Cambridge University Footlights Dramatic Club

Hugh Laurie
Was born in 1959
Bachelor of anthropology and archeology
Cambridge University
Order of the British Empire
Writer, musician, singer

Stephen Fry
Was born in 1957
Graduated from Cambridge University
Bachelor degree in British literature
Has a classical English pronunciation
A true Englishman

Cambridge University Footlights Dramatic Club

Broadcasting
1987 – pilot episode on BBC1
1989-1995 – broadcast on both BBC1 and BBC2
4 series, totally 26 episodes

Humor
Satire
Puns (wordplays)
Absurdity
Breaking the 4th wall

Objects of political satire
Conservative government, tory politicians
Prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major
Tory language

“Young Tory of the year”

Objects of political satire
Conservative reforms:
Reducing social programs
Closing unprofitable factories
Privatization and commercialization

Objects of political satire
Common Englishmen
Their permanent criticism and cynicism towards authorities

Common English people
Stereotypical characters
Human stupidity
Objects of social satire

“National” satire
Features of English national character
English feeling of superiority over other nations

National character