Certainly it’s been a slow, maddening process, watching the BBC, and by extension all British television companies, come to realize what a commodity they have in their programs, and how admired those commodities are around the world.
Today, everything has changed. You can acquire most British TV shows on home video (though you may have to bung in a few extra quid for a Region Free DVD player), the BBC America cable channel isn’t afraid to experiment with its content, and last month, something even more amazing came about.
VisitBritain, the UK’s national tourism agency, launched a sweeping new campaign to lure more cash-engorged souls to its shores – all based on its rich history of television, cinematic and stand-up comedy.
The “Comedy England” campaign and Web site invite the curious and the obsessed to visit the birthplaces of legends such as Peter Sellers and Charlie Chaplin, and pay their respects at the graveside of Benny Hill.
Of even greater interest to British Telly fans, “Comedy England” also can helpfully guide you to dozens of other points of interest including:
- The setting of the Seventies sitcom To the Manor Born
- The place where Fawlty Towers‘ Basil Fawlty thrashed his car with a tree branch
- The home of Lou and Andy from Little Britain
- The fictional home of Bridget Jones’ Diary’s title character
- A Dad’s Army museum
What’s particularly gratifying about this campaign and its accompanying Web site is the thought that has clearly gone into it. This isn’t just the nonsense you’ll find in any old guidebook. Speaking of the Web site, its a slick, friendly little number that can easily lead to a relaxing evening’s Web surfing.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to plan my trip to the French restaurant that Mr. Creosote threw up in in Monty Python’s Meaning of Life. (I assume I shall have to bring my own bucket.)
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