G&TV: Red Dwarf Quarantine Quickies Posted by Ian Symes on 2nd April 2020, 10:33 A little over a week ago, Rob Grant decided he wanted to do something to cheer up all the Red Dwarf fans who had suddenly found themselves confined to their own personal Bay 47. The idea was to recapture the magic that formed the conclusion to the most recent Dimension Jump, whereby he was joined by Paul Jackson and Ed Bye to do a live commentary on The End. It made sense, therefore, that the reunited trio would do Future Echoes next, and so they took to Zoom last Sunday afternoon, and broadcast their thoughts to around a hundred webinar viewers. As well as sharing their tips for lockdown survival, we were treated to in-depth details about how the complicated show was put together with analogue technology, the story of how Tracey Ullman was partly responsible for the word “smeg” being used in the show, and even surprise cameo appearances from two former Red Dwarf guest stars. And now the whole thing is available on YouTube for everyone to enjoy. Plans are afoot to make this a regular feature for the foreseeable future, with weekly commentaries running through the episodes sequentially until the lockdown is lifted or they get to ones which none of them were involved in, whichever comes first. There’ll also be more people invited to watch live after this successful test, and you can sign up to the mailing list via TOS.
That’s good that it’s being done as a draw this time. Best to share the live experience around as much as possible, especially if they’re going to be made available afterwards in any event. Thanks again to everyone involved in making these happen, it’s a great idea.
This is wonderful, and I know G&T had a hand in it somehow so thanks muchly guys. Interesting to hear Ed saying he wasn’t keen on the Series 1 driveroom set. Wonder if that was a general feeling and that’s why it was redesigned for Series 2, where it’s certainly “more grungy”.
It’s a bit more grungy, the black bank of switches Rimmer sits behind in Queeg and stuff make it a bit more “working space ship”, but it’s definitely at the ‘sci-fi Crystal Maze esque adventure show on CBBC in 1990’ end of the grunge scale rather than the ‘Alien’ end. I liked them both to be honest, the series II one is better for shooting on I imagine with Holly in the background and more foreground interest, but the first driveroom is a bit more clear in design. Probably would have been better described as the bridge, driveroom makes it sound really technical, which could never be achieved on the budget and with a few 80s home computers.
This is wonderful, and I know G&T had a hand in it somehow so thanks muchly guys. It wasn’t much really, it was all Rob’s idea but Jo and I were two of the people he contacted to help organise it and spread the word. The two of us helped get everything in place for this first one (Jo with the mailing list, me with technical help), and we’ve now handed everything over to various more official people, so we can enjoy the rest of them as normal fans with everyone else.
or they get to ones which none of them were involved in. Yeah, make Rob Grant suffer through Pete part 2 like the rest of us!
Just the idea of having Rob sat through post-VI Dwarf on one of these is making me feel really uncomfortable. It’d be so fucking horrible. Be lovely if Doug could do one of these too. They’re on about getting the cast in, but a) we’ve already had cast commentaries, and b) Rob, Paul, Ed and Doug have so many more interesting things to talk about.
It would be good to see them watch and react to the Promised Land, or get Danny, Rob, Chris, and Craig Charles to react to it unless we get a commentary from the main cast in the future on DVD
Rik Mayal is responsible for “Up up up the ziggurat lickety split” phrase.My favourite fact from today’s Balance of power dwarf commentary.
They are gonna try and get someone else on the next commentary. they won’t say who though. Doug perhaps? unless its one of the cast.
Doug’d be nice, given that it’s the first part of the story that’s just been continued three days prior to the commentary. But I can’t see it, really. Rob’s involvement in these commentaries makes them feel very seperate to the new episodes (as does the fact that none of the three of them have been involved with new episodes at all for over 20 years), and though the connection’s obviously going to be there this week, I can’t see them wanting to discuss – or repeatedly refer to, at least – the most recent Dave episode in this seres one commentary. If Doug was there, I think that’s what would probably happen.
Get Hattie on for Parallel Universe (discuss how sexist it is now?), White Hole (considering Paul directed some of it) or a Series III episode (I’m not sure why they keep banging on about Backwards but whatevs). Make it a proper reunion of “People who used to be involved in Red Dwarf but sadly aren’t any more”. Doug won’t go anywhere near this, for sure. Well, not for the next couple of weeks anyway.
We’ve heard plenty from Doug and the cast really. It’d be more interesting to get people who didn’t really get much screen/air time in the various documentaries and commenraries, or just random celebs that like Red Dwarf, or who were contemporaries at BBC Manchester while it was being made for a bit of historical commentary.
