Whatever your views on Vic Reeves, it still stands today that "Big Night Out" was the most important comedy show since Python, and nothing has yet surpassed it as being anywhere near as influential in the UK since it was aired.
Unsubstantially extreme I know, but I have really thought about comedy since 1974, and there has never been anything that has revolutionised the way we think about comedy more than the Big Night Out.
Anarchy in comedy always had to come with blatant satire, childrens ITV style gags or jokes no one would find alien in Working Men's Clubs. "Big Night Out" gave us, for the first time, pure bullshit without any purpose in a Friday Night comedy show, and it was the best thing ever. The cast made up the spine of the Fast Show, and heavily influenced a wide variety of shows looking for substance.
From the Big Night Out came Absolutely (Naked Video but actually funny), Paul Merton - The Series and The Mary Whitehouse Experience.
It also gave the 90s a new fashion, allowing a revival of Easy Listening, and the wearing of suits and Velvet, of which the Madchester lot had deemed unfashionable before.
"Big Night Out" remains the most important work TV has aired for decades, and has remained, even though not my favourite show, the reason why I wanted to watch and get into entertainment. ANd for that I thank Vic and Bob.
