Performers who don't write their shows

When I first saw Armstong and Miller I was surprised to see that they don't write their sketches. This seems quite rare nowadays. I wonder if this is becuase Armstrong and Miller are actors/performers rather than comedians, in a similar way to the cast of Not The Nine O'Clock News and Naked Video?

I think Armstrong And Miller did write for the sketch show they had on Channel 4 many years ago. Might be wrong though.

I thought A&M wrote a lot of their sketches?

Anyhow, I often wonder what Peep Show would be like if they cast comic actors. A lot of people think M&W wrote it so it really elevates their comedy credits. Then again I can't think of a worthy replacement.

A&M do write stuff for their show. I can't think offhand of anyone writing ALL the material for their own show, except maybe Victoria Wood.

Quote: Badge @ February 24 2011, 10:20 PM GMT

A&M do write stuff for their show. I can't think offhand of anyone writing ALL the material for their own show, except maybe Victoria Wood.

Fry and Laurie, Vic and Bob.

Quote: AngieBaby @ February 24 2011, 10:19 PM GMT

Then again I can't think of a worthy replacement.

Ant and Dec??

Quote: Matthew Stott @ February 24 2011, 10:26 PM GMT

Fry and Laurie, Vic and Bob.

Fair enough. Probably the rarity rather than the norm, though.

Quote: Badge @ February 24 2011, 10:29 PM GMT

Fair enough. Probably the rarity rather than the norm, though.

Yeah, I think most will have at least a few additional writers.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ February 24 2011, 10:26 PM GMT

Ant and Dec??

In Peep Show? Are you high?

Quote: AngieBaby @ February 24 2011, 10:31 PM GMT

In Peep Show? Are you high?

(Was joking!)

Sorry, missed the double question marks, although my post had two too.

Python wrote all their stuff.
Milligan probably did, and there must be loads more
But I'm guessing that most sketch type shows rely on other writers.

Quote: Steve Sunshine @ February 24 2011, 10:59 PM GMT

Milligan probably did

Think Neil Shand co-wrote the Q series.

Quote: Timbo @ February 24 2011, 11:44 PM GMT

Think Neil Shand co-wrote the Q series.

Glad I put the probably in
:D

At least he wrote a lot of it.
That's why I have a lot of respect for the likes of Armstrong & Miller or Mitchell & Webb as they do at least write some of the stuff even if it is stuff like Hennimore (which I actually quite liked)

It's like appreciating Singer songwriters a bit more than those who just sing other peoples songs.
Elvis apart (sorry King)
As for that Elton John! How hard is it to write a few lyrics you lazy tosser.

I've digressed slightly.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ February 24 2011, 10:26 PM GMT

Ant and Dec??

Image
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ February 25 2011, 12:07 AM GMT

It's like appreciating Singer songwriters a bit more than those who just sing other peoples songs.

Yet do we care that Larry didn't write Hamlet?

Personally, I don't find singer-songwriters any more appealing. A really great cover version can have a lot more originality than the sort of derivative stuff I hear too often.