TWEETALONGA FLIBBLE. Doug, cast and.guests… https://twitter.com/davechannel/status/1247237680741658630?s=19
It wasn’t much really, it was all Rob’s idea but Jo and I were two of the people he contacted to help organise it and spread the word. The two of us helped get everything in place for this first one (Jo with the mailing list, me with technical help), and we’ve now handed everything over to various more official people, so we can enjoy the rest of them as normal fans with everyone else. Thank you for helping to get the ball rolling, Ian. This whole thing has tested my mental health hugely and I’m still working as a carer so little things like this make a big difference. ❤️
Yeah, thanks Ian and Jo! I don’t think I would’ve heard about this if it wasn’t for G&T and I’ve enjoyed the first three immensely. Just got notified that the fourth one has gone up, so I’m loading up the page now. Hope you’re okay, Ben. I’m no good with advice but I wish you all the best. And everyone else here who may be finding these times trying.
I forgot I saw the Balance of Power chat when it went out. Bit of a tangent here, but is Zoom safe to use? After installing it I saw a load of headlines which made it seem a bit dodgy but I didn’t click any of them because I thought I’d get more reasonable and accurate answers from people here. Love Rob’s reaction to having to tell Ed how to see the chat. “Hit the chat button. I mean, for God’s sake…”
Thanks, Spaceworm Jim. Very much appreciated. Everybody on here stay safe, too. Planning on listening to this tomorrow.
Aww, nice of Paul to plug “The Promised Land”. My eyes went straight to Rob at that point, but I think he suppressed a reaction. These are so good.
>We liked “Red Dwarf” because it was our initials, R and D Bloody ‘ell. How can I be a Red Dwarf fan for nearly 20 years and not realise that?
Aww, nice of Paul to plug “The Promised Land”. My eyes went straight to Rob at that point. And me. Me too.
I think we all looked at Rob! Guest for the next one? John Lenahan or Tony Hawks perhaps. Or Stephanie Cole due to a mix-up.
These are really really good fun. Such a treat and the guys seem to really enjoy revisiting these and engaging with the fans. It’s really great stuff. Thanks for organising!
Would be great to see that list of 169 crewmen. (On mobile, the A on the opening paragraph is above G&TV image, Mr. Capps.)
That was great. Lovely to get a bit of bonus discussion on The Promised Land at the end. The recording/editing stuff just made it even more fun.
We sorted it out in the dub. Congratulations, sir. Someone – I think it was Paul Jackson, actually – said was something about The Promised Land having an early DVD release. Why he’d say that, if I misheard, if I misunderstood…anyone know what that was all about? *I am, naturally, expecting certain sarcastic replies*
Someone – I think it was Paul Jackson, actually – said was something about The Promised Land having an early DVD release. Why he’d say that, if I misheard, if I misunderstood…anyone know what that was all about? I was curious about that too.
He said earlier than expected, maybe May. Just if the release date is June 1st as the Amazon listing suggests, I think, then I can see why they’d think it was May if they’re expecting to have a product on their hands in May before release. Why they think that’s earlier than expected, who knows. Maybe that *had* intended to include the documentaries on there but as they’re still being made decided to leave them off?
Yup loving these commentaries, highlight of the week. Can we talk about how Rob casually mentioned that Rimmer getting hard light was only meant to be for that one episode?
I think they’ve talked about that being the original intention for Legion before, but having hard light capabilities just ended up being too useful to give up in terms of what it let Rimmer do in future stories.
That’s been mentioned before. It was really just for the scenes in the dining room in Legion, but the opportunity to solve the problem of Chris never being able to touch anything was too good to resist.
Brilliant once again. Little lump in my throat at Rob’s comments at the end, as I live by myself on the top floor. Something special in a fortnight’s time!
PAUL: This is a nice scene; the erasing memory scene. It has echoes in Promised Land, just last week. ROB : Oh really? EVERYONE: ….
Yes I do feel a bit sorry for Rob that he keeps being put on the spot with all these mentions of Promised Land.
He seems quite fine with it there. Rather curious, even. He seems very comfortable with his relationship with Dwarf which is good. Credit to the fan club and G&T who have brought him back to it in an active way, and the man himself of course. These are a real joy and it’s great that everyone who’s participated seems to be enjoying it too. I wonder if Doug still extends the invitation for Rob to come back with each new production? I swear Doug said at one point just a few years ago that he still extends the invite when a new Dwarf project comes around.
Well even if Rob was uncomfortable with it, he can only really act fine with it to not make an uncomfortable environment. As for Doug. i don’t think he invites Rob. in an interview some time ago he seemed to suggest he liked writing alone now. saying it offered a creative freedom. and when he is also directing the shows… it would make bringing Rob back abit awkward.
Yeah, lots of fun, as ever. (Although I couldn’t work out whether Paul was genuinely miffed by that clip. Hope not.)
Never did I think that I would hear Rob Grant mentioning Epideme [sic] and he almost managed to keep the disdain from his voice. ;)
Never did I think that I would hear Rob Grant mentioning Epideme [sic] and he almost managed to keep the disdain from his voice. ;) One of his ex-wife’s new brothers-in-laws,
More details on this Sunday’s offering: http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/04/27/live-commentaries/ That’s quite the cast.
