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To some viewers the comedy Little Britain is crass, rude, vulgar and inappropriate but to fans it's comic genius. A smash hit around the globe, the third series of Little Britain is finally being unleashed on Australian audiences. Ahead of its February 22 premiere on ABC, series executive producer Jon Plowman says the audience relates to the characters because they are more than likely their next-door neighbours.
"People recognise things in it," says Plowman, who has been the head of comedy entertainment at the BBC in the UK for 12 years.
"They recognise that's how the world is at the moment. Vicky is a national icon in Britain and even though the characters are extreme, people recognise them as ordinary people who are out in the street."
When the program launched in 2003 it went from cult viewing to mainstream success in just one year. Since then it has scooped the pool at awards ceremonies including Britain's Comedy Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards (BAFTA).
Once again pushing the boundaries of ethics and humour, the series brings back old favourites bad girl Vicky Pollard, gay guy Welshman Dafydd, tacky transvestites Emily and Florence and freeloading Bubbles D Vere. Created and performed by comic sensations Matt Lucas and David Walliams, more kooky characters will emerge in series three.
"In the case of the very large lady in the body suit, the plot demanded another lady," said Plowman from his home in West London.
"Quite a lot of introducing a character is just straightforward observation and exaggeration.
"Matt and David develop the characters and series three introduces a Thai bride, a subject that has been talked about in past series. They just come up with what will be fun."
Plowman, who produced worldwide comedy phenomenon Absolutely Fabulous, says putting a fresh spin on an old format can be difficult.
"I guess if the thing is popular you know that people want more," he said.
"If they want more then you have to do it as well or better otherwise they will be disappointed and not want anymore. That's the challenge - making sure the fans still want it."
Sifting through more than 100 scripts a month, Plowman says he knows a hit when he sees one, but it's not always easy to convince the BBC to take a chance on producing what he likes.
"Trying to persuade the television channel to give us the money to make the show is the hardest thing about my job," he said.
"Therefore I have to be on top of what's rating and make sure the BBC has the best stuff out there."
After graduating from Oxford University, Plowman's career began in theatre at the Royal Court where he was assistant to acclaimed theatre director Lindsay Anderson. His broadcasting ventures started at Granada, before he moved to the BBC in 1980 producing a number of hit shows. In 1988 he co-produced the seven-hour telethon of original comedy and documentary for Comic Relief which raised more than Stg25 million ($A59 million). Since then, Plowman's producing credits include French and Saunders, Fry and Laurie and Absolutely Fabulous starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Working with Saunders and Lumley was the highlight of Plowman's career.
"It ... got bigger and bigger and ran over quite a long time," Plowman said.
"I was very close to it and we had a lot of fun. It became a worldwide hit which was totally extraordinary."
Plowman says Australian shows Kath and Kim, created by Jane Turner and Gina Riley, and comedian Chris Lilley's We Can Be Heroes are sensational.
"Kath and Kim is very good," he said.
"Basically it is Ab Fab with an Australian edge, but I seriously think they are great.
"I have also been watching that Australian of the Year and that is fantastic, it's a very funny show."
Lucas and Walliams are on the road touring Little Britain through the UK which Plowman says should wrap towards the end of this year. He says a fourth series is on the agenda.
Source: National Nine News Link Here
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