La La Land

La La Land, a Showtime comedy series that graced our screens in 2010, stars the incredibly versatile and ingenious British comedian Marc Wootton. Wootton is famous for his impeccable talent for bringing unique characters to life with all their eccentricities, something he effortlessly translates to the characters in La La Land.

The title of the show cleverly plays on the informal nickname for Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, while also hinting at a certain state of being out of touch with reality - a dichotomy that sets the tone for the hilarity that ensues on the show. Wootton weaves in and out of different personas, captivating viewers with his chameleonic flair for embodying diverse personalities and his astute talent for pinpointing the idiosyncrasies of each character.

In each episode of La La Land, Wootton plays three British hopefuls - aspiring actor Gary Garner, documentarian Brendan Allen and celebrity psychic Shirley Ghostman. Unbeknownst to the Angelenos they encounter, they are the subjects of a faux reality show. This groundbreaking mockumentary style blurs the lines between perception and reality, eliciting both laughter and cringe-worthy moments for its audiences.

Gary Garner, inspired by desperate wannabes and Hollywood hopefuls, is an aspirant actor from Britain who views himself as a potential megastar. He’s prepared to go to extreme lengths to get his big break but, unfortunately, lacks the talent to backup his ambitions. Brendan Allen, on the other hand, is a naiive documentary filmmaker who thinks he can change the world with his intense passion for filmmaking and human animal hybrids, despite his lack of understanding of the subjects he tackles. Lastly, Shirley Ghostman is an eccentric and overly confident medium who attempts to capitalize on the spiritual scene in LA but often misses the mark.

This show fully showcases Wootton’s chameleonic ability to take on different roles. He has crafted these alter egos with such care that they feel real, making their encounters with unsuspecting Los Angeles citizens all the more hilarious. Wootton masterfully delivers these quirky characters in embarrassing and awkward situations, all the while blurring the line between fiction and reality for both his characters and the audience.

La La Land's premise is built on this duality, as it shines a light on the great lengths to which people will go to attain fame and recognition. It's a playful critique of the entertainment industry, and its sometimes naive hopefuls, offering an unfiltered, comedic look at the trials and tribulations faced by those attempting to break into the highly competitive world of showbusiness. The series presents a clever, entertaining exploration of the absurdities that come with such high-stakes aspirations, with a dash of social commentary for good measure.

However, La La Land is more than just a comedy goldmine. The show occupies a unique narrative space, straddling the fine line between real and unreal, scripted and unscripted, creating an authentic experience that stirs empathy, once you stop laughing. The raw reactions, extreme offbeat personalities, and sprawling Los Angeles setting provide a showcase for Wootton’s outrageous comedy and sharp wit to shine.

La La Land serves as a platform for Wootton's comedic prowess, offering him a stage to draw forth laughter from the least suspecting sources. Yet, it's more than just its comedic elements that makes this show a must-watch. The way Wootton and the team have cleverly crafted each episode to deliver laughter while subtly critiquing Hollywood's see-saw nature is commendable, creating a show that is simultaneously hysterically funny and provocatively thought-provoking.

To sum it up, La La Land is a comedy gem. It’s witty, ingenious, and features a unique comedic style that blends truth and illusion to hilarious effect. It’s a distinctive showcase for Wootton's talent, combining well-crafted characters with the randomness of the real world reactions. Amidst laughter, cringe-worthy moments, and an undeniable charm, it delivers a comedic slice of life in Hollywood unlike any other. For those interested in comedy, entertainment, and an unusual take on the pursuit of fame, La La Land is a noteworthy addition to your watch list.