User reviews

A simple sketch show that takes on stereotypes with interesting angles and some unconventional delivery.

This isn't high brow comedy, but it is not meant to be. It is a lighthearted look at things we don't all want to talk about, or we think but don't say... some are things we do think and talk about. Some things are more abstract.

You can still enjoy this programme today.

If you are perpetually butthurt or politically correct, you will no doubt find plenty to be offended on other people's behalf over. This programme isn't meant for you. You can watch some comedy show where they call *current year* right-wingers or white men names for an hour.

This is one of the funniest T.V. shows I have seen in a long time. A mix of Monty Python, Kids In The Hall and toilet humor, Little Britain is laugh-out-loud hilarious.

Matt Lucas and David Walliams create some of the most memorable characters in a long time. Yes, the show runs their characters into the ground and it becomes repetitive but when they are fresh, these caricatures are winners.

Some of my favorites:

Marjorie Dawes, the hypocritical leader of the Fat Fighters, who calls her customers fat despite being overweight herself.

Sebastian Love, the openly gay aide to the Prime Minister of the U.K.

Emily Howard, the Victorian era cross-dresser.

Vicky Pollard, the fast-talking teenage delinquent.

Daffyd Thomas, who claims to be the only gay in the village when there seems to be plenty of them around him.

Kenny Craig, master hypnotist.

There's other characters I like, though some of them aren't as funny. It can be hit-or-miss.

The show also relies on a lot of toilet humor and tastelessness at times, seemingly in the later seasons.

Still, it's a tremendous show. I hope to see Season 3 on Netflix soon. However, I would definitely not allow kids to see this show. It's R- rated to be sure.

Says our dignified narrator and guide, "Britain...Britain...Britain...land of tradition...fish and fries...the changing of the garden...trooping the colours. Have you ever wondered about the people of Britain? Nor have I..."

And with that, Matt Lucas and David Walliams take us into a Britain far removed from Jane Austin. Lucas is short, fat and hairless, something like a pink, soft kewpie doll. Walliams is tall, hirsute (hair suit?) and, depending on the occasion, wolfish or just showing a lot of teeth. They are the creators, writers and performers of Little Britain, a sketch comedy series centered on the lives of a dozen or so worst examples of British human life. Want an obnoxious, trouble-making teen with a thick accent and an excuse for everything? Try out Vicky Pollard. How about the effeminate assistant to the Prime Minister, who invariably finds excuses to fall to his knees directly in front of the man. Or the fat, wheelchair-bound Andy Pipkin, who mumbles and lolls, and is just too lazy to walk. And there's plump Daffyd Thomas, young Welsh lad who dresses in tight, bright polyester and is the only gay in his village...and is determined to keep it that way. And more and more. We visit them often, usually in places like Kelsey Grammar School and St. God's Hospital. Since Lewis and Walliams play all of them (backed up by a small cast of straight-faced actors), the old tradition in Britain of men wearing dresses is alive and well.

There's nothing like it in the United States, and probably never will be. The FCC would have a fit, and so would most U.S. social service agencies. Little Britain is ferociously un-PC. If you think it is terrible taste to make fun of homosexuals, old ladies, the mentally disturbed, the fat, minorities, or any number of other groups (politicians and teenagers, of course, excepted), this is not the show for you. ("Are you fat because you're a lesbian or are you a lesbian because you're fat?") Matt Lucas and David Walliams have created a world (and a series) that is silly, bawdy, brutal, clever, satiric, surreal, lewd and funny. It's best watched in small doses. Little Britain was so popular in Britain that it just about became an empire...Christmas specials, performances for charity, a try at transplanting to America, interviews and awards. Of course, the pecksniffs and self-appointed moral guardians are always on the alert. Said one British critic, "Little Britain has been a vehicle for two rich kids to make themselves into multi-millionaires by mocking the weakest people in Britain. Their targets are almost invariably the easiest, cheapest groups to mock: the disabled, poor, elderly, gay or fat. In one fell swoop, they have demolished protections against mocking the weak that took decades to build up."

Perfectly true. Shame they're so funny.

