Lunch Monkeys

Lunch Monkeys is an entertaining British sitcom that aired from 2009 to 2011, created by David Isaac and produced by the Digital Rights Group. This light-hearted comedic series revolves around the disorganized yet lovable clerical staff of personal injury law firm, Fox Cranford, situated in Manchester.

The series transports viewers into the humorous chaos of the back-office staff, responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the firm but often caught up in hilarious situations. This group of 'lunch monkeys', as they are cheekily referred to, includes a diverse mix of personalities who collectively add a unique flavor to the show.

The central character of the show is the ever-optimistic, jovial but often misguided Kenny, portrayed by Christian Foster. He's a young administrative clerk who's eccentric, enthusiastic, and desperately ambitious about climbing the corporate ladder. However, his inept decisions and complete lack of corporate polish frequently pull him into comedic situations that he needs to maneuver out of.

His sidekick and co-worker is the quirky, mischievous Darren, played brilliantly by Chris Hannon. He is often the source of major hiccups within the firm due to his relentless mischief-making. Their shared workspace is filled with laughter, disastrous ambitions, and shared lunches, lending the show its delightful sense of camaraderie and humor.

Adding to this chaos is Tania, a pretty and gregarious office worker, who is also Kenny's unrequited love interest. Tania, played by Jessica Hall, is far from impressed with Kenny's clumsy advances and is regularly seen rebuffing his pathetic attempts at wooing her. Despite her disinterest, Kenny's attempts at winning over Tania is a recurring motif across the show.

Overseeing this motley crew is the firm's heartless, stone-cold Boss Ms. Gloria Stevens, convincingly played by the talented Sian Reeves. Characterized by her iron authority and lack of sympathy towards her staff's shenanigans, she ensures everybody stays on their toes, thus adding an element of tension and unpredictability to the storyline.

Furthermore, the show's misfit ensemble includes the two counsel, "beer-monster" and divorcee Jonathan and his best buddy, the "wet" lawyer, Asif. Their conversations, revolving around life, law and all things nonsensical, threaded with sharp British wit, plays a crucial part in the show's comic appeal.

Lunch Monkeys is largely episodic, with each episode focusing on a specific misadventure or a silly plot often born out of the lunacy of these characters, all backed by clever writing and punchy dialogues. But what ties the episodes together is the ongoing narrative of Kenny's romantic pursuits, the office politics, rivalries, and the individual quirks of each character.

Another core aspect of the show's identity is its working-class, Manchester setting. Set away from the glitzy corporate skyscraper or courtroom setting that is a standard feature of legal dramas, it shifts focus onto the routine lives of ordinary folks. The city's distinctive culture and the firm's grounded setting enable the storylines to retain their relatability and their comedic authenticity intact.

In terms of its comedic style, Lunch Monkeys thrives on physical humor, crazy storylines and caricatured personalities. All this is complemented by smart, acerbic British humor which is both a property of its dialogue writing and the actor's performances. It is a study of colorful characters and their chaotic lives, a down-to-earth, droll depiction of a back-office operation that takes us through the ups and downs of daily office life.

While the comedy is focused on the farcical exploits of the team, the show, at heart, is about friendships that flourish amidst the disorder of a corporate setting. It explores the mundane reality of office life, fleshed out with a generous dose of comedy that's both slapstick in nature and subtly insightful.

In sum, Lunch Monkeys successfully captures the spirit of an administrative office laced with humor, unexpected twists and turns anchored by a fantastic ensemble cast. Its two years on air were nothing short of a laughter riot, as it took viewers on a comedic journey through the life of regular office workers, bringing a splash of humor into the ordinarily humdrum office setting. Viewers who delight in British humor and workplace comedies will certainly find Lunch Monkeys endearing and enjoyable.