day, as this would benefit the other party financially.................

[scubabudgie]

Originally Posted by Peak District

As I understand it, Rory McGrath was so angry at the whole mess that he swore that the series would never see the light of day, as this would benefit the other party financially.................

Thanks very much for your input. Any idea if one CAN find this show ANYWHERE? Even if Rory M wished it consigned to the darkest depths, what about the producers? Didn't they hold onto a copy? Somebody SOMEWHERE must have access to it - or am I whistling down the wind...?

[cuthbert j twillie]

Jimmy Mulville was sublime in this programme, I recall the one when they were to build a road bypass and the senator was trying to highlight the benefits of different designs

"Curvy is pervy"

"Bendy is Trendy"

but "Straight is great"

As a civil engineer building bypasses this cracks me up every time!