World of Pub
Encyclopedia
World of Pub is a radio
and television
sitcom, set in a pub
in the East End of London
, written by Tony Roche
and produced by Jane Berthoud.
The radio version had two series on BBC Radio 4
, between 4 March 1998 and 28 January 1999, both lasting four episodes. The series one episodes last 15 minutes, whereas series two had episodes lasting 30 minutes. The TV series ran for six episodes, lasting 30 minutes, between 24 June and 29 July 2001 on BBC Two
.
The plot often follows the same formula; The pub is destroyed or needs rebuilding, and Dodgy Phil produces a scheme to re-launch the pub, which Barry disputes. Dodgy Phil telephones a friend, such as 'Mock Tudor Trev' or 'Logistical Nightmare Len', who arrives immediately to rebuild the pub, together with a set of characters represented by sound effects, and often Edith Piaf
. The work is then finished in a short sound effect (often to the sound of Je ne regrette rien). The plan is flawed, and the pub is destroyed or closed down at the end of each episode.
, who plays Barry.
Garry is played by Peter Serafinowicz
in the first radio series, but by Alistair McGowan
in series two. Serafinowicz returned as Garry in the television series.
Dodgy Phil is played by John Thomson in the radio series, but by Kevin Eldon in the TV series.
make an appearance.
In the episode Ladies, feminist Germaine Greer
makes an appearance, where she sings Stand by Your Man
.
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
and television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
sitcom, set in a pub
Public house
A public house, informally known as a pub, is a drinking establishment fundamental to the culture of Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. There are approximately 53,500 public houses in the United Kingdom. This number has been declining every year, so that nearly half of the smaller...
in the East End of London
East End of London
The East End of London, also known simply as the East End, is the area of London, England, United Kingdom, east of the medieval walled City of London and north of the River Thames. Although not defined by universally accepted formal boundaries, the River Lea can be considered another boundary...
, written by Tony Roche
Tony Roche (writer)
Tony Roche is a television and radio comedy writer, best-known as one of the members of the writing team behind the award-winning BBC Television series The Thick of It and its film spin-off In the Loop....
and produced by Jane Berthoud.
The radio version had two series on BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
, between 4 March 1998 and 28 January 1999, both lasting four episodes. The series one episodes last 15 minutes, whereas series two had episodes lasting 30 minutes. The TV series ran for six episodes, lasting 30 minutes, between 24 June and 29 July 2001 on BBC Two
BBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
.
Plot
Each episode was set in an unsuccessful pub in London's East End. At the end of each episode, a disaster, visit from royalty, angry mob etc. destroys the pub. The pub is run by brothers, the nervous Barry and the idiotic Garry. The only regulars of the pub are Bob and Dodgy Phil. Every episode revolves around one of Dodgy Phil's plans to improve the pub, a plan which Barry always has doubts about. The doubts are often confirmed due to the pub's destruction at the end of every episode. One of the running jokes in the series is that, as the pub is next to a zoo, unusual animals are often found inside it.The plot often follows the same formula; The pub is destroyed or needs rebuilding, and Dodgy Phil produces a scheme to re-launch the pub, which Barry disputes. Dodgy Phil telephones a friend, such as 'Mock Tudor Trev' or 'Logistical Nightmare Len', who arrives immediately to rebuild the pub, together with a set of characters represented by sound effects, and often Edith Piaf
Édith Piaf
Édith Piaf , born Édith Giovanna Gassion, was a French singer and cultural icon who became widely regarded as France's greatest popular singer. Her singing reflected her life, with her specialty being ballads...
. The work is then finished in a short sound effect (often to the sound of Je ne regrette rien). The plan is flawed, and the pub is destroyed or closed down at the end of each episode.
Cast
The only member of the cast to appear in all of the episodes is Phil CornwellPhil Cornwell
Phil Cornwell is an English comedian, actor, impressionist and writer. He is probably best known as being part of the Dead Ringers television and radio series...
, who plays Barry.
Garry is played by Peter Serafinowicz
Peter Serafinowicz
Peter Szymon Serafinowicz is an English actor, comedian, writer, composer, voice artist and occasional director.-Early life:Serafinowicz was born in Liverpool, England. He attended Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Primary School and St Francis Xavier Secondary School...
in the first radio series, but by Alistair McGowan
Alistair McGowan
Alistair McGowan is a British impressionist, stand-up comic, actor, singer and writer best known to British audiences for The Big Impression , which was, for four years, one of BBC1's top-rating comedy programmes - winning numerous awards, including a BAFTA in 2003...
in series two. Serafinowicz returned as Garry in the television series.
Dodgy Phil is played by John Thomson in the radio series, but by Kevin Eldon in the TV series.
Guest appearances
The television version had some noticeable guest appearances. In the episodes Queen, cockney singers Chas and DaveChas and Dave
Chas & Dave are an English pop rock duo, most notable as creators and performers of a musical style labelled "rockney", which mixes "pub singalong, music-hall humour, boogie-woogie piano and pre-Beatles rock 'n' roll"...
make an appearance.
In the episode Ladies, feminist Germaine Greer
Germaine Greer
Germaine Greer is an Australian writer, academic, journalist and scholar of early modern English literature, widely regarded as one of the most significant feminist voices of the later 20th century....
makes an appearance, where she sings Stand by Your Man
Stand By Your Man
"Stand by Your Man" is a song co-written by Tammy Wynette and Billy Sherrill and originally recorded by Tammy Wynette, released as a single in September 1968 in the USA...
.
Radio
| Episode | Air Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Radio Series 1 - 1998 | ||
| 1. 1-1 | 1998-04-04 | The Oldest Pub in the World |
| 2. 1-2 | 1998-04-11 | The Environmentally Friendly Pub |
| 3. 1-3 | 1998-04-18 | The Biggest Pub in the World |
| 4. 1-4 | 1998-04-25 | The 500th Anniversary of the East End |
| Radio Series 2 - 1999 | ||
| 5. 2-1 | 1999-01-07 | The Millennium Pub Experience |
| 6. 2-2 | 1999-01-14 | The Miracle Pub |
| 7. 2-3 | 1999-01-21 | The First Ever Pub Olympics |
| 8. 2-4 | 1999-01-28 | The East End Gangster Awards |
Television
| Episode | Air Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| TV Series 1 - 2001 | ||
| 1. 1-1 | 2001-06-24 | Queen |
| 2. 1-2 | 2001-07-01 | Drink |
| 3. 1-3 | 2001-07-08 | Bookshop |
| 4. 1-4 | 2001-07-15 | Sixties |
| 5. 1-5 | 2001-07-22 | Caine |
| 6. 1-6 | 2001-07-29 | Ladies |
External links
- World of Pub at Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...
- World of Pub homepage on the BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
- TV Episode Guide
- Radio Episode Guide
- World of Pub at the British Sitcom Guide