The BBC aired the first episode of the stellar dark comedy series, The League of Gentlemen, on this day back in 1999!
The League of Gentlemen was born of the minds of its four members, Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson, all of whom you may recognise from their roles in various highly claimed dramas and comedies, but back in 1994 this group of unknowns were making the rounds with their stage show, which would see them eventually winning a Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in '97.
That same year, BBC 4 Radio debuted their radio series "On the Town with The League of Gentlemen", which featured an early concept of Royston Vasey and its inhabitants, and bagged them a Sony Award for their troubles. Two years later, the League made the move to television where they were able to achieve mainstream success and built a cult following that is still going strong to this day, due to the show's often dark and sinister tone mixed with top tier British comedy writing.
Real life events and people from the League's lives helped create the foundation of many of the most infamous characters of the show, for example Papa Lazarou was based on a landlord Steve and Reece once had, whereas Pauline was based off of Reece's actual re-start officer when he was having to attend job centre meets.
While some see The League of Gentlemen at face value as much like any other British sketch show from the genre's revival in the 90s and 00s, The League of Gentlemen is far greater and surpasses all other contemporaries. The League has a flawless blend of horror and comedy running through its veins, often lifting very niche scenes and dialogue from famous horror films and stories for a fantastic result. A fan favourite is Edward's "you did it beautifully, Tubbs!" delivery in the final sketch of the first episode, which is in direct reference to Christopher Lee's line in the Wickerman once his plan has come to fruition.
On paper it may not sound so incredible and note worthy, but its this passion and handling of great source material that is clearly so dear to the group that really sets The League of Gentlemen high above most if not all British comedies, a show that can not only make you laugh, but feel fear, sadness, disgust, and discomfort - and who doesn't want that from a sketch show?
So a happy anniversary to The League of Gentlemen - may you never leave.
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