British Comedy Guide
The New Statesman. Alan B'Stard MP (Rik Mayall). Copyright: Alomo Productions / Yorkshire Television
The New Statesman

The New Statesman (1987)

  • TV sitcom
  • ITV1
  • 1987 - 1994
  • 28 episodes (4 series)

Sitcom parody of 1980s Conservatism. Tory MP Alan B'Stard holds the largest majority in the House: his interests are money, power, sex, and himself. Stars Rik Mayall, Michael Troughton, Marsha Fitzalan, Rowena Cooper, John Nettleton and more.

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Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 1 - Happiness Is A Warm Gun

Following his comfortable election to the House, Alan is forced to help the police become armed - and in turn make a fortune from gun sales.

Preview clips

Broadcast details

Date
Sunday 13th September 1987
Time
10pm
Channel
ITV1
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Rik Mayall Alan B'Stard MP
Michael Troughton Piers Fletcher-Dervish MP
Marsha Fitzalan Sarah B'Stard
Rowena Cooper (as R.R. Cooper) Norman Bormann
John Nettleton Sir Stephen Baxter
Guest cast
Nick Stringer Bob Crippen MP
Vivien Heilbron Beatrice Protheroe
Peter Sallis Sidney Bliss
John Woodvine Sir Malachi Jellicoe
John Carlin House of Commons Speaker
Donald Nithsdale Bishop
Alan Starkey Mayor
Brian Horstead Ginsburg
Bernard Alexander House of Commons Policeman
David F. Betts Policeman 1
Charlie Burman Policeman 2
David Edward Sutch (as Screaming Lord Sutch) Self
Writing team
Laurence Marks Writer
Maurice Gran Writer
Production team
Geoffrey Sax Director
David Reynolds Producer
Stuart Quarmby Editor
Bryce Clayton Editor
Roger Andrews Production Designer
Alan Hawkshaw Composer

Video

The New Statesman Election

Alan B'Stard gets elected to parliament in rather dubious circumstances.

Featuring: Rik Mayall (Alan B'Stard MP).

Press

The Re-Evaluation Game: The New Statesman episode 1

It's surprising (and questionably depressing) how relevant this particular episode still is given the corruption in politics and the way deals are made with politicians friends and associates.

Alex Finch, Comedy To Watch, 3rd December 2020

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