Count Arthur Strong

Count Arthur Strong is a captivating British sitcom that ran from 2013 to 2017, produced by FremantleMedia and Retort. This delightfully unique comedy proudly radiates a distinct blend of precision-engineered comic timing, character development, wonderfully absurd scenarios, and a sprinkling of nostalgic charm. The series was co-written by Steve Delaney and Graham Linehan, based on the character Count Arthur Strong, originally created by Delaney for the radio series of the same name.

The show originally focuses on the titular character, Count Arthur Strong, a bumbling, out-of-work music hall performer in his late seventies. He appears to be under the impression that he is a showbiz veteran, regularly recalling his encounters with theatre's golden greats, firmly convinced he's a star of stage and screen—or at least was, at some unspecified point. Arthur, played masterfully by Steve Delaney himself, is alive with over-the-top, old-fashioned showbiz mannerisms, infuses his lines with half-remembered catchphrases, reacts with exaggerated double-takes, and perpetrates hilarious mispronunciations.

The show’s narrative pivots from the radio series, with the introduction of a writer named Michael Baker played by Rory Kinnear. Michael is the son of Arthur's former comedy partner and aims to pen a book about his late father's life. However, his job turns out to be more challenging than he had anticipated, as he is often frustrated, perplexed, and overwhelmed by Arthur's clouded memories and his fantasy-riddled insights into the past. Arthur, in his unique way, acts as an unrequested mentor to Michael in a world he is somewhat unfamiliar with.

The show is set mostly in the Cafe Bulent owned by Bulent, played by Chris Ryman, and his sister Sinem, played by Zahra Ahmadi. The cafe, a magnet for a charming assortment of idiosyncratic characters, often serves as the backdrop for some of the most memorable comedic situations in the show. Adding to the ensemble cast are quirky ancillary characters such as John the Watch (Andy Linden), Eggy (Dave Plimmer) and Katya (Bronagh Gallagher), each with their own unique brand of quirkiness, adding to the rich tapestry of Arthur’s universe.

The humor in Count Arthur Strong is largely character-driven, underpinned by Arthur’s idiosyncratic language tics, mishearings, malapropisms, and incessant forgetfulness that often leads to absurd, spiralling disasters. The show creates an engaging blend of comedy that moves from the subtle to the slapstick, sometimes within the same scene, and oscillates between moments of genuine warmth and sheer ridiculousness.

Arthur's inconsistency, steadfast denial of reality, and overblown confidence in his faltering faculties all make him a wonderfully flawed comic hero. Whether it’s his struggle with the technological wonders of a digital watch or his attempt at alleged sleight of hand magic tricks, Arthur's antics provide series-long entertainment. Rory Kinnear's brilliant portrayal of the straight man Michael creates the perfect foil for Arthur's eccentricities which adds a palpable chemistry between the characters.

Aside from the hilarity, Count Arthur Strong cleverly incorporates elements of pathos, especially in its take on age, loneliness and fading irrevocability of the past. There's a formidable sense of nostalgia woven throughout, as Arthur often reminisces about the heyday of music hall comedy, mirroring the loss of old showbiz values, and hinting at the gradual erosion of a bygone era of entertainment.

But it's not just about comedy and nostalgia. A sense of community forms the emotional core of the show. It celebrates the humble alliances formed in local cafes, charity shops, and community centers, where kindness and camaraderie are still cherished. Despite Arthur's inherent absurdities, at its heart, the show is about friendship and the beauty of shared stories and experiences, rewarding the viewers who invest wholeheartedly into its universe.

By delivering an appealing mix of humor, heart, and an impressive cast, Count Arthur Strong is an endearing addition to the tradition of British comedic storytelling. With its blend of wacky comedy, touch of melancholy, and warm character relationships, the show offers a refreshing take on situational comedy and is sure to be remembered for its unique charm.