I wonder if the prospect of repeating Red Dwarf on BBC Two has come up during the pandemic – or even sorting out the rights to show the Dave episodes, which would be new to a fair few people?
I wonder if the prospect of repeating Red Dwarf on BBC Two has come up during the pandemic – or even sorting out the rights to show the Dave episodes, which would be new to a fair few people? Dave won’t be letting other channels have their original productions, not after losing Taskmaster (though the chances of Channel 4 being able to cash in on Taskmaster are slim for the foreseeable)
Yes, it was good, nice idea. Although my attention was torn between flicking through screens on my mobile, and trying to get the app working on my laptop, which I’ve never used for Zoom before. Managed it just in time for everyone leaving.
I’m genuinely surprised this wasn’t a total shambles, just technically. Having that many people all in the same call and having very little go wrong is an achievement unto itself. I present the following screencaps without context:
I’m genuinely surprised this wasn’t a total shambles, just technically. Having that many people all in the same call and having very little go wrong is an achievement unto itself. They did talk about rehearsals for this, so assume they ironed out all the kinks that could present themselves. Just a shame they didn’t rehearse turning off Skype before broadcast.
I enjoyed this and hope that they do tackle one of Rob’s scripts in a few weeks. I also look forward to the next episode on Sunday with a guest. It would be nice if Doug joined in at some point.
I loved that on Sunday night. Great performance from everyone, particularly Iwan Rheon. Trust Hattie to only get one or two lines of dialogue, and to compensate with a visual gag!
I’ve been enjoying these so far, but today was a real shame. With zoom taking a shit everywhere it would have been better just to give up and do it another week. Instead of being able to interact and comment on his own episodes poor David Ross is relegated to a quick q&a instead. I don’t really get why Rob was determined to plough ahead with no video and no guest, rather than postpone.
Probably because there were a load of people watching for a commentary and it would have sucked for him to say sorry everyone but we are gonna have to postpone. and yes it was a shame it didn’t work out with Ross but you couldn’t just not do it because of that.
I appreciate them doing it but it was a real shame not to have Ross on properly. And all the technical faffing about made the episode itself feel a bit overlooked either way. Regardless I think it’s great they are keeping this up. And I am really appreciating Rob’s heartfelt serious messages at the end too. What a guy. It all genuinely lifts my Sunday.
The only real solution would have been to switch the episode around. They should have done Better Than Life this week, and just picked up Kryten in a couple of weeks when Ross could join.
Yes, I suppose switching to a different episode would have been the answer. Hopefully the next Lockdown Theatre that they’re planning won’t be similarly affected though.
Looking forward to the Lockdown Theatre this weekend and listening to Rob’s Cruel Aliens. A great cast again with the addition of Kevin Eldon.
Yeah Aardman were involved with that at one stage, as was Rob Lee whose character designs for it you can still see here: http://www.robleecartoons.com
I really enjoyed that. Typical for a Rob Grant script to contain a reference to an anus and to feature a man up to his neck in urine!
Really enjoyed it. Kevin Eldon rightfully got a lot of love in the chat, but everyone was great. Iwan Rheon’s near-continuous laughing was lovely too.
Thought today’s was the best one yet, as a bit more engagement with the chat. Today’s uncomfortable moments were: Norm asking Rob at the end about The Promised Land, a brief discussion on just why “they” considered replacing Gordon for Remastered, and Paul using a background shot from Dear Dave.
Paul used backgrounds from Back to Earth, VIII, and Dear Dave in that order, from the 5 total minutes of it I managed to catch today
Norm asking Rob at the end about The Promised Land Norman – “there was that joke in The Promised Land about Holly’s disc, have you seen it??” Rob – “… yeah yeah, well that’s all we have time for” Gave me a bit of a giggle. If Paul hadn’t jumped off early to go hug his grandson he could have saved that as he’s seen it and he seems to have kept up with the Dave era. What would be really interesting, and I know this would never happen, is if they get to the end of series 6m would be for Rob to carry on with series 7 onwards and give his thoughts on the show watching it for the first time.
What would be really interesting, and I know this would never happen, is if they get to the end of series 6m would be for Rob to carry on with series 7 onwards and give his thoughts on the show watching it for the first time. Now that would be something… It would be lovely if these continue onwards, but I guess Ed stopped after Series IV so I don’t know if things will go on after that. Rob commentating on the USA pilots would be particularly interesting…
It has been about two decades since he gave up Red Dwarf, I think feeling sorry for him is a bit much, I’m sure he’s come to terms with it by now
It’s clearly awkward for Rob and it makes it all the more generous that he has agree to do the commentaries at the same time as The Promised Land is in the news.
