Review: Urban Myths: Marilyn Monroe and Billy Wilder

Let's just say it is worth watching to the end of this neat little film written by Dave Cummings and directed by Sean Foley - and not just for a little in-joke for those familiar with the actual film that eventually became a huge hit.

Review | Mindhorn is the low-key comedy of the summer

New, classic British comedy earns its laughs with brilliant acting.

The Miser review

This play is only remotely likeable when it is openly mocking its own failings.

Co-written by and starring Julian Barratt, Mindhorn sees the former Mighty Boosh star make an effortless bid for big screen stardom with a rich comedy creation that puts a distinctively British spin on the monster that is minor celebrity. The title is the name of the naff British super cop Barratt's fading actor, the wonderfully monikered Richard Longcroft, once played in a hit TV show in the 1980s. Pitched somewhere between The Professionals, The Bionic Man and Bergerac (it was set on the Isle of Man), the show brought Longcroft a degree of fame but no humility - a bad combination that saw him burn all his bridges before heading off to America in a failed bid to break Hollywood. All of which is hilariously sketched out in the opening minutes, something that makes his subsequent fall all the more tragic when we catch up with him as a middle-aged, overweight, hairpiece-sporting actor who can't even hold down a gig advertising orthopedic socks. Though this also makes the character very much of a piece with the likes of Alan Partridge - a connection made more explicit by Steve Coogan's co-starring role as Longcroft's acting nemesis - Mindhorn distinguishes itself with a high-concept, Galaxy Quest-style premise that sees Longcroft returning to the Isle of Man to help the local police draw out a delusional killer who thinks Mindhorn is real. As Longcroft attempts to exploit the PR opportunities of his new role to relaunch his career, the subsequent gag rate is ridiculously high - with an emphasis on ridiculous - but Barratt also knows how to mine pathos from the character without getting all sentimental, which helps debut feature director Sean Foley (and co-writer and co-star Simon Farnaby - cast here as Mindhorn's former stunt double) keep the resulting action sharp and relentlessly funny.

Review: Mindhorn

Julian Barratt gives the finest comedy performance of his career in this hilarious caper.

Film review: Mindhorn

Mindhorn is consistently laugh-out-loud entertaining.

The making of Mindhorn

As we count down to the official release of Mindhorn, the new film written by and starring Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby, we bring you the inside story of the development and making of the film, as told by the stars, cast and crew.

Review: The Miser

'Comedy first, psychological insight later' is Sean Foley's take on The Miser, and indeed his production is fresh, funny and farcical. But maybe his cast can afford to relax a bit more - they're all excellent, after all.

The Miser at the Garrick Theatre review

A delightful feast of non-stop laughter. The two-and-a-half hour running time is not felt at all as every moment has something to offer.

The Miser review

An evening that is often very funny indeed, albeit one that certainly chooses immediate comic fizz and fervour over finesse.