"Little Britain" is a wonderful comedy series starring the fantastic Mark Lucas and David Walliams. Taking an irreverent look at life in Britain, they tease and giggle their way through 30 min episodes poking fun at every one possible. The truly genius thing about the series is, we all know at least one of the characters.

The unruly chavette girl who thinks everyone is a slag (Vicky Pollard), The mean (and fat) leader of the "Fat Fighters" (Marjorie Dawes), "the only gay in the village" (Daffyd) and many others...

Meet the very bad transvestite Emily Howard, who swears she is a lady (but have you seen the hair on her legs?!) Sebastian, the Prime Ministers assistant, with an unhealthy lust...

The script writing is fantastic, the comedy timing is amazing, and it works so well. There is not one thing that I could say was wrong with this, except that maybe its too short? And we need some more Vicky Pollard! The new series is set to be even better than the first with many new and amusing characters. The long and the short of it? Its the dogs *ahem*...

Don't give me no evils!

One of the greatest comedy tv series ever I love the actors in it thay are absolutely funny plus love the voice of little Britain

Absolutely funny love all the characters in it They are all funny what gets me the most is the lady from fat fighters lol she hilarious 🤣🤣🤣

Little Britain is one of those shows that just makes you laugh regardless of what you think is funny. I personally hate the vulgar humor sported by Madtv, but for some reason Little Britain doesn't seem to bother me, although it is more crude. The characters do repeat themselves and most of the skits are the same joke, but that's what makes it so funny! You know the joke is coming and still it makes you laugh. Take Lou and Andy for example. Andy is always changing his mind, and getting up and running around while Lou's back is turned, but the joke is always funny because it is always new in some small way. In the United States, we're so worried about being politically correct that we avoid what is truly funny, and we show horrible programming. Little Britain is a refreshing change for me, and it has killed my interest in American broadcasts.

Another wonderful season of Little Britain is coming to an end. If you like it very much, and you happen to see me in the street, then come and touch my thighs and buttocks! Goodbye! In the face of the wicked taste of the English, I laughed mercilessly.

Far better than American shows of the same type (Saturday Night Live)which spend more time showing political leanings than just being funny. L Britain is very funny--a bit more male kissing than I care to see--but the skits are very well done. As odd as it may seem, the funniest skit to me is the shortest, the politician holding the press conference in front of his home explaining the latest misunderstood sex scandal. The fat jealous women is funny although it can cross the sexual line a bit. The only gay in town skit is just plain funny along with the racist neighbor lady.(I'm trying to fill 10 lines) As good as it is--it ain't The Benny Hill Show though---sorry

Contrary to the featured review, I think this looks better with the passage of time. I found it creepy and off-putting at first view - maybe I noticed those implicit themes the FR mentions, while they didn't. If this was a picture of Britain, even one meant in fun, it was depressing. Without doubt Lucas and - especially - Walliams are, shall we say, unusual people, and they used this show to air some of their issues, pioneering things that are regarded as normal on TV now. And I can't say I enjoyed that aspect.

But it has two great saving graces. Firstly, it doesn't vilify or browbeat the audience squares as comedies do now - instead it invites you to laugh good-naturedly, with them, at their own oddities and neuroses. Second, it really is funny, permanently funny, not just dependent, like Catherine Tate, on temporary mass hysteria, or, like Enfield and Whitehouse, on mere exaggerated observation. LB's best gags are outrageous not just because they are rude, or taboo, but because they are so completely ludicrous. As with Python, though, there is usually a core of strange plausibility: we don't really act like this, but some of us would probably like to.

I think, eg, of wheelchair-bound Andy jumping into the aquarium and swimming behind his oblivious carer's back. Or tiny Denis Waterman with his giant cup of tea - it was a bit rough on the unsuspecting Waterman, but it really is funny. Or Bubbles Devere and Desiree rolling around naked on top of one another. The studio audience *howls* with laughter, the way they often did in the 70s, but rarely did in the 90s and 00s and probably never will again.

In its time, the BBC has churned out sketch shows by the ton - remember all those shows by Spike Milligan, Les Dawson, Little & Large, Morecambe & Wise, the Two Ronnies, Russ Abbott, Smith & Jones, French & Saunders, Armstrong & Miller etc etc? Apart from Python almost none of it worth returning to (except maybe out of nostalgia) - but this is.

