Tony Robinson's Cunningcast

DAVID MITCHELL | Blackadder: The Lost Pilot

Feb 29, 2024

David Mitchell joins Tony Robinson on the podcast to discuss his comedy journey, including his work on Peep Show, Blackadder, and Upstart Crow. They reminisce about the lost Blackadder Pilot, share behind-the-scenes stories, and explore the evolution of British comedy.

53:41

Creator website

Episode guests

Olivia Coleman

David Mitchell

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

David Mitchell credits meeting Robert Webb and the early years of Peep Show for his comedy awakening.

Blackadder's influence on David Mitchell's comedic style is evident in his work, showcasing irreverence towards historical norms.

The personal and creative connections formed through collaborations with industry veterans like Ben Elton have enriched David Mitchell's career.

Deep dives

Mint Mobile Price Cut

Mint Mobile takes a bold step by slashing the price of Mint Unlimited from $30 to just $15 a month, deflating prices due to care for their customers amidst industry inflation, offering $45 upfront for three months plus taxes and fees.

Introduction

3min

Nostalgic Reflections on Television and Comedy Influences

15min

Exploring the Unique Humor of a Sitcom

3min

Exploring Edginess and Irreverence in Historical Drama

2min

From University to Comedy Success

17min

Influences and Parallels Between TV Shows

5min

Exploring Change, Disappointment, and Cunning Plans in Blackadder

3min

Admiration for Ben Elton and Shakespeare's Humanity

7min

Encounter at a Glamorous Party

2min

Comedian David Mitchell is joining Tony on Cunningcast today. They cover David’s comedy awakening; meeting Robert Webb and the early years of Peep Show; how Olivia Coleman got involved; his love of Blackadder; playing William Shakespeare and working with Ben Elton in Upstart Crow and meeting his wife, Victorian Coren Mitchell.

Last year the iconic comedy Blackadder turned 40, to mark the occasion, Tony made a TV show in which he tracked down the lost Blackadder Pilot to discover the truth of Blackadder's beginnings. The show is called Blackadder: The Lost Pilot and you can watch it on catch up on Sky, Virgin & Now.

For the show, Tony interviewed many of those involved and some who were inspired by Blackadder: you are hearing Tony’s unedited, behind the scenes chat with David Mitchell recorded for the programme.

David Mitchell has had a stellar career in British comedy. His big breakthrough was Peep Show with David Webb and Olivia Coleman and since then, he’s worked on a plethora of panel shows, including Would I lie to You, Mock the Week and QI. He starred as William Shakespeare in Upstart Crow, a historical comedy devised by Ben Elton. His new book ‘Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens’ is a thoughtful, funny exploration of the entitled and enthroned.

Hosted by Sir Tony Robinson

X | Instagram

With

David Mitchell

@RealDMitchell

#Unruly | https://www.waterstones.com/book/unruly/david-mitchell/9781405953177

Credits:

Series Producer: Melissa FitzGerald | @melissafitzg

Executive Producer: Dominic de Terville

Blackadder: The Lost Pilot is produced by Red Sauce

A Zinc Media Group production

Follow the show: