I think it's high time we had another dose of Classic Comedy. This time, it's a bit of a left field entry, not because it is unpopular or unfunny, quite the contrary, but because this time things get a bit political. However, it is political done in the best possible way. Yes it is that bastion of comedy - Yes, Minister, which later became Yes, Prime Minister.
1980 to 1984 saw audiences react wonderfully to an insanely witty, sharp, chaotic and hilarious comedy, set around the political life of a newly elected minister, his suave and manipulative Permanent Secretary, and his good-natured Principle Private Secretary. Though portrayed in a fictitious department of the government (the Department of Administrative Affairs) that more often than not are seen to be dealing with ridiculously trivial matters that quickly escalate, the hilarity comes thick and fast. It is a cliche with this show now, but what's more it is still utterly recognizable today, it is still just as funny, and just as great to watch.
I do go on about casting, but here I think it is especially key, as I shall explain later. We see Paul Eddington (also of The Good Life fame) as Jim Hacker MP, the well-meaning but often clueless man trying to struggle through all the trials and tribulations of British politics. "Assisting" him through it all is Civil Servant Sir Humphrey Appleby, played by the brilliant Sir Nigel Hawthorne. Seriously, just watching his "big speeches" is a brilliant treat! On their own these two are utterly peerless actors playing two greatly crafted characters, but when you put them together, prepare to sit back and enjoy. And shake with laughter. Each episode brings oodles of chemistry and resulting comic genius flowing from them. Also adding to that is a third party, the affable Bernard Wooley, a marvelous and integral character to this great trio, played by Derek Fowlds.
After a glorious 4 year career in politics and comedy, in 1986 the team came back and were transcended to the top at number 10. Hacker became Prime Minister, Humphrey was promoted to his Cabinet Secretary, and Bernard was...Bernard. Different sets, different titles for the characters, bigger political "situations" to get into and out of; same glorious comedy gold.
The only reason I am not totally and unabashedly gushing about Yes (Prime) Minister, is that in 2013, they remade it. It aroused similar issues to that which I shared with you about Open All Hours a while ago. I was afraid they would sully the legacy of this great 80's series. In a way they did, but it wasn't entirely their fault. Same characters, same brilliant writers, but 21st century set up. This would have been fine, yet tragically both Eddington and Hawthorne passed away many years beforehand, and Derek Fowlds didn't come back, so a new crop of actors were brought in to fill such iconic boots. Many of them had received good practice in the stage show (again based on the original which is to this day enjoying good receptions in the West End) but I think the shadow of their original forbears was too great. The 2013 Yes, Prime Minister was good don't get me wrong, and there were still funny moments. But compared to the originals (which is unavoidable in this case) it fell quite short of the mark sadly.
Regardless, the original Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister remain, for me, a sitcom triumph. I urge you to watch it, even if you have no interest in politics which I don't particularly, it is still a comic master stroke, and will be referred to as a comedy classic for some time to come.
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