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The Herald Scotland
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Review: Scottish comedy shorts, Shark!, A Man Called Otto
Billed as an 'entertainment and wildlife crossover' - fancy - Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters (STV, Monday) involved seven moderately famous sorts being flown to the Bahamas to learn how to swim with sharks. To show that this was all about education and not cheap laughs, the celebs were promised that no one would be voted off each week. I'd have thought that was the least of their worries. Looking at their terrified faces in the briefing, a few were wondering why they had not accepted the offer of a train ride with Michael Portillo instead. It did not help that one of the instructors was missing an arm and a leg after an encounter with a bull shark - the very type the celebs were about to meet. Since it was the first day, the stars were allowed to stand in a cage while sharks the size of Renault Clios had fun rattling the bars. Call the Midwife's Helen George had the worst of it, being too scared to put her head underwater, never mind go eyeball to eyeball with a shark. She had her reasons for fearing the water, as did Lenny Henry. 'I like the idea of having a little bit more bravery,' he said. 'Yes, we're on the telly. Yes, we're all celebrities, but it's different, this.' Was it, though? Heartstring-tugging back stories, manufactured jeopardy - it all seemed pretty standard reality show fare. The instructors were good value, and the celebrities more thoughtful than your average bunch. Ross Noble kept the quips coming, while George, once the screaming stopped, was charming company, even when a stingray got too close for comfort. 'Oh my God, it's coming right for my vagina,' she cried. There are four more weeks of this to go. I don't think Sir David Attenborough has anything to worry about. New Scottish comedy talent was on show in Govan Fair Queen and Good For Her (BBC Scotland, Monday, now on iPlayer). Normally, that would be our cue to flee the area, but not this time. Both had laugh-out-loud moments and characters you would happily give house room to again. Written by Paul Black, Govan Fair Queen starred Elaine C Smith - one of several bigger names lending a hand - as a doting granny determined that her granddaughter (Harper Blue Hamilton) would win first prize in a local talent contest. Smith was in familiar Two Doors Down/Rab C territory at first as the fag-smoking gran in a housecoat and slippers, but the story soon branched out. I've watched plenty of talent show skits, but none as truly madly Glaswegian as this. Let's just say there was one visual gag in keeping with the local culture. Good For Her was a Fast Show-style sketch fest written and performed by Zara Gladman. You may be familiar with some of her characters, chiefly Aileen, the West End mum, but there were several others. Whether she was taking on the misogynist trolling of women comedians - surely not! - indie fan boys or the ways of local newsreaders, Gladman hit the mark. There was a catch, of course. Both offerings were shorts: Govan Fair Queen was 10 minutes long, and Good for Her 20 minutes. While there is nothing wrong with starting life as a short or a sketch - Still Game came from Chewin the Fat - it doesn't have the same ring of confidence about it as a pilot (the Two Doors Down Hogmanay special that led to seven series and counting). While a nicely produced short is a handy calling card, both performers are already well known on YouTube and TikTok, particularly Gladman. What they need now is to make the jump from online to mainstream. These shorts will help, but all concerned need to get a wriggle on. It's a crowded market out there for comedy, and getting more so every day. Bookish (U&Alibi on Sky/Virgin Media/Now, Wednesday) found Sherlock writer Mark Gatiss striking out on his own. Gatiss played Gabriel Book, a secondhand bookshop owner/sleuth. Blessed with brilliant recall and a nose for a wrong 'un, the Tolstoy-quoting Book was a handy man to have around when a body was found. Not every copper was pleased to see him, but he had a letter from Churchill which gave him special access. It was one of several clues suggesting Book was not a man to be judged by his cover. This being bombed-out London two years after the war, finding bodies was not a rare occurrence. Just as well Book had a new assistant, Jack (Connor Finch), fresh out of jail that very day. Jack wondered why Book had welcomed a stranger, and an ex-con at that, into his home and given him a job. Those were questions for another time, when they were not busy with the suspicious death of a local worthy. The case took two hour-long episodes to solve, a fair old chunk of anyone's time, particularly when the budget could only stretch to a handful of the same streets and interiors. Canny TV operator that he is, Gatiss introduced a dog into the mix just in time. Not just any dog, but one that carried messages in a special container attached to his collar. As an idea it could catch on (have you seen the price of stamps?). More of a daytime drama than evening fare, but worth a look, if only to see that clever dog (named simply "Dog" by the way) in action. Time was when a Saturday night movie starring Tom Hanks would have involved an expedition to the cinema and no change out of £20. Now you can watch the double Oscar-winner for free, at home, in a film on general release not that long ago (as long as you don't mind the ads). Old Hollywood would think the business had lost its collective mind. A Man Called Otto (Channel 4, available to stream for 30 days for free on 4) began life as a Swedish novel and film before this US remake by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, World War Z). Tom Hanks played the grumpy widower who thought the world was full of idiots. Without Otto doing his morning 'rounds' of the neighbourhood and telling people off for poor parking and other crimes, it would be anarchy out there. So far, so Victor Meldrew - and so predictable. Sure enough, a young family moved into the cul-de-sac and chipped away at Otto's Easter Island exterior. Before you knew it, the old grump was doing good deeds left, right and centre. Among A-listers, what's left of them, only Hanks could get away with such an obvious schmaltz fest as A Man Called Otto. Tom Cruise would only attempt it if snow shovelling could be turned into a life-or-death stunt. Harrison Ford comes across as authentically grumpy, so that wouldn't be much fun. Clint Eastwood probably came closest in Gran Torino, though that too was a touch spiky. But Hanks, the heir to Jimmy Stewart as a paragon of decency? Perfect. That said, credit to the Forrest Gump and Philadelphia star for sticking with the Swedish original and going to some very bleak places with the grief-stricken Otto. Tom Hanks and feline friend in A Man Called Otto (Image: Niko Tavernise/2022 CTMG) Otto, we learn from (too many) flashbacks was another in a long line of everyday American heroes to feature on the Hanks cv. This one was notable because he was ordinary to the point of almost being dull. It was love that saved him before, and it would do so again. Hanks's son Truman did a fine job of playing the young Otto. Having him around was far preferable to the startling moment when Hanks appeared as his younger self, complete with weird CGI face and unfeasibly dark hair. As for the business model behind A Man Called Otto, it more than paid its way: made for $50 million, it grossed more than double that worldwide in cinemas. Nice guys like Hanks never finish last.
