Noel Fielding praises Dick Turpin as a return to Python-style British comedy

The new series brings Dick Turpin to life with a star-studded cast, lavish sets, and a return to whimsical British comedy.

The new series takes the classic highwayman character and turns him into a kind-hearted, soft-spoken individual who joins a lovable group of misfits portrayed by Ellie White (Wonka), Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing), Marc Wootton (Nativity!), and Duayne Boachie (Blue Story). Greg Davies (The Cleaner), Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner), and Hugh Bonneville (Paddington) also play the villains, with various famous faces making cameo appearances.

Speaking at a press conference, Fielding emphasized the large ensemble, lavish sets, and silly sense of humor that bring Dick Turpin closer to a style of comedy reminiscent of Monty Python, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Vic Reeves, and Chris Morris. He noted that while The Office is fantastic, it has led to a surge of similar shows that are very real and awkward, whereas Dick Turpin is more visual, whimsical, and joyful.

Although other shows like BBC's Ghosts have drawn comparisons to Monty Python, there has generally been a greater emphasis on realism in recent British comedy. The question now is whether the balance is about to shift once more.

Chaudhry praised the UK's long history of producing groundbreaking work in the comedy genre, citing the country's all-star cast of some of the finest British comedians. He expressed confidence in the UK's ability to excel in deadpan, surrealist, and delusional comedy, asserting that people around the world look to the UK for top-notch comedy.