Poor Rob. I do feel sorry for him each time this kind of thing comes up. why? new red dwarf exists, seems weird to pretend like it doesn’t just because Rob’s in the room. especially since it’s been around 27 years since he stopped being involved with it
Given they’ve done (the equivalent of around) six series of Red Dwarf since he did his six, and turned down the opportunity to write for them multiple times at this point, I’m not sure he needs to be mollycoddled over this anymore and fans are, as usual, being a bit dramatic
What evidence is there to suggest he turned down the opportunity to write for them? whose to say he was even asked if he wanted too? its not like Doug is doing these commentaries to give off the impression there isn’t some distancing going on. I think its fair to say Rob Grant clearly still has love for the show. its part his baby after all and the fandom reminds him constantly of that. and while mistakes probably have been made on both sides in the past, it doesn’t change the fact its noticeably awkward for him. he tries to not make it awkward when it gets brought up in the commentaries, but you know it hurts him. Personally i think Rob would still like to write for the show. i just don’t think circumstances for it are very good. When norman brought up the Promise land to Rob, i did hit the mute button and look away for a minute, because i couldn’t watch the awkwardness.
It is awkward, yes, but I think Rob does prepare himself for it. The viewers are very – nay, extremely – likely to have watched it, and this is his audience. But I also think the majority of us have the courtesy not to bring it up *too* much.
Yes exactly. It’s a basic courtesy thing, nothing to do with fan overreaction at all. If you know a married couple and they divorce but you stay friends with them both, you don’t spend all your time with one of them telling them how much you enjoy spending time with the other. Rob is clearly putting a lot of effort and heart into these commentaries and lockdown theatre events, so it’s a fairly basic courtesy to not keep bringing up the new non-Rob Red Dwarf.
It’s just Rob being a professional, and being respectful. He knows it’s not his place to talk about Doug’s work, and he has no real desire to. He’s not opposed to it coming up, as far as I’m aware (hence that Promised Land themed chat with Paul and Chris Barrie after one of the commentaries, for which Rob just disappeared), but he doesn’t want to be part of the discussion. Hence it being difficult for him when Norm brought TPL up right at the end on Sunday with a question he felt he couldn’t answer. I think the vast majority of hardcore fans are aware of the delicate situation between Rob and Doug, and are careful not to overstep the mark. Not absolutely everyone will necessarily know the history though, so I think sometimes awkward questions are asked by people who don’t know that they’re awkward. So I don’t think there’s been any major issues so far, but Dave, si and Stilianides are bang right – Rob is doing all of this off his own back for no real reward, so it’s just nice to be nice in return. We really are being spoiled rotten as fans at the moment.
Yeah, I think most of the people in the chat are aware of the history and no one’s asking needlessly intrusive stuff to cause this . Paul’s history with the show obviously stopped a bit earlier than Rob and Ed, so he’s most likely to pick out a question that can head off in a uncomfortable direction simply because he’s likely unaware of whether it was Rob & Doug, Doug & Ed or Doug on his own by that point.
>I think its fair to say Rob Grant clearly still has love for the show Oh absolutely. Most of the time during the commentaries I’m watching his feed as he’s always grinning and chuckling along with his favourite jokes. It’s an absolute joy to watch him, watching Dwarf, and loving every minute of it.
We really are being spoiled rotten as fans at the moment. Between these live commentaries for the classic episodes and the success of The Promised Land, I think there’s an argument to be made that it’s been the best year for Red Dwarf fans since 1993.
Is there a plan to continue uploading these to YouTube? I’ve really enjoyed the ones I’ve been able to catch up on.
I don’t think they’ve stopped, it’s just that the Lockdown Theatre ones aren’t being uploaded because the logistics of getting broadcast permissions from the cast are unfeasible. Basically if you want to see those, join the Zoom club then come back here and say how awkward any post-VI mentions are around Rob Grant.
As well as Lockdown Theatre being live only events, I gather they’ve decided to do the Kryten commentary again at some stage because of the technical problems with the first attempt. That’ll be why there hasn’t been anything on the YouTube channel for a while. Sounds like they did Better Than Life with Norm on Sunday which I imagine will be up in due course.
They said they were doing Queeg next. so I’m guessing maybe they got Charles augins as a guest for sunday?
As well as Lockdown Theatre being live only events, I gather they’ve decided to do the Kryten commentary again at some stage because of the technical problems with the first attempt. That’ll be why there hasn’t been anything on the YouTube channel for a while. Sounds like they did Better Than Life with Norm on Sunday which I imagine will be up in due course. Correct on all counts.
I gather from what Rob said that he has some involvement in the Red Dwarf merchandising. thats interesting.
A shame (but entirely understandable) that Charles Augins couldn’t join them this week. I thought it was a great commentary though and having just the 3 of them there meant it flowed very well. Lots of good insights from Ed on directing the chess scene.
