Neil
Hamilton dancing in a cage whilst fish are thrown over him,
Roland from Grange Hill downing a bottle of ketchup in less
than 33 seconds, and the host pissing himself in front of Huey
from the Fun Lovin’ Criminals – just a few of the
delights on offer in this 78-minute compilation of highlights
and previously unseen footage from Johnny Vegas’ Friday
night show.
This show, produced
by Chris Evans and having more than a touch of TFI Friday about
it, seems to go out of its way to push the boundaries of broadcast
and, indeed, laddishness, which results in a programme that
is largely incoherent and unwatchable.
It is a drunken mix
of aggressive stand up and chat show, with candid camera elements,
where Vegas trys to score drugs. Largely cringe-worthy, much
of it is difficult and dull to watch. The show’s main
theme is pub banter, making most of what is said unfunny, self-indulgent
and messy.
Vegas came across
as a bit rough around the edges before this show, but also as
quite sweet – a charming, self-depreciating figure. This
show has snatched this image away, leaving him looking like
an abusive Camden tramp. And that may do the tramps a disservice.
The extras are quite
comprehensive and the highpoint (if there could be said to be
a highpoint) of the DVD. There’s a truly honest commentary
by Vegas on the people and various antics on the show, which
is quite interesting.
There’s also
a Celebrity Lock-in programme which Vegas made for E4, lots
of outtakes, a Celebrity Poker sketch, a Baboon piece and a
variety of other extras which are really for the hardcore fans
of the show.
18 Stone of Idiot
has few redeeming features. Makes Trisha look like Newsnight
– one to avoid.