Absolutely

Absolutely is a Sketch comedy programme that holds a distinct place in the history of British television. Aired on Channel 4 from 1989 to 1993, the show stands out for its adept blend of absurd comedy, observational humour, and witty sketches that highlighted the quirks of ordinary life. Over the span of four seasons and 28 episodes, Absolutely carved a niche for itself within the diverse landscape of British television comedy.

The series was created by a collective of seven Scottish comedians: Moray Hunter, Jack Docherty, Peter Baikie, Gordon Kennedy, Morwenna Banks, John Sparkes, and Pete Baikie. This comedic ensemble cast handled the writing, acting, and the radio adaptation of the series. The cast was uniquely filled by relatively new faces on the television comedy scene, who each brought an individual comedic style to the ensemble, lending the show a freshness and originality that was highly appreciated by audiences.

Every episode of Absolutely provided a heady mix of traditional comedic sketches, monologues, and character-based humour. Each episode usually consisted of a series of unconnected sketches, with themes ranging from the ludicrously surreal to biting and acute satiric social commentary. The sketches were interspersed with occasional bizarre animations that further enhanced the show's absurdist charm.

Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of Absolutely was its recurring characters who returned episode after episode, a common trait of the sketch comedy genre. The series brought to life an array of memorable characters, each more eccentric than the last. From Stoneybridge Town Council, an inept and slightly insane group of town councilors known for their ridiculously long and rambling meetings, to MacGlashan, a fiercely strange and intense Scottish nationalist, to the charmingly childlike and innocent Little Girl - the characters were expertly crafted and portrayed by the show's versatile cast. Each character sketch thrived on exaggeration and created a hyperbolic version of real life, offering sharp, poignant, and often hilarious observations of human nature and society.

One of the remarkable aspects of Absolutely was its ability to experiment with humour and push boundaries while retaining a strong sense of comedic timing and interplay. The series was unafraid to delve into surrealism and absurdism, aiming to provoke hearty laughter - although it often left viewers baffled at the same time. This sense of unpredictability and balance between outlandish and thought-provoking elements formed the core of the show's appeal.

A significant element in Absolutely's success was its language and linguistics antics - it would routinely play with accents, dialects and languages, often mixing up English and Scottish vernaculars for comedic effect. This was reflective of the primarily Scottish cast of the show and added a layer of authentic depth to the characters.

As it often happens with cult shows, Absolutely also found life beyond its initial run on television. Due to popular demand, and in recognition of its unique place in comedy, the series spawned a radio adaptation called 'Absolutely Presents...', which aired on BBC Radio 4. The show also led to a number of spin-offs with specific characters, enabling its actors further opportunities to showcase their talent.

In conclusion, Absolutely was a cherished product from Channel 4 that broke the mold of traditional comedy and introduced audiences to a fresh style of humour which mixed the mundane with the surreal, and mundane satire with absurd humour. For the four years it aired, Absolutely was not just a comedy show - it was a playground of creative freedom, innovative ideas, and unorthodox comedy which still resonates with fans. Commanding a cult status, it remains one of the classics of British comedy television.