I think this programme is overrated, it seemed like everywhere i went people were talking about it, so naturally i watched an episode. it was okay, there were a few laughs here and there, but after a couple of episodes it got boring, it's just recycled gags and basic toilet humour and David Walliams in a dress! Vicky Pollard is funny and i do know girls like her (God help us all) but just like the real Vicky Pollards, they are not funny forever and the other sketches are the same, how long can he be the only gay in the village and keep saying he is the only gay in the village? The characters are grotesque versions of real people, which seems a good idea for comedy but after a while the level of comedy is so basic that i forget to laugh because you've seen it all before.

I understand it has an audience but it's definitely not worth the hype, feel the same way about this as i do Catherine Tate 'Am i bothered?' 'Yeah but no but yeah...' it's all so repetitive. there are far superior sketch shows, older ones like Monty Python's flying circus is inventive, artistic and new for the time, if Little Britain represents Modern Britain, god help us all.

This TV series is not for the faint of heart and what I mean by that is those easily offended by the complete lack of Political Correctness should not watch this series. Who needs political correctness anyway when David Walliams and Matt Lucas come together in this incredible sketch comedy. I can't decide which character I love best. The Rubbish Transvestite, Emily Howard, performed by David Walliams is lovable in an outrageous 'No-She-Didn't' kind of way. Daffyd Thomas, charmingly portrayed by Matt Lucas, completely refuses to acknowledge the other gays around him for he is 'The only gay in the Village!' and therefore leads a lonely life to protect himself from rejection. Vicky Pollard has to be my favorite this week. Her inability to string together a comprehensive sentence is perfectly executed with lightening speed. I don't know how anyone could walk away without being impressed by this team of writers\actors. The performances are phenomenal. The Dialog is very strong. I'm purely gutted that I'm not able to watch the series while here in America. Saying that, the majority of Americans are just not going to 'Get it'. Having also said that, I'm an American and I love it!

The most funny,the most gritty,the most gutsy, the most powerful,the most vitriolic/caustic humour ever.

Social critique at its best.

Every skit cannot work, that's not possible.

But when it works it is some of the most brilliant, rib aching comedy of all time.

Tom Baker as narrator is a bonus.

Probably the best sketch comedy series to come out of Britain since Monty Python. You'll love (or love to hate) the brilliant characters and situations created and performed by the freshest British talented right now: Matt Lucas & David Williams.

'Little Britain' is ported from a popular radio show. It's dry and crude British humour that everybody gets, except maybe the French.

All three series (1-2-3) are musts and will entice repeat viewing.

Just a few recurring characters: Lou selflessly dedicates his life to looking after wheelchair-bound Andy and Andy selfishly dedicates his life to making things as difficult as possible for Lou. What Lou doesn't know is that there's nothing wrong with Andy's legs, and whenever he turns his back, Andy's off out of his chair and gambolling about like a fat, balding, semi-naked spring lamb.

Stage hypnotist Kenny Craig has no worries about using his skills to get his own way.

Whether nicking stuff from the supermarket or swapping her baby for a Westlife CD, Vicky Pollard reacts to any accusation with indignant outrage, while filling you in on 'this thing wot you know nu-thin' about'.

Daffyd is the only gay in the village… or is he? Marjorie Dawes is the terrifying leader of weight loss support group Fatfighters.

Emily Howard and Florence are two ladies going about their ladylike business, like any other normal ladies…

Everything stops when high society Harvey wants bitty.

Not always laugh-out-loud but constantly in your face, will keep you amused for a long time, especially when they pop up in your thoughts in everyday situations and trust me they will. Ee-Ee-Ee!

On my first view of Little Britain it didn't strike me as something that was hilariously funny. I found it witty and somewhat entertaining but wouldn't have rated it anywhere near English sitcoms such as The Office and the like..

However as I watched it more and began to understand the characters and relate them to stereotypes of everyday people the show began to "wow" me with how many layers of comedy are actually present.

