Hey!

Here's a post for fans of The History Boys. The following is a clip from the UK/BBC sitcom 'Annually Retentive' in which Russell Tovey (Rudge, 'the sporty one', in the film/original stage cast) and James Corden (Timms, 'the plump one') are interrupted mid-kiss by the show's lead character (Rob Brydon). Enjoy!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zthenuxtMv8

Btw, if the show comes to BBC America, it's well worth watching. It's basically the same set-up as 'The Larry Sanders Show', only it's based around a comedy quiz/panel show.

Russely Tovey plays Ben, the new producer (this is the second season of the show; he wasn't in the first series), who's gay and (shock! horror!) traditionally masculine, which makes him the source of endless fascination (with a distinct bi-curious emphasis) to the Larry Sanders figure, Rob Brydon; who describes him thus: "He's a sort of gay bloke, not like a Dale Winton gay [read: Russell Simmons ;)], like an aggressive steal-your-mobile-phone gay. "

Considering the current UK TV culture (where is the new 'Queer as Folk' to counteract the well-intentioned-but-damaging one-offs like 'Clapham Junction'?), it's great to see a character like Ben, whose sexuality is neither a huge issue (to him) nor a tacked-on 'point of interest' (<cough> Ron Rifkin in 'Brother's & Sisters' <cough>). And Russell Tovey brings charm and real comedy chops to the role.

Watch him play simultaneously both paternal protector and sexual tease to Brydon in the following scene:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YXYfeKk82JU

Then, Ben recounts his first gay experience (something tells me he's making it up on the spot...):

Hope you enjoy the clips,

John