Count Arthur Strong

Steve Delaney has played Arthur Strong since the 1980s and like Steve Coogan is rapidly approaching the actual age of the character he is well known for.

Arthur Strong is a retired comedian and actor who has grand delusions, clumsiness and is easily confused.

He comes into contact with Michael who is researching a book about his late father who was an entertainer and comic partner to Arthur Strong. Whilst encountering Arthur, Michael also comes into contact with his circle of misfit friends.

This TV adaptation is based on the radio series and after a dicey first episode it seems to have settled down. The character of Arthur Strong has been softened for the television although he can still grate and irritate.

Some of the plots are inspired by the radio series and some of the slapstick looks to be tailor made for the TV version.

The Michael character as played by Rory Kinnear is our entry to this strange world of Arthur Strong, although by the final episode of the first series we realise we know little about Michael.

It seems that he actually lives in York and we do not know whether he is even married or not.

What works is the buffoonery between Michael and Arthur and this was demonstrated in the second episode with the Jack the Ripper tour

It is not perfect and it has been labelled as Marmite as some viewers have just found it unfunny.

However there is enough there to entertain and make you laugh.

I've heard the radio version. If you are into wacky humour this one is for you!

I've come to this late, and not heard of the radio series.

For the first minute I thought this looks dated and this Count Arthur Strong actor is overacting a bit. Then I realised I was watching hilarious comedy gold.

I've just watched the 4th episode. Maybe they've gone a bit heavy-handed on the tragedy - I think it works but I think it just lingers a bit too long, like on Eggy's face during his sorry tale, and in the taxi ride back from the hospital.

Perhaps this is a slight editing problem, where just a 5 or 10 second cut would have got the balance right. The problem is that the tragedy is very real and sad, which is an achievement in itself that we care so much about the characters so quickly, but it's just a bit too real and sad, for 10 seconds too long :)

I think people must be drawing parallels between The Count and John Shuttleworth, another hilarious older-than-the-actor Yorkshire buffoon in his own internally logical world.

This is the loudest and longest I've laughed watching anything since Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's a work of absolute genius in both Steve Delaney's masterful performance and the Father Ted-like farcical comedy plotting. As soon as I've seen the last 2 episodes I'll be straight onto the radio shows :)

Count Arthur Strong is one of the best sitcoms to show on British TV in donkey's years. Goodness knows what the first reviewer of this superbly written and laugh out loud programme was watching, but comparing it to Miranda is like comparing the Likely Lads to Cheers. Count Arthur Strong is an ageing 'jack of all trades' entertainer, with a slightly deluded view of his place in the world (think Arthur Lowe in Potter). His crackpot ideas and the fact that he is so out of touch with modern times and technology make for some great comedy. Graham Linehan (Father Ted) has always had a rather surreal way of writing and developing a storyline, with many back references and 'out of the blue' lines. That might make the characters a little harder to get to know, but the effort is well worth while. With this, and the return of Citizen Khan, the BBC is back on the right track..

I know, realise and fully get why Count Arthur Strong is seen as a Marmite comedy, I know people that genuinely detest it, I get that, I have to admit that I am a huge fan of it, it's quirky, slapstick, zany and madcap, I love it. As a character he's pompous, idiotic and would drive anyone to drink, a huge round of applause for Steve Delaney, his delivery is incredibly slick, as is his timing.

Rory Kinnear shows just how versatile a performer he is, he's brilliant as Michael, the pair offer such different comic styles. Two brilliant series transmitted, and luckily a third is due soon.

Some of the funniest comedy moments I have seen in years, Linehan's involvement is obvious, The Ice Cream van, The local elections, and of course the false leg. I missed Katya, but her storyline in the first series was hilarious and truly moving.

I guess it's a show that could take a bit of time to get into, but I'm sure once you watch, you'll be hooked, I love it.

9/10.