Watch Bremner, Bird and Fortune

Bremner, Bird and Fortune was a satirical current affairs TV show that aired on Channel 4 from 1999 to 2010. It was hosted by Rory Bremner, John Bird, and John Fortune, who were well-known for their satirical impressions and witty commentary on political and social issues.

The show was a mix of sketches, interviews, and stand-up comedy, and it explored a range of political topics, including UK and international politics, the media, and world events. The satire was sharp, and the humor was clever, with the trio often taking on the personas of politicians and other public figures to skewer their views and actions.

The three hosts all brought their own unique skills to the show. Rory Bremner was a renowned impressionist who could imitate a wide range of public figures, from Tony Blair to George W. Bush. John Bird was a veteran journalist who often played the straight man to Bremner's impressions, providing context and analysis. John Fortune was a comedy writer and performer who provided a dry wit and a sense of absurdity to the show.

The show's sketches would often take a real-life incident or news event and spin it into a hilarious parody. For example, one sketch showed Tony Blair and Gordon Brown rehearsing for a press conference, with Brown struggling to get his lines right while Blair insisted on playing the role of the hero. Another sketch took aim at the BBC's coverage of the Iraq War, with a fictional newsreader reporting on the progress of the war while ignoring the mounting evidence of civilian casualties.

But it wasn't just the sketches that made the show so popular. Bremner, Bird, and Fortune were also known for their interviews with public figures, which were often conducted in character. These interviews were always incisive and revealing, with the hosts using their comedic talents to coax out revealing and often hilarious responses from their subjects. Guests on the show included politicians like Cherie Blair and Boris Johnson, as well as actors, writers, and other public figures.

Bremner, Bird, and Fortune was also known for its use of puppets, which were used to parody politicians and other public figures. The puppets were created by the legendary puppeteer Roger Law, best known for his work on the satirical TV show Spitting Image. The puppets were often used in sketches and music videos, and they became a popular and iconic part of the show's identity.

The show ran for 11 series and won numerous awards, including a BAFTA for Best Comedy Programme in 2003. It was praised for its sharp wit, clever satire, and incisive commentary on political and social issues. Its influence can still be seen in modern political satire, and it remains a beloved and essential part of British TV history.

In addition to the three hosts, Bremner, Bird, and Fortune also featured a talented supporting cast, including Pauline McLynn and Frances Barber, who played a range of characters and provided additional comic relief. The show's theme song, "The Magic Flute Part II" by Queen, also became iconic, and it was often parodied or referenced in other shows and media.

Overall, Bremner, Bird, and Fortune was a landmark of British TV comedy, combining sharp satire, clever sketches, and incisive commentary to create a show that was both hilarious and thought-provoking. It remains a must-watch for fans of political satire and comedic commentary.