Vic Reeves Big Night Out is back – or at least some bits of it are back.
If you are expecting Vic & Bob’s Big Night Out to be exactly the same as the original Channel 4 hit from the early nineties you might be disappointed, but there are still some returning elements in this special episode for BBC Two. There is the return of Novelty Island with Vic’s old arch-enemy Graham Lister, and Bob has a “fall”.
However, when watching this episode you can see certain elements cropping up from other past series of theirs. Their parody of First Dates recalls their takes on other shows such as their famous Masterchef sketch from The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer; their Geordie Jeans sketch refers back to their Geordie Jumpers ad on Shooting Stars; and jokes about Bob’s wig are a reminder of similar material from their sitcom House of Fools.
As well as their trademark surreal silliness, there was also their own mocking take on observational humour, while other moments in the show were rather gruesome. There is one joke where Vic asks if Bob can copy him, in flicking his head and half of his face dangles off. It is rather stomach turning when you see it.
The BBC has already commissioned a four-part series to go out on BBC Four next year, so we will be seeing more of them soon.
Vic & Bob’s Big Night Out is on the BBC iPlayer.
