Dom Joly brings his ‘Trigger Happy TV: The 25th Anniversary Tour’ to The Witham in Barnard Castle on Saturday 28th November, celebrating the turn-of-the-century television hit that made him a household name.
The comedian will bring many of the show’s best-known characters and sketches to the stage, alongside fascinating insights and anecdotes about the moments and creative processes that brought these classics to our screens. True to the spirit of the original series, audiences can also expect some metatextual surprises. As Joly promises: “This is live theatre, and fans can expect the unexpected.”
Produced by Joly, who also starred in the show, ‘Trigger Happy TV’ ran for two full series and two Christmas specials on Channel 4 between 2000 and 2003. A trailblazing hidden-camera prank show, it arrived at a time when the possibilities of British television comedy seemed almost limitless. It also harked back to an era when Channel 4 retained much of its reputation for televisual iconoclasm.
Among the programme’s collection of infamous and much-loved moments, the Nokia ringtone was immortalised through one of its most memorable running gags. For a generation of Britons, it remains almost impossible to hear someone using a phone through a loudhailer in public without recalling the show.
The Witham is also offering tiered ticket options for those looking to make their evening extra special. Premium packages include goody bags, a meet-and-greet opportunity and better seating, giving fans the chance to get closer to the comedian behind one of British television’s most distinctive comedy shows.
Tickets, priced from £28.00 in advance, are available at thewitham.org.uk.
