The Comic Strip Presents: A Celebration of Alternative Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe

A Pioneering Moment in UK Comedy History

The Comic Strip Presents … represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of comedy, breaking away from traditional sexism while thriving in a unique environment—a strip club. This blend of creative freedom and commercial ambition has solidified its place as one of the most enduring brands in UK comedy, even if its legacy is not widely recognized today.

The Legacy of The Comic Strip

This summer, the Edinburgh Fringe will honor The Comic Strip Presents … with a series of film screenings and Q&A sessions featuring its creator, Peter Richardson. The Comic Strip, which opened in 1980, was a groundbreaking comedy club that launched the careers of iconic performers such as Rik Mayall, Alexei Sayle, and French and Saunders. When they transitioned to television with Channel 4’s The Comic Strip Presents … in the early 1980s, Richardson became a key figure in bringing alternative comedy to the forefront.

A Unique Venue for a Unique Celebration

While one might expect such a significant event to take place in a grand venue like Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Richardson’s experience has been quite different. “When I started showing these films about a year ago, we didn’t have the budget for advertising,” he explains. As a result, audiences have often been small, with only about 30 attendees in a 300-seat cinema, making for a challenging atmosphere.

The Evolution of The Comic Strip Presents

Originally airing from 1982 to 1988 on Channel 4, The Comic Strip Presents … later moved to the BBC and returned to Channel 4 for specials, the latest of which aired in 2016. Despite its historical significance, it has not achieved the same level of recognition as contemporaries like The Young Ones.

A Different Kind of Television

Richardson candidly admits, “It wasn’t good television,” as the show defied the norms of repetition that characterize mainstream programming. The series, much like the recent Inside No 9, was an anthology of standalone films, each showcasing the diverse talents of its performers. “These performers are so good they don’t need to be stuck playing one-dimensional characters,” he asserts.

The Birth of Alternative Comedy

The Comic Strip began its journey at the Comedy Store, a strip club that became the hub of alternative comedy. Richardson’s vision was to gather the most exciting comedic voices of the time and create a new space for them to thrive. With the backing of Rocky Horror Picture Show producer Michael White, he opened The Comic Strip club, which quickly became the hottest comedy venue in London.

A Night to Remember

During its peak from 1980 to 1981, The Comic Strip attracted celebrities like Bianca Jagger and Dustin Hoffman. A memorable encounter involved Robin Williams, who insisted on performing to impress David Bowie, leading to a humorous exchange with Sayle about the club’s ownership.

Channel 4 and the Birth of a New Era

When Channel 4 sought innovative talent to launch its programming, Richardson was given the freedom to create. The first film, Five Go Mad in Dorset, aired on the station’s opening night, generating controversy and media buzz. However, Richardson acknowledges that the humor surrounding issues like racism and sexism has evolved, making some of the original content less relevant today.

Revisiting the Classics

As part of the Edinburgh celebration, Richardson has revisited and adjusted some of the films to align with contemporary sensibilities. “30 years later they need some adjustment,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the times.

A Lasting Impact

Richardson reflects on the underappreciation of The Comic Strip Presents, recognizing that his refusal to conform to sitcom norms may have contributed to its obscurity. Nevertheless, he is excited to share these remastered films with audiences, highlighting the communal experience of watching comedy in a theater setting.

Join the Celebration

The Comic Strip Presents … will be showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe on August 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 at Just the Tonic. This event promises to be a unique opportunity to relive the laughter and creativity that defined an era of British comedy.

For more information, visit Just the Tonic, Edinburgh.