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
We've found not one but two funny Scots comedies but there's a catch
Good For Her **** BBC Scotland/iPlayer REMEMBER the time we discovered a Scottish comedy that was genuinely funny? Only Child was the name, with Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh as a bickering but devoted father and son. Recently commissioned for a second series, it was a comedy to claim as one of our own. That was a year ago. Without wishing to alarm anyone, lightning might have struck again. And again. Govan Fair Queen and Good For Her, both shown on BBC Scotland, had laugh-out-loud moments and characters you would happily give house room to. Written by Paul Black, Govan Fair Queen starred Elaine C Smith as a doting granny determined that her granddaughter (Harper Blue Hamilton) will right a historical wrong by lifting first prize in a local talent contest. But first they have to get past the head judge (Julie Wilson Nimmo). Smith was in familiar Two Doors Down/Rab C territory at first as the fag-smoking gran in a housecoat and slippers. But both she and the story soon branched out. I've watched plenty of talent show skits, but none as truly madly Glaswegian as the one here. Let's just say there's one visual gag that's in keeping with the local culture. Read more Good For Her was a Fast Show-style sketch fest written and performed by Zara Gladman. You may be familiar with some of her characters, chiefly Aileen, the West End mum, but there are plenty of others and one truly unforgettable cameo appearance. Whether she is taking on the misogynist trolling of women comedians - surely not! - indie fan boys or the ways of local newsreaders, Gladman hits the mark slyly but surely. Before you get too attached to Black and Gladman, I have to interrupt this love-in with an important announcement: Govan Fair Queen and Good for Her are just 10 and 20 minutes long, respectively. While there is nothing wrong with starting life as a short or a sketch - Still Game, after all, came from Chewin the Fat - it doesn't have the same ring of confidence about it as a pilot (the Two Doors Down Hogmanay special that led to seven series and counting). A short can make the material look as though there's more work to be done. Yet both performers are already well known on YouTube and TikTok, particularly Gladman. You might think this made the transition from social media to mainstream easier, but that only applies up to a point. The upside of social media is that anyone can upload their work and have it seen. The downside is that anyone can upload their work, etc. What was always a crowded market has become even more so. So how can an act make the leap from online to primetime (or even just BBC3), assuming they want to? Given the speed at which YouTube is growing it might be smart to make the platform their main home. Plenty do and are earning a decent living. Alternatively, there's ye olde school way of building up a fan base, getting your name out there, and praying somebody up there in commissioning likes you. It needs to happen fast, though. See earlier point about crowded markets. Both Gladman and Black now have impressive calling cards made at considerable expense and it is up to them, BBC Scotland, and anyone else so inclined, to spread the word. Both films are available now on BBC iPlayer
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Govan Fair Queen: Elaine C Smith stars in new Paul Black short film
Harper Blue Hamilton and Elaine C. Smith star in Paul Black's Govan Fair Queen. | BBC Scotland / Shakehaus Written and directed by Paul Black, Govan Fair Queen stars Elaine C Smith and Harper Blue Hamilton with Julie Wilson Nimmo also set to appear. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A 'heartfelt and hilarious' new short film starring Scottish icon Elaine C Smith, will soon be released on BBC Scotland. Titled Govan Fair Queen, the short comes from rising Glasgow filmmaker and comedian Paul Black who said the project was based 'roughly' on his childhood. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It follows 9-year-old Abigail as she is reluctantly roped into entering the annual Govan Fair competition by her gran Linda. With a dream holiday to Florida at stake, tensions rise and a long-standing rivalry is reignited. Harper Blue Hamilton will make her onscreen debut as Abigail, with Smith playing her larger-than-life grandmother. Balamory and Scot Squad actress Julie Wilson Nimmo will also appear as one of the judges. Described as 'a celebration of working-class pride, local legacy, and intergenerational love set in the heart of Govan', crews were spotted filming in Glasgow earlier this year with The Govan Fair committee even loaning the production the authentic Govan Fair Queen crown. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Govan Fair Queen highlights 'the joy in working class communities' Black, a two-time Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award nominee, said it was a 'joy' to make the short. He said: 'It was a joy to work with such a talented cast and crew on a wee story (roughly) based on my childhood, The Govan Fair holds a special place in the community's heart, and I loved bringing it to life on screen. 'It celebrates the humour and tenacity of the women I grew up around, highlighting the joy in working class communities that is often overlooked in stories about us.' The film is executive produced by Margarita Veberaite for Shakehaus and produced by Lauren Lamarr, with editorial input, accessibility support, and local engagement support from The Portal Studios. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Three judges for the Govan Fair Queen contest seated in a row in a town hall. The head judge, played by Julie Wilson Nimmo, sits in the middle | BBC Scotland / Shakehaus Moya Crowley, the creative director of The Portal Studios, said they were proud to support a film which celebrates 'authentic local storytelling'. She added: 'Paul's voice shines throughout this story, capturing the spirit, humour and strength of the community.' How to watch Govan Fair Queen? Govan Fair Queen will be released on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Monday, July 14. It will also be broadcast on BBC Scotland at 9.30pm on the same day.