A shame (but entirely understandable) that Charles Augins couldn’t join them this week. I thought it was a great commentary though and having just the 3 of them there meant it flowed very well. Lots of good insights from Ed on directing the chess scene. Absolutely, thought it was great this week despite the disappointment of Charles Augins being otherwise engaged. In fairness, it’s probably a tiny bit more important than a Red Dwarf commentary. Loved some of the little insights this week, especially the extra details around how the ending was written.
Mac was lots of fun. I enjoy the commentaries full of episode-specific detail, but I also enjoy the looser chats like this one.
Another excellent commentary and it was particularly nice to hear Rob say, “We will do all of them” or words to that effect (hopefully meaning all of the first 36). I cringe a little at one or two of the fan comments and I’m relieved that they have decided that only the production team and guests will be doing the commentaries.
I agree, as much as I can understand some fans wanting to participate I think it works perfectly as it is. This is an opportunity to hear from the people who actually made the show, not some random twat like me.
I cringe a little at one or two of the fan comments and I’m relieved that they have decided that only the production team and guests will be doing the commentaries. Well, let’s face it, if they got us doing it, it can’t really go any further than a load of fans saying, “I really like this bit” in a variety of different ways. We’re not going to sit with the creators of what we’re watching and criticise it are we?
Speaking of fans, dare I ask who that Alex guy (forget the surname) who keeps inviting himself to get banned?
Speaking of fans, dare I ask who that Alex guy (forget the surname) who keeps inviting himself to get banned? https://www.ganymede.tv/forums/topic/guy-in-the-weekly-commentary-chat-box/
I cringe a little at one or two of the fan comments and I’m relieved that they have decided that only the production team and guests will be doing the commentaries. Very much agreed. Fans can do their commentaries and analyses any time they want (and it appears those serious about it do just that) and they can let the creators know how much it meant to them and whatever else they want to say, any time. These commentaries are special and the whole point is to discuss how they were created and produced, along with guests who were also involved in making the episodes. It’s also a chance to ask those questions to which we’ve not yet found answers – about the making of the episodes, and hearing their perspectives. And of course the side conversations they have are great, interesting to hear and usually funny. This kind of thing you could only normally get at a convention, but I doubt that fans could ask questions during a live commentary like we can with these (I’ve not been to one, but I canNOT imagine it would work to have people interrupting!). I’m glad they’ve addressed the question after it was asked multiple times, and I’m glad they said no, or at least not in these anyway. It’s generous of them to do these commentaries in the first place, and even more generous to consider whether there’s any way of doing something different involving fans – they had absolutely no obligation to even consider it, in my view.
I reckon this should all be released on DVD some day with a special feature of Doug commentating on it. Very meta.
I reckon this should all be released on DVD some day with a special feature of Doug commentating on it. Very meta. Yes, have all the boys, in character, commentate on the commentary.
Did anyone else get the e-mail yesterday to say they were in the invitation list, and then not get the invite? I was busy yesterday so didn’t notice it hadn’t come through as usual, and only really realised when I was about to (try to) join.
No problems here – got my confirmation email yesterday afternoon, and the follow-up email with the join details an hour later. I actually got two copies of the second email within a couple of minutes (there was a spelling mistake on the first one, and a brief note on why it was being redone), but the webinar ID and my password were the same on both.
No problems here – got my confirmation email yesterday afternoon, and the follow-up email with the join details an hour later. I actually got two copies of the second email within a couple of minutes (there was a spelling mistake on the first one, and a brief note on why it was being redone), but the webinar ID and my password were the same on both. Huh, interesting. I wonder what happened then. I’m not *too* disappointed this week as I was feeling rather ill so would only have been up to listening – which I can do when it’s put up on YouTube anyway – but I’d like to be able to participate again next week. May I ask, did they have Lockdown Theatre news as promised?
Very much so, but the details are to be kept secret until 9am tomorrow when there’s a big old press release going out. It’s a biggie.
May I ask, did they have Lockdown Theatre news as promised? Yes, but I guess it’s ok for me to say that they will be discussing the remaining Series 2 episodes for the next couple of Sundays.
Very much so, but the details are to be kept secret until 9am tomorrow when there’s a big old press release going out. It’s a biggie. *eagerly refreshing every page that could possibly be relevant*
>Huh, interesting. I wonder what happened then. I’m not *too* disappointed this week as I was feeling rather ill so would only have been up to listening – which I can do when it’s put up on YouTube anyway – but I’d like to be able to participate again next week. Hey, sorry about this – as far as I can see, everyone on the mailout list should also have then been included in the list that goes over to Rob to invite people to the Zoom. If you want to email me seb@reddwarf.co.uk and let me know your name/address, I can see whether you (and possibly a chunk of others) got inadvertently missed off. If we did (as opposed it just being the Zoom email getting caught by your spam filters) I can only apologise!
Thanks for sorting out THAT OTHER THING this week, Seb/Jo/Ian whoever was responsible. The open chat was getting pretty unbearable.
