Come Fly With Me (UK) – A Hilarious Take on Airport Life
Introduction
“Come Fly With Me” is a British mockumentary-style comedy TV series that originally aired on BBC One in 2010. Created by and starring the famous comedy duo Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the series parodies various aspects of the airline industry and airport culture. With its clever satire, diverse character sketches, and sharp wit, “Come Fly With Me” offers a humorous exploration of the chaos, quirks, and absurdities that come with air travel.
This article provides an in-depth look into the show’s concept, characters, comedic style, and cultural impact, as well as some of the controversies it faced. Whether you are a dedicated fan or new to the series, this guide will give you a comprehensive overview of “Come Fly With Me.”
Overview of the Series
“Come Fly With Me” debuted in March 2010 and ran for one season consisting of six episodes. Set primarily in the fictional international airport called Manchester Airport, the series is a mockumentary that mimics the style of popular travel documentary shows, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the lives of the staff and passengers.
Unlike a traditional sitcom, the show features multiple interconnected sketches revolving around airport employees and travelers, portrayed by Matt Lucas and David Walliams who assume a range of different characters. The series uses exaggerated stereotypes, slapstick humor, and situational comedy to highlight both the humor and frustration of modern air travel.
Main Characters and Sketches
One of the strongest points of “Come Fly With Me” lies in its variety of characters, all brought to life with distinct accents, costumes, and personalities by Lucas and Walliams. The following are some of the key personas from the show:
1. The Cabin Crew
- Captain Paul Gladden: An overconfident, somewhat incompetent pilot known for his catchphrase “Let’s get the hell out of here.” Gladden’s character mixes self-importance with clumsy charm, often mishandling in-flight situations.
- Savitri: The friendly, overly helpful flight attendant with a warm but sometimes intrusive approach to passenger service.
2. Airport Staff
- Marion and Pippa: Two middle-aged women who work the airport’s security and customs desks. Marion is strict and rule-obsessed whereas Pippa is a bit more lenient but easily influenced. Their dynamic creates a humorous representation of airport workers dealing with everyday stress.
- Derek: An annoyingly chatty ground staff member who tries to make small talk with passengers but often ends up irritating them.
3. Passengers
- The Duchess of Lard: A spoof posh traveler who embodies the absurdity of celebrity culture. Her exaggerated aristocratic mannerisms and demands provide plenty of comedic fodder.
- Fuji: A Japanese businessman stereotype who uses broken English and misunderstands British customs, the character plays on cultural misunderstandings in an exaggerated comedic way.
- Mo and Connie: Two overly dramatic travelers whose personal dramas often overshadow their travel experience, representing the soap-opera-like conflicts sometimes seen in public spaces.
Each episode weaves together these various characters’ stories, creating a layered narrative filled with running jokes and callbacks. The quick changes between sketches keep the pace lively and engaging.
The Humor and Style
The humor of “Come Fly With Me” is a mix of observational comedy, slapstick, and character-driven jokes. Its mockumentary format allows the characters to break the fourth wall and speak directly to the camera, adding an extra layer of comedy.
Mockumentary Format
Borrowing from the success of shows like “The Office,” the mockumentary style gives viewers the impression of witnessing real-life antics at the airport, with characters confessing their frustrations and revealing their true thoughts. This approach adds a touch of realism that contrasts amusingly with the often absurd scenarios.
Use of Stereotypes
The series relies heavily on stereotypes to generate laughs, depicting exaggerated traits of different nationalities, occupations, and social classes. For example, the British security staff are portrayed as overzealous and grumpy, while foreign passengers are often caricatured in playful ways.
While this can be humorous, it also became a source of controversy (discussed later), as some felt the portrayals were insensitive or offensive.
Physical Comedy and Visual Gags
Lucas and Walliams are known for their talent in physical comedy, and “Come Fly With Me” includes many visual jokes, pratfalls, and slapstick moments. Their use of heavy prosthetics and makeup to transform into diverse characters adds to the comic effect.
Production and Creators
Matt Lucas and David Walliams are among the UK’s most popular and successful comedians. Before “Come Fly With Me,” they gained fame with shows like “Little Britain,” which also featured character sketch comedy and sometimes controversial humor.
Writing and Directing
The series was co-written by Lucas and Walliams, alongside other writers. The duo’s long-standing partnership ensured a consistent comedic tone and style. The show was directed by Paul King, who would later direct the popular “Paddington” films.
Filming
Filming took place on location at Manchester Airport and in studio sets designed to mimic airport terminals, aircraft interiors, and staff rooms. The attention to detail in set design contributed to the authentic feel of the show’s mockumentary style.
Reception and Impact
Popularity
“Come Fly With Me” garnered a solid viewership when it premiered, with fans appreciating its catchy humor and the familiar presence of Lucas and Walliams. It was especially popular among viewers who travel frequently, as it satirized experiences many found relatable.
The series was praised for its fast-paced sketches and the performers’ versatility in portraying a wide range of characters.
Critical Response
Critical reviews were mixed:
- Some praised the sharp satire and strong performances of Lucas and Walliams.
- Others criticized it for recycling stereotypes and humor that some perceived as outdated or offensive.
Despite the critiques, “Come Fly With Me” remains a notable example of British sketch comedy from the 2010s.
Controversies and Criticism
The use of broad ethnic and national stereotypes drew significant criticism. Some viewers and commentators accused the show of promoting racist or culturally insensitive humor. Key points of contention included:
- Characterizations of Ethnic Minorities: Some characters, such as the Japanese businessman Fuji and others, were accused of being offensive caricatures.
- Use of Blackface and Brownface: Most notably, Matthew Lucas and David Walliams portrayed several characters of different races using makeup prosthetics, which in recent years has been more widely recognized as inappropriate and offensive.
In response to growing awareness around racial representation, the series faced increased scrutiny, especially with changing social norms relating to comedy and cultural sensitivity.
Legacy and Availability
While only running for one series, “Come Fly With Me” left its mark as a quintessential Lucas and Walliams comedy vehicle. It showcases their ability to create multiple unique characters and deliver fast-paced sketch comedy.
Streaming and DVD
As of 2024, “Come Fly With Me” remains available via selected streaming services and on DVD collections, though its visibility has decreased compared to other works by the duo.
Influence on Comedy
The show represents a key moment in early 2010s British television comedy and reflects shifting tastes and tolerances around humor.
Conclusion
“Come Fly With Me” (UK) is a bold, sometimes controversial sketch comedy series that offers a humorous behind-the-scenes look at airport life. Thanks to the comedic talents of Matt Lucas and David Walliams, it blends sharp satire with slapstick and observational humor. While the show has deservedly found many fans for its wit and creativity, it also serves as a reminder of how comedy evolves and the importance of sensitivity in satire.
For viewers interested in British comedies that poke fun at institutional absurdities, “Come Fly With Me” offers an entertaining, if occasionally divisive, viewing experience. Whether you find it hilariously spot-on or a bit outdated, it’s a notable part of the UK comedy landscape in the 2010s.
I always found the mockumentary format in ‘Come Fly With Me’ made the airport antics feel even more ridiculous, especially since it’s set in a fictional Manchester Airport. The way Lucas and Walliams played with different character sketches is something that stuck with me.