Help. with Paul Whitehouse & Chris Langham. R2 UK DVD September 26th 2005.

I lied. Well, not intentionally or literally. I said that the only other recommendation for a recent British Comedy series was 'The Smoking Room' (still to be announced for DVD). Wrong.

I saw every episode of Paul Whitehouses' show 'Help' even though it was hidden away at some odd day of the week at some odd time (Sunday 10pm I think, when the typical night for comedy is Friday 9pm onwards). Six half-hour episodes, with Chris Langham as 'Peter' the therapist, dealing with Paul Whitehouses array of oddball characters, each with their own strange behaviour.

Much more detailed information to be found at the ever-helpful BBC page on the show, here.

There's a short streaming clip at the bottom of that page, and profiles that are linked from here to background on Langham and Whitehouse. Wonder how familiar USA audiences are with Paul Whitehouse 1990s hit 'The Fast Show', which was huge in its' time? Or 'Happiness', his more recent comedy-drama?. Both great pieces, the first slightly dated now, the second I haven't really watched much of... both available on DVD already.