
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 15, 1994                   TAG: 9401150312
SECTION: SPECTATOR                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MARTIE ZAD THE WASHINGTON POST
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

'NEW STATESMAN' IS A MASTERPIECE OF BRITISH COMEDY

Judging by the critical recognition given his television series "The New Statesman," Rik Mayall just may be the new king of British comedy. "Statesman," a spoof of England's Parliament, is no less than a masterpiece of political satire.

Six shows from this series are now available from BFS Video. "The New Statesman" series comes in a three-video set with two shows on each cassette. Each volume runs 50 minutes and is listed at $22.98. The price is $59.98 for the set (1-800-268-3891). A second series is being readied for release this year.

Mayall, from "Drop Dead Fred" and "The Young Ones," plays Alan B'Stard, a conservative member of Parliament who adopts ruthless methods to reach for the top of the political ladder, operating in a world that lacks space for scruples or integrity. It's a diplomacy of his own, outlandishly funny and generously spiced with sexual innuendo. At times the show is sexy in the sassy style of British farce.

"The New Statesman" has won England's BAFTA award for best comedy and a New York International Emmy Award. BFS Video, from Richmond Hill, Ontario, distributes many top films and noted series from the British Broadcasting Corp., Central Television Enterprises and Yorkshire Television, producer of "The New Statesman."

The "Statesman" series is made up of "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" and "Passport to Freedom" on the first cassette; "Sex Is Wrong" and "Waste Not, Want Not" on the second; and "Friends of St. James" and "Three-Line Whipping" on the third.

Another series of BFS releases is the "Spitting Image" group. The latex-faced celebrity look-alikes take a scathing gander, as only they can, at Hollywood, international celebs and, yes, even royalty. None is spared is this latest of five releases, "National Expose."

The previous titles have all been hits, especially "Bumbledown - The Life and Times of Ronald Reagan." The others are "Spitting Image - Nothing Is Sacred" and "Spitting Image - The Music Video." Each lists for $14.98.

by CNB