And so here we have it, one of the formative TV shows of my youth and one that gave me a life-long love of improvisation. I've just watched the full ten-year run of the original UK version of WHOSE LINE? for the first time and every single episode ranged from good to fantastic. It's a real labour of love for those involved, a show that popularised the amazing talents of endless genuinely funny performers.
Watching it from the beginning is a treat, because you get Josie Lawrence all fresh-faced and full of song and laughter; the irresistable Tony Slattery, stealing every round he's in, Greg Proops, the loud but lovable American talent, alongside the gradual introduction and growth of Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles as they came to dominate and own the show. And it wouldn't be WHOSE LINE? without Mr. No Neck himself, Clive Anderson, who brings real wit to his role as host. Yes, the show unfortunately became a bit too Americanised in the last couple of series, and the sacking or retiring of certain performers continues to smart, but overall this is masterful stuff that continues to enchant. It's instantly preferable to most other TV comedy shows of the last three decades.
Watching it from the beginning is a treat, because you get Josie Lawrence all fresh-faced and full of song and laughter; the irresistable Tony Slattery, stealing every round he's in, Greg Proops, the loud but lovable American talent, alongside the gradual introduction and growth of Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles as they came to dominate and own the show. And it wouldn't be WHOSE LINE? without Mr. No Neck himself, Clive Anderson, who brings real wit to his role as host. Yes, the show unfortunately became a bit too Americanised in the last couple of series, and the sacking or retiring of certain performers continues to smart, but overall this is masterful stuff that continues to enchant. It's instantly preferable to most other TV comedy shows of the last three decades.