>Huh, interesting. I wonder what happened then. I’m not *too* disappointed this week as I was feeling rather ill so would only have been up to listening – which I can do when it’s put up on YouTube anyway – but I’d like to be able to participate again next week. Hey, sorry about this – as far as I can see, everyone on the mailout list should also have then been included in the list that goes over to Rob to invite people to the Zoom. If you want to email me seb@reddwarf.co.uk and let me know your name/address, I can see whether you (and possibly a chunk of others) got inadvertently missed off. If we did (as opposed it just being the Zoom email getting caught by your spam filters) I can only apologise! Have done so, thanks :) I don’t know how to multiquote but thank you Ian Symes and Stilianides for your replies!
Update: Seb I don’t know if you did anything different but thanks if you did – this week the Zoom invite came through :)
Thoroughly enjoyed today. I’m not very up on the technical aspects of TV production, so some of the details on that side of things were really interesting.
Another fun afternoon. Fantastic episode. Don’t know who that prat who turned up at the end of the meeting was, though.
Yeah, another enjoyable commentary and nice to see all 5 contributors so obviously happy to be reuniting apart. Looking forward to both Parallel Universe and then Howard Goodall guesting the week after.
An excellent commentary again (even if they did get a little sidetracked once or twice). I didn’t know that Janine Duvitski had auditioned to be Holly for Series III which would have been interesting (that’s not to take anything away from Hattie’s performance)… A shame that they are taking a summer break in August, but entirely understandable. Hopefully they will be back in the autumn, but obviously I hope the quarantine situation will have improved by then as well.
Yes, great to see Hattie and hear such warm comments on both the show and Red Dwarf fandom in general. Interesting commentary on what I think tends to be an underrated episode, and some of the insights today made me appreciate it in a new way.
Yeah, clocked that. There’s been a lot of VII talk today but in fairness it’s all been very relevant and interesting.
Genuinely a bit choked up with the singsong at the end there. I’ll miss these over the next few weeks. They’ve been a real oasis in the middle of all the current craziness.
Yeah, felt a little sorry for Rob when Series VII was discussed for so long and he looked a little awkward. Another great discussion though. Hopefully they will be back at some stage, but I’m very grateful for what we’ve got. The commentaries have been superb.
Yeah, very heavy on the VII chat but I guess to Howard it all seems like a chunk of work he (mainly) did about 25-30 years ago. It was a great “end of term” episode, anyway. Going to miss this.
Agreed, was a good end to the run for now, and it was nice to have something different than the episode commentaries, but must say I’m glad there’s going to be a break before series 3. It could be me, but it feels like Rob’s been less engaged the last few episodes, and a small hiatus might help with a ‘second wind’. Paul Jackson has been particularly fantastic the whole run, though. Superbly engaged and genuinely enthusiastic the whole time. That’s not to say Ed and Rob haven’t been great, but Paul in particular has been a real highlight.
Paul feels like he’s always there to steer the conversation on to the tracks when it goes a bit off-piste, whereas I think Rob naturally gets a bit more carried away getting into the ideas and backstories and anecdotes and the like, and Ed is usually more preoccupied with how it was made and the technical aspects. It’s been interesting to see how their different roles in the production of the show are essentially replicated in the commentaries.
I don’t have adequate words for how much I enjoyed that! The time absolutely whizzed past and I could happily have sat listening for another couple of hours. I didn’t quite catch at the beginning, did one of them say Howard was on holiday?! If so, even more brilliant that he agreed to do it! And what a wonderful way to round off before a break. The three of them have been so very generous to do this every week, and the guests have been brilliant. My thanks go to those involved with behind-the-scenes work too who undoubtedly have also been very generous with their time (I have no idea just what or how much is involved, but nothing like this happens without unseen effort).
Hooray, back on Sunday 6th September! https://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/08/28/quarantine-commentaries-byte-two/
Erm … did anyone else’s freeze completely and eventually close the webinar by itself? Wondering if it’s Zoom problems, as others had said about it freezing before that point too.
No, mine has worked (and is still working) fine. Darn*. Oh well, thanks – I’ll have to keep an eye out for when it goes up on YouTube then :) [*Though of course I am pleased they don’t have to redo it!]
Yeah luckily they’ll have it all recorded for people that missed bits. Was really nice to have that back on a Sunday afternoon. Hadn’t realised how much I’d missed seeing those guys chat about the show.
I’m at work. :( No commentary when I’m off next week is there? So I’ll miss the next commentary as well, because I’ll be at work again in a fortnight. That YouTube channel best not fall asleep.
Lovely stuff today, interesting to hear Ed’s reminiscing about how the episode was made. Wish they’d talked a bit more about the changes for Series III but maybe they can do that next time.
Interesting to learn the Starbug Cloak was because of Ed Bye. i assume in the original script Rob and Doug must have wanted Starbug to land in the park and then key in the crew there.
Was hoping Rob would talk a little about “Dad”, but was just nice to have this back so not too disappointed.
