Dead Ringers is a impressionist comedy sketch show from the BBC. By that I don't mean that Monet is the star, rather a team of exceptionally talented impressionists such as Alistair McGowan, Jon Culshaw, Kate Robbins, Simon Lipston, and Jan Ravens bring their mimicry to the airwaves. Those who 'feature' are Tom Baker in the guise of the Doctor, phoning various people to ask for various items that all intergallactic DIY stores should stock, or whether they have a taxi free to take him to Alpha Centuri, William Hague (former leader of the Conservative Party for those who are not quite sure), trying to get in anywhere that will raise his profile, and a wonderful Alan Bennett, whose afternoon teas with Dame Thora Hird are an eye opener! Of course, classics such as Rolf Harris and Ronnie Corbett crop up amongst newer celebs like Anne Robinson (you are the weakest link, goodbye) and of course, Posh and Becks. To say this is one of the funniest things on radio at the moment is an understatement, and I am only sorry that I caught the tale end of the second series. The third series is currently being broadcast on Radio 4 of a Friday evening - don't miss it.
SERIES 1 | 2 | 3 | Archers Special | 4 | Election Special | 5 | The ImpressionistsThe first series was broadcast on a Friday evening on Radio 4 at 6.30pm, with a repeat the day after at 12.30pm. Series One.
TX Date Rpt Date Notes 7.1.2000 8.1.2000 Side 1, Tape 1 14.1.2000 15.1.2000 Side 2, Tape 1 21.1.2000 22.1.2000 Side 3, Tape 1 28.1.2000 29.1.2000 Side 4, Tape 1 The first series was also broadcast on a Friday evening on Radio 4 at 6.30pm, with a repeat the day after at 12.30pm. Series Two.
TX Date Rpt Date Notes 16.6.2000 17.6.2000 CD 1, Disc 1 23.6.2000 24.6.2000 CD 1, Disc 1 30.6.2000 1.7.2000 CD 1, Disc 2 7.7.2000 8.7.2000 CD 1, Disc 2 14.7.2000 15.7.2000 21.7.2000 22.7.2000 28.7.2000 29.7.2000 4.8.2000 5.8.2000 The first series was also broadcast on a Friday evening on Radio 4 at 6.30pm, with a repeat the day after at 12.30pm. Series Three.
TX Date Rpt Date Notes 24.11.2000 25.11.2000 1.12.2000 2.12.2000 8.12.2000 9.12.2000 15.12.2000 16.12.2000 1.1.2001 2.1.2001 A one off show recorded for the 50th Anniversary of The Archers. Archers Special.
TX Date TX Date Notes 1.1.01 2.1.01 Broadcast on Radio 4, 4.30pm, repeated the following day at 11.00pm. Another series broadcast on a Friday evening on Radio 4 at 6.30pm, with a repeat the day after at 12.30pm. Series Four.
TX Date Rpt Date Notes 6.4.2001 7.4.2001 13.4.2001 14.4.2001 20.4.2001 21.4.2001 27.4.2001 28.4.2001 A one off show recorded for the General Election. Election Special.
TX Date Notes 6.6.2001 Wednesday, 6.30pm, Radio 4 The latest series broadcast on a Friday evening on Radio 4 at 6.30pm, with a repeat the day after at 12.30pm. Series Five.
There are now two tapes of the show avialable, with the first volume containing four episodes on from the first series and the second volume contianing the first part of the second series. Priced at the standard £9.99 for the tapes, CD versions are available for the reasonable price of £12.99.
TX Date Rpt Date Notes 24.8.2001 25.8.2001 Alistair McGowan Alistair began working life as a stand-up comic, but his talent for impressions soon took him to Radio 4's Weekending. Other BBC radio credits include When Harry Met Ally, co-written with Harry Hill. He starred in the TV series Prestion Front and now enjoys his own series, Alistair McGowan's Big Impression. He also recently appeared int he West End Hit play Art. Jon Culshaw After winning Radio 1's Talent 93, Jon joined the Spitting Image team where provided voices for over forty characters. He has also provided the impressions for Capital FM's Steve Penk Show (before Penky moved to Virgin), and made headlines when, with an impression of William Hague, he got through to the 10 Downing Street switchboard and spoke to Tony Blair live on air. Kate Robbins The UK's leading female voice over artist, Kate Robbins was the female voice of Spitting Image, has a lead role in Crossroads and her own series, The Kate Robbins show. Other TV credits include Rory Bremner and Victoria wood's Dinnerladies. On radio, she was part of the award-winning Look Back At The Future. Simon Lipson As well as stand-up shows at key London venues, Simon Lipson had appeared on television shows including 5's Company on Channel 5 and the Stand Up Show on BBC 1. Radio credits include Interesting...Very Interesting and The Game's Up on Radio Five Live, and Weekending and Loose Ends on Radio 4. Jan Ravens Jan Ravens read Drama at Cambridge University. From a leading performer with the University's dramatic club, Footlights, she went on to become its first female president. In addition to award-winning theatre, her television credits include The Grimley's, One Foot In The Grave, Harry Enfield and Chums, Who's Line Is It Anyway? and Spitting Image. Kevin Connelly Born in Middlesborough, Kevin discovered his talent for mimickry at school. A stint entertaining hotel guests in Thirsk led to after-dinner speaking and then television. As well as having his won show on Tyne Tees in 1999, his television credits include BBC Sports Review of the Year, We're On Out Way To Wembley and The Pavillion End. Phil Cornwell Phil's other radio creditis include And This is Them, King of the Road,a nd Blue Jam III. On television he has appeared in World of Pub, Gormnenghast, Knowing Me, Knowing You, and Trial and Retribution. With John Sessions he co-wrote and co-starred in the first three series of Stella Street. He has also worked in film and theatre. The Impressionists.