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Paul Black's film Govan Fair Queen comes to BBC Scotland
Govan Fair Queen is a new comedy short by the Scottish breakout star, who started his career on social media. It follows nine-year-old Abigail, who is reluctantly pushed into entering the annual Govan Fair Queen competition by her larger-than-life gran Linda. The story is a celebration of working-class pride, local legacy and intergenerational love, set in the heart of Govan, in the city's Southside. It will star local acting legend Elaine C Smith, joined by Harper Blue Hamilton in her screen debut. Paul Black's film Govan Fair Queen comes to BBC Scotland (Source: Sonja Blietschau) (Image: Sourced) READ NEXT: Iconic Glasgow actress spotted filming 'new Paul Black film' Paul Black said: 'It was a joy to work with such a talented cast and crew on a wee story (roughly) based on my childhood. "The Govan Fair holds a special place in the community's heart, and I loved bringing it to life on screen. "It celebrates the humour and tenacity of the women I grew up around, highlighting the joy in working-class communities that is often overlooked in stories about us." Govan Fair Queen will air as part of BBC Scotland's Comedy Shorts initiative at 9:30pm on Monday, July 14. And again on BBC Three at 11pm on Thursday, July 17. It will also be available on iPlayer.
Glasgow Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Iconic Glasgow actress spotted filming 'new Paul Black film'
Elaine C. Smith, known for her role in Two Doors Down and for playing Mary Doll in Rab C. Nesbitt, was seen being filmed in the Southside. Locals have hinted that the actress is in a new short film written and directed by Glasgow comedian Paul Black. They also say that the film will be centred around the historic Govan Fair Queen. Govan Fair is a centuries-old tradition, held on the first Friday of June, where parades take to the streets. Iconic Glasgow actress spotted filming 'new Paul Black film' (Image: Facebook/acumfaegovan) Paul, who shot to fame after filming funny sketches on TikTok, will be crowning the fair's Queen this year. Excited locals snapped the pictures and shared their joy at the filming. READ MORE: The Govan Fair returns to Glasgow's Southside this weekend They said in a social media post: "Spotted them filming Elaine C. Smith and a little girl dressed as Govan Fair Queen outside Fairfield Heritage a few weeks ago. "Just found out that it is a BBC and Screen Scotland short film named Govan Fair Queen - written and directed by Paul Black and coming to BBC iPlayer this summer. "Very fitting that comedian, writer, and director Paul will be crowning this year's Queen. "Thanks to The Old Govan Fair for the information." A group of young children at the Govan fair in 1960 (Image: Archive) Other locals flocked to the comments on the post to share the excitement. One said: "We lived in Govan in our early childhood. I still remember the Govan Fair Parade. Happy memories." Another said: "Govan Fair parade this Friday. There is always a good crowd. I hope it stays dry." The Fair announced Paul as the person who will crown the Queen this year and gushed over his new project - they described it as the comedian's "love letter to the Govan Fair." READ MORE: Memories: Govan Fair in 1958 The Glasgow Times reported on the 2022 Govan Fair, which was the first to take place since the Covid lockdown thwarted previous years. Honorary chairperson, Dorothy Courtney, spoke then and said: "I've been on the committee for almost 33 years now and chairperson for around 31. 'It's a real passion for me. 'I'll probably cry on the night. READ NEXT: Stranger saved my life by noticing deadly cancer growing in my neck, says mum 'It's been two years since we've been able to hold the event fully because of Covid. "This year feels like the first time that everything has been allowed to open back up properly. 'It's a great thing for the people of Govan.'