Did you manage to see this week’s stream as it went out, Si? ‘Fraid not. Not sure if I mentioned before, but I was at work.
I’m at work. :( No commentary when I’m off next week is there? So I’ll miss the next commentary as well, because I’ll be at work again in a fortnight. That YouTube channel best not fall asleep. From what they were saying, I thought that Marooned will be done as the commentary next week at 2PM. The Private Lives Lockdown Theatre will be done in the evening between 7-8PM..
I enjoyed having this back. I like Arthur Smith, but having a non-Dwarfer there meant that the conversation didn’t really go into the details of what happened behind the scenes between series. The Arthur Smith Sings Andy Williams show would be a good candidate for G&TV if it hasn’t been discussed already.
From what they were saying, I thought that Marooned will be done as the commentary next week at 2PM. The Private Lives Lockdown Theatre will be done in the evening between 7-8PM.. Oh, right. Misunderstanding on my part. Thankyou. Oh well, that’s grand, then. Marooned my favourite episode EVUR.
From what they were saying, I thought that Marooned will be done as the commentary next week at 2PM. The Private Lives Lockdown Theatre will be done in the evening between 7-8PM.. We’ll find out for certain on Saturday, when/if the e-mails arrive :) I’ve just remembered my sister’s visiting next Sunday though (for the first time since March) so I will have to miss it if they’re doing it, alas. [As a rather satisfying coincidence, it will be the first commentary after the 15th Wednesday after Pentecost (Weds 9th).]
Today’s was nice and featured some interesting new trivia. I particularly like that Paul is still looking at these with a critical eye too.
Very interesting to learn the lose of virginity on a gold course came from Rob’s own experience. Although not at 12 years old.
That was the first one that I’ve had to miss, so very grateful that the YouTube uploads are so swift for this series so far. Very much enjoyed the golf course revelation and the universal condemnation of the chromakey work, less keen on the “they wouldn’t let you say that these days / they’ve banned Shakespeare” grumbling.
less keen on the “they wouldn’t let you say that these days / they’ve banned Shakespeare” grumbling. As much as that sort of thing is usually followed up by bigoted ramblings by taxi drivers, it is interesting hearing their perspective on jokes 30 years ago not being allowed to be broadcast now. Especially jokes that to our mind, and theirs, are really innocent. A little more on that topic so it was a bit more informative would have been good, rather than Paul just moaning about it and coming close to calling the BBC/(TV in general?) libtards.
I forgot to come back here and mention it after Sunday’s commentary, but I thought it was an interesting detail that Chris pushed for a less “lazy” alternate personality for Rimmer in Polymorph after Rob suggested essentially turning him into Neil from the Young Ones. Can’t remember if that had been mentioned before. Also loved seeing those original Starbug drawings and hearing the anecdotes about the hot working permit.
Also loved seeing those original Starbug drawings And Paul wasting absolutely no time in seeing a merchandising opportunity.
Still waiting for the Polymorph commentary to pop up on YouTube – I was working at the weekend, so wasn’t around to check in on Zoom.
Still waiting for the Polymorph commentary to pop up on YouTube – I was working at the weekend, so wasn’t around to check in on Zoom. My guess: this is a Si moan.
Oh, the confirmation e-mail came through a couple of hours ago but so far no Zoom details. Has anyone/everyone else received theirs?
Can’t put my finger on exactly why, but there was a real sense of infectious joy and good humour today, even more so than usual. A highlight of my Sunday.
I think partly because they don’t have a guest they have to coax stories out of. They can just be 3 mates having a laugh. It was really interesting hearing Ed explain how, because Chris is on set doing an impersonation of Craig, it was a lot easier for Craig to sync up his dialogue with Chris’ acting. It was even interesting the second time he explained it all because Paul wasn’t listening.
It was really interesting hearing Ed explain how, because Chris is on set doing an impersonation of Craig, it was a lot easier for Craig to sync up his dialogue with Chris’ acting. Yeah, that was a great detail.
I think partly because they don’t have a guest they have to coax stories out of. They can just be 3 mates having a laugh. That’s true. Also, I didn’t quite get what they said happened before we started but it seemed to have contributed to the jovial mood (more so than usual) as well. It was really interesting hearing Ed explain how, because Chris is on set doing an impersonation of Craig, it was a lot easier for Craig to sync up his dialogue with Chris’ acting. It was even interesting the second time he explained it all because Paul wasn’t listening. In the DVD documentary Craig commented on something like this to do with the sync but I never quite understood what he meant – this might be the key; even if not quite what he meant then at least the foundation for what he was saying.
Also, I didn’t quite get what they said happened before we started but it seemed to have contributed to the jovial mood (more so than usual) as well. I think they said that Rob was the only one of the three who was actually there when 2pm rolled around, and that it was partly due to him accidentally inviting some other Ed to the call instead of our Ed.
