theoomungroup This is the ultimate spoof of life. The acting is just out-of-this-world, and the writing wonderfully takes our preconceptions of 'normality' and puts them through a magic mushroom blender. Growing up in England is a very confusing thing. As is portrayed perfectly in the show, there is a strange social normality within which people talk and interact with one another. Big Train takes that casual, chatty 'everything's normal' atmosphere, and injects a little quantum mechanics into it. But it's not just British culture getting splurged, Big Train takes any situation that upon slightly closer inspection is just plain weird. Super villains, the over-the-top dramatic stylings of American movies and sports events all get torn to shreds, and given a chelsea smile. If you've ever felt there was something grossly abnormal about normality, then this show will open the front door, take your shoes off, get you a cuppa, and make you feel right at home.

killwill1 Warning Contains Some Spoilers!!!!!!!!The first time I saw this show I was shocked at the sheer quality of the rather a-typical sketch show format. Despite the similarities with other shows (as many previous writers have mentioned), this show did provide us with both memorable sketches and stars.Some of the sketches appeal to all people, and are somewhat standard in their BBC origin. For example Simon Pegg (as a general) explaining to a conference of people about a missile attack, whilst providing his own sound effects to the video. Whereas other sketches share more common ground with dark experimental sketch shows such as Jam. For example the sketch where Mark Heap repeatedly threatens Kevin Eldon for making references to him not being married (which included Kevin Eldon mentioning kids kicking a coke can?). Also it is impossible to provide a review of this pro gramme without mentioning the parallels between this show and Monty Python. Big Train clearly learnt and borrowed from Python's love for the completely irrelevant, for example in the second series Simon Pegg knocking over a turtle that apparently does not speak English, but does speak perfect French! As for the Stars of the show, they have gone on to some very important work with regards to British comedy. For example Mark Heap, went on to do Green Wing (one of the best new British Sitcoms), and he also did Spaced (between the two series). Simon Pegg, obviously did Spaced (between two series), Shaun of the Dead, and has more recently been cast in Mission Impossible 3 (admittedly not a direct comedy). Kevin Eldon, made numerous appearances in many of the newer comedies e.g. Spaced, Green Wing and had a co-star role in Hyperdrive (which stars Nick Frost, who also made an appearance in one of the sketches in Big Train). As for the female cast members they have also had been linked with important work. For example Catherine Tate, who is now a very common figure in family entertainment! Also Julia Davis has been linked to a number of big projects for example, The Office, and Love actually.Big train was an important comedy training ground for British talent, and whilst admittedly borrowing a few ideas from other shows (as do all comedies!) it gave us a lot of laughs.Bravo!

Nickrock182 I had heard many good things about this program. My friend called it 'the funniest thing I have ever seen'. I heard that I had a whole host of excellent comedians and comedy actors involved in it to some degree. It even had the legend that is Simon Pegg starring! Plus the Father Ted two as as writers? This has to be comedy gold. Alas, no, the first series, the only one I have seen so far, is a major disappointment. Maybe it has suffered in my eyes by being built up too much. None-the-less, and I know this is a matter of opinion, it is just not that funny. Granted there are one or two funny sketches and some very clever idea, but nothing there to elevate Big Train above most other sketch shows. I found many sketches were drawn out and as a result died a horrible death. I'm about to watch the second series which I have been assured is vastly superior to the first. I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed.

peter.kirby Well it is not the funniest thing on TV, and not all that original, but give it a go, it passes the time.A few funny moments brighten the time spent viewing and Simon Pegg is amusing as ever, so I say why not....