From Daffyth - The only gay in the village, a stereotype that we know all too well to the Cross Dressing lady boys who act as though they want to remain subtle in their acts cross dressing however draw attention to themselves whenever possible.

These characters are real. David Walliams and Matt Lucas have really done English comedy proud by making fictional takes on real people. They manage to capture all demographics of audience with their mix of slapstick humour with more subtle comedy traits that audiences might not pick up on the first viewing.

Little Britain is a timeless classic - if you don't like it at first, give it another go. There is more to it than meets the eye...

Firstly let me start by saying that my vote of 7 is based on all 3 Series of the show. If I was voting for series 1 and 2 it would be a 10 but for Series 3, it would be 2.

Little Britain as im sure many of you know started out on Radio where it had two very successful series. Then it made the switch to TV. The Little Britain Pilot was shown on the launch night of BBC3 and I was hooked straight away.

Series One launched it to a wider audience on BBC3 and then BBC2. It was great. So funny, original with so many laugh out loud moments you couldn't count them.

Series Two was even better. Everything was neater and Lucas and Walliams had obviously got to grips with the characters they were writing for. The old faves were all there, Vicky Pollard, Emily Howard, Daffyd et all but some new ones were easily a match for these veterans. Bubbles, Florence, Judy and Maggie were all great and simply were the icing on the cake.

No this is where I turn nasty. Series 3 was very disappointing. Not nearly as funny as the first two and to be honest everything was a bit samey ans stail at this point. New characters were poorly constructed. Mrs Emery was simply a 2nd Maggie except it came out of the other end, Desere was a disaster simply because Bubbles was fine on her own and Sid Pegg was simply offensive and totally unfunny. It was left to the veterans to save the day, Daffyd, Vicky and Lou and Andy were the one saving grace for this series. The other thing I really disliked about LB3 was Lucas' and Walliams' apparent need to be in each other sketches all the time. We hardly saw the supporting cast because Matt and David were in everything. Although its their show, one of LB strengths was the supporting cast but sadly in Series 3 apart from the odd sketch (Like FatFighters) we never got to see them.

With a approaching Christmas Special which is supposed to tie up the ends for many Characters, we may soon be saying goodbye to Little Britain this may not be a bad thing however as its best to go out on top and if it continued, I believe it would start to flounder as if Series 3 is anything to go by, the ideas is simply not there.

So to sum up, Series' 1 and 2, simply floorless with some of the best and funniest comedy I have ever seen, Series 3 - Poor and if not for the old characters, simply a disaster! Roll on the Christmas Special!

At the time of release it was fresh and funny. Unfortunately this type of humour seems to have a sell by date. Some things in todays PC world are not funny to some and Little Britain has had its 15 minutes. After 3 series it became repetitive and showing cracks.

Worth a watch if you are broad minded, aren't seen it before and like a laugh. Remember it is in no way PC.

Please watch this you will not forget it! I absolutely love the characters and ideas! So freaking funny, I would suggest this to anyone that I think can handle the silliness of British humor.

Watching this show really makes my blood boil, and especially knowing how horribly popular the show has become. What many fans of this show don't seem to realise is liking Little Britain is equivalent to liking crap commercial pop music like Crazy Frog.

The show could have been written by an immature 10 year old, as it consists of childish and sometimes offensive gags (An old woman who can't stop urinating in public) along with irritating catchphrases (Eh-Eh-Ehhhhh) whilst the one-joke one-dimensional characters (Marjorie Dawes is an inferior rip-off of Pauline from LOG) appear every episode repeating the same joke, that is funny once but not funny the 18th time. It is very predictable whilst the performances, especially from David Walliams, are very poor and unfunny.

I liked the first few episodes, but quickly realised they were repeating themselves over and over again, and in the next 2 series more intellectually comic creations (the Scottish hotel-owner) were dropped for terrible slapstick characters who only seem to disgust (the prejudiced vomiting woman, the two fat naked ladies).

Little Britain brings nothing new to comedy and is only either repeating what other comedy shows have done or is making crude uninspired characters out of British stereotypes. Watching Monty Python it's as if originality in British comedy has declined over the years with only a few exceptions, such as Spaced, The Office and the brilliant League of Gentlemen.