- Title: Comic Strip: The Strike
- Date: 20th February 1988
- Description:Comic Strip is a series of self contained TV films starring performers from London's "Comic Strip" comedy club and their friends including Dawn French,Jennifer Saunders,Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall. The Comic Strip was aired on Channel 4's first night and served to bring about fresh,modern and often controversial comedy. Directed by: Peter Richardson Written by: Peter Richardson and Pete Richens Starring: Peter Richardson (Pacino),Jennifer Saunders (Meryl),Alexei Sayle (Paul),Dawn French (Verity,Old Lady,Celebrity),Nigel Planer (Bernard,Old Man,Camp Actor 1),Robbie Coltrane (Goldie,Dutch,Celebrity),Adrian Edmondson (Adrian,Slim,Policeman),Keith Allen (Film Executive,Camp Actor 2,Architect,Celebrity),Rik Mayall (Speaker,Hunchback),Ronald Allen (Prime Minister),Kevin Allen (Workman,Film Crew Member,TV Interviewer,Waiter,Hotel Manager,Third Man,Cinemagoer),Katrina Mansoor (Tammy),Derren Nesbitt (Chauffeur,McGregor),Steven O'Donnell (Gerry,Second Man,Picketer),Daniel Peacock (Workman 1),Pete Richens (Workman 2) (The Strike) When as innocent young man from the valleys writes a moving and accurate film script about the miner's strike,Hollywood immediately recognise a marvellous 'human interest' story,but unfortunately feels the script needs adapting to fit the big stars they have in mind for the central roles of Arthur and Mrs Scargill. Thus Paul's script is changed from an indictment on the Tory government to a vehicle for Al Pacino and Meryl Streep's method acting talents. Of course the final Oscar-winning version has little to do with the miner's strike and a lot to do with the big star egos. Embittered and disillusioned about the film business Paul calls it a day and goes home only to be confronted by bitterness and enmity from his former friends who feel let down.
- Broadcaster:Channel 4
- Collection: Channel 4
- Genre:Entertainment
- Producer:Comic Strip Ltd.
- Programme Episode:Episode 1
- Transmission Date:20/02/1988
- Rights:Worldwide
- Decade: 1980s