The Catherine Tate Show : Series Three - Region 2

Very much in the spirit of the comedy sketch show of old--Harry Enfield’s Television Programme seems an obvious template--The Catherine Tate Show nonetheless carves its own niche, and that’s thanks very much to the array of talents of its star. Catherine Tate can clearly both act and write, but more crucially for this endeavour, she can’t half make you laugh.

Highlights of series three of The Catherine Tate Show include foul-mouthed Nan’s appearance on The Paul O’Grady Show, the continued antics of Lauren (surely Britain’s scariest schoolgirl) and the appearance of the likes of Leslie Phillips (who, surely, is pretty much welcome anywhere), Jools Holland and Patsy Palmer. But what’s also welcome is the number of smaller, lower profile characters who are also explored, usually to great comedic effect.

It’s already been confirmed that this is to be the final full series of The Catherine Tate Show, and perhaps it’s right that it ends while it’s still on a high. Because series three is a real delight, frequently funny, eminently quotable and, ultimately, downright entertaining. --Jon Foster