This year we had to deal with a lot of devastating and saddening news, with the loss of amazing artists and with shocking political decisions.
To cut a long story short 2016 wasn’t a good year for most of us – it was rather lousy.
All in all one got the impression that there’s not much left to laugh about. Fortunately this is going to change since Rutland Weekend Television is back with a Christmas special – after the teeny tiny break of 41 years – and it’s back with a bang. A Big Bang.
“The Entire Universe” was written by comedy legend Eric Idle and is all about a science class gone mad. What starts as a scientific lesson by Professor Brian Cox soon unfolds into a musical with catchy tunes by Eric Idle and John Du Prez and dance choreographies by Arlene Phillips. Professor Brian Cox and Eric Idle are joined by Warwick Davis, Hannah Waddingham, Noel Fielding, Robin Ince and Tim Peake – among others.
Lisa and I, Tanja, had the chance to attend the recording of the show in front of a live audience in London’s Elstree Studios with some lucky fans and it was a pleasure to meet some members of the lovely and incredibly talented cast. Spoiler alert – the show is awesome. It’s got everything you could wish for: great dance choreographies, banter, catchy tunes, science, puns and Noel Fielding in very tight trousers. (Sorry. He’s also very funny.)
Picture Shows: Professor Brian Cox, John du Prez (musical director), Eric Idle, Hannah Waddingham, Noel Fielding, Warwick Davis – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy Levy
So if you’re tired of watching The Grinch for the 15th time and of listening to the same Christmas songs over and over again, fight the holiday boredom with science and knowledge. Like Eric Idle says: “At a time when we celebrate strange myths of men with reindeer bringing gifts it is good to be reminded that some things are actually true.” Astronomy has never been more fun – and it has never looked better.
We don’t want to tell you too much about it and spoil the fun so just go watch it for yourselves. Grab your family and a bottle of Champagne – sparkling wine will do – and end the crappy year with a Big Bang.
Don’t miss out on…
The Entire Universe – on BBC2 at 9:30pm on Boxing Day.
It’s not going to be available online or released on DVD, so take your chance to watch it.
