Throughout February, the British Film Institute on London’s Southbank will be hosting a TV season dedicated to legendary TV producer Beryl Vertue. Vertue is unknown to many people outside the comedy industry, and we are delighted that the BFI are celebrating the behind the camera work that has helped to launch some of the most successful British TV comedies in recent years. The season will be a great opportunity for audiences to explore the highlights of her career – from its early successes to the present day – with a series of screenings and talks.
Having represented the likes of Tony Hancock, Spike Milligan and Alan Simpson, Vertue joined the Stigwood Organisation in 1967 and was responsible for selling British comedies like 'Steptoe and Son' and 'Til Death do us Part' to the US market. She was also one of the first UK producers to form her own production company – Hartwood Films – in the 1980s. Early successes came with a variety of comedy shows, including 'Men Behaving Badly', My Good Friend and more recently, Coupling. She is also currently the Executive Producer of internationally acclaimed drama 'Sherlock.' In 2012 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Television Society, and the Harvey Lee award for outstanding contribution to broadcasting at The Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.
The season runs throughout February, but at Funny Women towers we are most excited about the fact that the 26th February will see a double bill of comedy highlights, with an in-depth look at some of her best work followed by a discussion with Vertue herself. Come and join us at:
The Comedies of Beryl Vertue – introductions by Simon Nye & Martin Dennis
Featuring: Men Behaving Badly, My Good Friend, Is It Legal?: Big Desk Bob
This event is a screening of three of Vertue’s comedies, chosen herself as particular favourites. The screening will be introduced by Vertue’s frequent collaborators, writer Simon Nye and director Martin Dennis, who will also discuss their experiences of creating the episodes.
Date: Tuesday 26th February 2013
Time: 18:15
Venue: BFI Southbank, NFT2
Tickets: £5 book HERE
Beryl Vertue In Conversation
Event presented in association with BAFTA. Vertue will discuss some of her biggest TV hits, as well as her successful career in selling British television programmes to the US, with Paul Jackson, the former Director of Entertainment & Comedy at ITV and current CEO of Eyeworks.
Tuesday 26th February 2013
BFI Southbank, NFT1 at 20:40
Tickets £5 book HERE
The Beryl Vertue season is taking place throughout February 2013.
For more information, see the BFI website HERE