Brian Pern
- TV sitcom
- BBC Four / BBC Two
- 2014 - 2017
- 10 episodes (3 series)
Spoof music documentary series fronted by Simon Day in character as art rocker Brian Pern. Also features Paul Whitehouse, Nigel Havers, Michael Kitchen, David Cummings, Philip Pope and more.
Press clippings
Kemps in new Rhys Thomas music spoof for BBC Four
Spandau Ballet stars Martin and Gary Kemp will feature in a new BBC Four spoof music documentary, from writer and director Rhys Thomas.
British Comedy Guide, 15th January 2020Preview - Brian Pern: A Tribute
One of the lesser known deaths in recent months was that of the Thotch frontman and Simon Day lookalike Brian Pern.
Ian Wolf, On The Box, 29th March 2017Killing their creation off in a Segway accident allows Simon Day and writer-director Rhys Thomas to present "an exclusive, cobbled-together tribute, with whoever we could get hold of at short notice". In practice, the spoof obituary means a greatest-hits feel, as Christopher Eccleston, Jane Asher and the rest take their characters' disdain for Pern up a notch. There follows a compilation of Pern hits, "with some poorly written captions underneath". Sublime.
Jack Seale, The Guardian, 29th March 2017Brian Pern: the last ever interview
The last 18 months have seen a tragic roll call of musical legends pass away. The latest to join the great jam session in the sky? None other than prog-rock pioneer Brian Pern.
Tom Fordy, The Telegraph, 29th March 2017Brian Pern: obituaries aren't meant to be hilarious
Obituaries aren't meant to be hilarious but trust us, this one is.
Mark Braxton, Radio Times, 29th March 2017Brian Pern - a knowing parody of the rock eulogy
Following the unofficial year of celebrity death that was 2016, another victim has been claimed by the great Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in the sky.
Nick Mitchell, i Newspaper, 29th March 2017Simon Day reveals the fate of Brian Pern
Simon Day's BBC4 superstar was the subject of a spoof obituary - but it seems there could be life in the old rocker yet...
Ben Dowell, Radio Times, 29th March 2017Rhys Thomas on Brian Pern: A Tribute
To celebrate the end of an era, we caught up with series co-creator, co-writer, director and star Rhys Thomas to talk about the final days of a rock legend.
The Velvet Onion, 28th March 2017TV review: Brian Pern: A Tribute
The highlight is probably Peter Davison recalling Pern's feeble acting on Dr Who.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 28th March 2017Brian Pern to return
The comedy character Brian Pern looks set to return to television. Creators Rhys Thomas and Simon Day have revealed the news on social media.
British Comedy Guide, 15th February 2017