Fist of Fun

Infobox Television
show_name = Fist of Fun
runtime = 30 mins
genre = Comedy
starring = Stewart Lee
Richard Herring
country = UK
network = BBC2
executive_producer =
first_aired = 1995
last_aired = 1996
num_episodes = 12
imdb_id = 0111962

"Fist of Fun" was a popular British comedy television and radio programme, written by and starring Lee and Herring (the comedians Stewart Lee and Richard Herring). A lot of the show's comic material rehashed from Lee and Herring's radio programme "Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World".

Each episode of Fist of Fun featured several disparate sketches and situations. "Fist of Fun" began as a BBC Radio 1 series in 1993, before becoming commissioned as a television series on BBC2 in early 1995.

It was broadcast at 9pm on Thursday nights, and was successful, but not a major ratings-winner. The second series was aired on Friday nights, and although its ratings were relatively good, the show suffered from a lack of preparation and poor promotion. The show was not given a third series, and Lee and Herring went on to write "This Morning With Richard Not Judy", for BBC Two.

Many other comedians who appeared in the series went on to fame themselves, including Kevin Eldon, Peter Baynham, Ronni Ancona, Alistair McGowan, Al Murray, John Thomson, Rebecca Front, Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Ben Moor & Sally Phillips.

Major characters

*Simon Quinlank, a self proclaimed "Hobby Lion" and "King of all hobbies". In each episode, he presents a slot (filmed on camcorder by an unseen assistant) relating to his latest invented hobby. He is known for his maniacal laughter, frequent cries of "Answer" me!", and loathing for never-seen rival Neil Petark. He also has a fondness for "weak lemon drink". Played by Kevin Eldon.

*"Rod Hull", a recurring character who claims to be the genuine Rod Hull but is in fact an obvious fraud. He has an obsession with jelly (possibly the reason for his attempted imitation is a belief that the real Rod Hull would receive gifts of jellyFact|date=September 2008), and has a false arm. He persistently claims that the false arm is real despite the fact that he has an actual real arm tucked inside his shirt. Also played by Kevin Eldon.

*Peter, a 31-year old Welsh virgin from Balham who provides lifestyle tips from his unique perspective, usually cheap (and revolting) alternatives to well known recipes. Played (and written) by Peter Baynham.

External links

* [http://www.fistoffun.net/ "Fist of Fun".net] fansite, includes downloads of their radio shows and live performances, episode guides, interviews, etc.
*imdb title|id=0111962|title=Fist of Fun
* [http://www.leeandherring.com/ Lee and Herring.com]
* [http://www.stewartlee.co.uk Official Stewart Lee website]
* [http://www.richardherring.com/ Official Richard Herring website]