9. Big Train (1998, 2002)
Spaced, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost (both currently finishing the 'Cornetto trilogy with
The World's End) and Jessica Hynes is very well known for its mix of bizzare comedy and post-modernism ,making it a cult favourite in the UK. But a year before that show, Simon Pegg was part of a brilliant ensemble cast of a comic sketch show called
Big Train. It tends to be forgotten next to Simon Pegg's follow up series, but there is comedy gold to be had and it is definitely worth another look. It might not have been consistent, but it had a cracking cast, including Kevin Eldon (his evil hypnotist is one of my favourites), Mark Heap, Julia Davis and Catherine Tate. There were a number of comic gold sketches over the show, playing heavily on character misconceptions mixed with the a touch of the bizarre. From grazing jockeys to 'do you speak English' there are many memorable clips to amuse yourself with on You Tube. Though a warning to those in the US; it has a very British droll sense of humour its definitely work checking out. The 'Cake factory' sketch below is one of the shoe's best! And if you enjoy Simon Pegg's TV comedy, its probably worth you checking out
Is It Bill Bailey, also from 1998. It was a stand up and sketch show for the brilliant Bill Bailey and featured Simon Pegg in a number of roles. There's a lot of great clips on You Tube and some of the best musical numbers Bill Bailey has produced. Just search for Insect Nation!