CODE: DAMP - Supernatural Sitcoms, Humour, and Horror with Sophie Sleigh-Johnson
Jan 29, 2025
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Sophie Sleigh-Johnson, a Southend-on-Sea based writer and lecturer at Goldsmiths College, dives into the esoteric intertwining of British sitcoms and folklore. She discusses how seaside towns inspire humor and nostalgia while exploring the peculiar nature of time in television. The conversation highlights the impact of high-definition media on our emotional experiences and critiques the formulaic nature of modern sitcoms. Sophie also touches on the challenges faced by creative individuals in today's media landscape and previews an upcoming event connecting myth and fiction.
The interplay of British sitcoms with themes of folklore and comedy reveals deep social commentaries on identity and human behavior.
The metaphor of 'damp' serves to connect personal experiences with cultural narratives, transforming memory and reflecting existential conditions.
Engaging with sitcoms fosters communal bonds through shared cultural experiences, highlighting the importance of humor and horror in understanding humanity.
Deep dives
Overview of the Book's Themes
The book delves into the intricate relationship between British sitcoms and cultural themes such as folklore, alchemy, and comedy. It focuses particularly on seminal shows like 'Rising Damp' and 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin', using them as cornerstones for exploring British identity and social commentaries. The author, an art lecturer, aims to present these sitcoms as reflective prisms that reveal different facets of existence and human behavior, transcending geographical boundaries. By intertwining personal anecdotes with the sitcoms' narratives, the book invites readers to navigate their own experiences vis-à-vis the themes discussed.
The Significance of 'Damp'
'Damp' serves as a central metaphor in the discussion, symbolizing not only a physical phenomenon but also a portal to deeper meanings within cultural contexts. The author links 'damp' to the landscape of Essex, suggesting it's an integral part of its identity and history, as well as a reflection of the human condition. By associating 'damp' with the alchemical process, the book implies that it has transformative properties, enabling time travel through memory and experience. This concept transcends mere nostalgia, instead framing 'damp' as a medium through which the past and present can be engaged with meaningfully.
Cultural Reflections in Comedy
The podcast highlights how British sitcoms often center around characters who embody failure, reflecting societal attitudes towards the working class. Shows like 'Bottom' or 'Chuckle Vision' portray characters in absurd situations, creating a peculiar connection with viewers who are drawn to their comedic misfortunes. The author posits that engaging with such 'loser' characters allows for a sense of shared misery, creating a communal experience that emphasizes humanity's struggle against mundane existence. This thematic exploration raises questions about societal expectations and the absurdity of traditional standpoints on success.
Pop Culture as Initiation
The conversation suggests that contemporary engagement with television can be viewed as a form of initiation into shared cultural experiences. The act of watching sitcoms collectively, especially in a nostalgic context, creates a bond among viewers reminiscent of folk traditions. This shared experience of humor and horror plays a crucial role in activating memories and emotions tied to the depicted narratives. The discussion implies that these shows serve as cultural artifacts that provide insights into shared human experiences, reinforcing the notion that popular culture can indeed be a conduit for deeper connections.
Critique of Contemporary Media
The podcast critiques the current landscape of television production, arguing that much of modern programming lacks the depth and risk-taking present in earlier sitcoms. The authors express dissatisfaction with highly produced and polished content that often prioritizes commercial appeal over genuine narrative engagement. This disconnection leads to a lack of relatability and emotional resonance in contemporary storytelling. By contrasting older sitcoms with today's media, the dialogue underscores a longing for the authentic textures that once characterized television and suggests a need for a return to more daring and meaningful storytelling.
Sophie Sleigh-Johnson, born 1988, is a Southend-on-Sea based writer. She holds a PhD from Goldsmiths College, London, where she now teaches as an Associate Lecturer in Fine Art Critical Studies. Her performance work, comprising sound collage and spoken word with printmaking props, occasions numerous performances both nationally and internationally. She writes for publications including The Darkside, The Leigh Times, and The London Drinker.
Book link:
https://repeaterbooks.com/product/code-damp-an-esoteric-guide-to-british-sitcoms/
Sleigh-Johnson's site: https://www.sophiesleigh-johnson.co.uk/
Live event with Simon O'Sullivan:
https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=8E4B34E4-02F2-4A1A-9782-503848E09B03&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=846EE6CA-2714-4D2E-8B82-C8454966D821
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