description The Cellar Tapes Overview
The Cellar Tapes was the 1981 Cambridge Footlights revue, written and performed by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, and Tony Slattery, with Paul Shearer completing the cast. Directed by Jan Bird, it was performed at the Cambridge Arts Theatre before transferring to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it won the inaugural Perrier Award for comedy. The show's success is widely credited with launching the careers of its cast on British television and film. It is regarded as a defining moment in late-twentieth-century British student comedy.
help The Cellar Tapes FAQ
Who starred in the 1981 Cambridge Footlights revue The Cellar Tapes?
The revue was famously written and performed by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, and Tony Slattery. Paul Shearer completed the main cast.
Where was The Cellar Tapes performed before hitting the Edinburgh Fringe?
Directed by Jan Bird, the show was initially performed at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Following its local success, it was transferred to the fringe venues of the Edinburgh Festival.
What award did The Cellar Tapes win at the Edinburgh Festival?
The revue won the very first Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1981. This prestigious win helped launch the mainstream television and film careers of its cast members.
Did The Cellar Tapes lead to a television show for the cast?
Yes, the revue was taped and broadcast on British television, leading directly to the creation of the sketch comedy show Alfresco in 1983. The series featured the same core cast, minus Emma Thompson who moved on to other projects.
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