Also, I didn’t quite get what they said happened before we started but it seemed to have contributed to the jovial mood (more so than usual) as well. I think they said that Rob was the only one of the three who was actually there when 2pm rolled around, and that it was partly due to him accidentally inviting some other Ed to the call instead of our Ed. Smeg Ed.
This week was wonderfully silly wasn’t it. Though it took me a few minutes and an internet search to figure out who Lee was meant to be initially. Loved finding out the band is based off of a band Rob was in, that’s a nice little detail.
If last week had an end-of-term feel to it, this week was even more so. Wonderfully silly stuff. Though it took me a few minutes and an internet search to figure out who Lee was meant to be initially. He was more famous back in the 1940s I guess.
Lee Cornes was utterly brilliant in the last one. Even if he took a little away from the behind the scenes stories. I wish he was on TV more.
Today was just lovely – great to have Hattie and Gordon there and the vibe was really warm. Can’t wait to cover Series IV and I hope Paul continues to be a part of these.
Can’t wait to cover Series IV and I hope Paul continues to be a part of these. He directed White Hole of course (or some of it? Most of it?) so presumably he’ll be there for that one at least. Are they starting Series IV next week then or having a break? I need to catch up with these, haven’t seen any since Marooned.
Might be a dumb question/already answered above/both, but are these designed to be watched in sync with the episodes, a la Dwarfcasts?
Might be a dumb question/already answered above/both, but are these designed to be watched in sync with the episodes, a la Dwarfcasts? Some fellas who ripped off the idea. Don’t like to talk about it.
I was watching the quarantine commentaries, and was just about to call my lawyer when something happened that made me call Koo Stark’s lawyer instead.
Sunday’s was thoroughly lovely, very warm indeed as Dave said. He directed White Hole of course (or some of it? Most of it?) so presumably he’ll be there for that one at least. Are they starting Series IV next week then or having a break? I need to catch up with these, haven’t seen any since Marooned. Definitely a break at least; it turns out this was the last one planned. It’s uncertain at the moment if they will continue, although Rob was certainly sounding quite keen to go on at some point so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Paul’s involvement in White Hole was mentioned but he said it was all Ed’s camera script so he (Paul) didn’t actually do much. I can’t really remember what else was said but you’ll be able to see when it goes up on YouTube. I think Hattie would be a great regular/semi-regular guest (if she wanted) if they do continue. They do have another Lockdown Theatre planned but no details yet.
Thank you. That sounds hopeful anyway. I suppose V onwards is trickier but it would be a bit of a shame if we didn’t get IV, even if it was just (just!) Ed and Rob and one or two guests.
I would LOVE to hear Ed and Paul’s opinions on stuff they didn’t work on, but that might be a bit too much to hope for. V would be so juicy.
They certainly have the stars out in force for the next Lockdown Theatre with Derek Jacobi and Simon Callow involved.
Lockdown theatre just gets more and more impressive. Lockdown Theatre, in association with Acting for Others, presents: FOR ONE KNIGHT ONLY FEATURING SIR KENNETH BRANAGH DAME JUDI DENCH SIR DEREK JACOBI DAME MAGGIE SMITH SIR IAN MCKELLEN PRODUCED BY ROB GRANT, PAUL JACKSON AND RICHARD CLIFFORD SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29TH 2020 7-8.30PM TICKETS £45 Join us (via Zoom) for a knight of banter outrageous and laughter contagious, with live Q&A throughout. Sir Kenneth Branagh hosts a quatrain of theatrical Dames and Knights of the realm for an evening of intimate chat, with you as the guests. To kickstart the festive season, we’re offering something a little different from our usual productions this time, and anyone who has attended one our Q&As will tell you, this exclusive treat will delight theatre lovers the world over. These chats are always revealing, surprisingly intimate, and it’s a rare delight to spend time in the company of stage and screen legends.
Some nice coverage in the Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/nov/22/judi-dench-and-ian-mckellen-head-cast-for-zoom-show-in-aid-of-uk-theatre-workers
1996 Dreamwatch interview with Rob Grant https://i.ibb.co/R2ZFfPR/2020-09-22-143914.jpg https://i.ibb.co/zP33d3r/2020-09-22-201806.jpg https://i.ibb.co/LQ4pnVY/2020-09-22-144104.jpg I have tried to post this in the forum section but it doesn’t seem to go through.
Some news on TOS today: they’re doing a White Hole commentary for Holly Hop! Hopefully they’ll get the taste for it again and do more of Series IV.
Some news on TOS today: they’re doing a White Hole commentary for Holly Hop! Hopefully they’ll get the taste for it again and do more of Series IV. Assume that means you need a Holly Hop ticket to view it? Think it’ll go up on Youtube after like the others?
Email from the fan club calls it an “exclusive” so it sounds like Holly Hop is the only way you’ll get to see it.
Maybe the red letters are supposed to be at the beginning and end of lines? L….R Q…Z E…N R And with Rob, they…forgot.
