Asylum (1996 TV series)

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Asylum
Asylum title.JPG
Asylum title screen
Created by Edgar Wright
Written by
Directed byEdgar Wright
Starring
  • Julian Barratt
  • Simon Pegg
  • Jessica Stevenson
  • Norman Lovett
No. of series1
No. of episodes6
Production
Running time30 minutes
Original release
Network Paramount Comedy Channel

Asylum is a British comedy series which was shown on Paramount Comedy Channel in 1996. [1] Set in a mental asylum, it was directed by Edgar Wright. [2] It was co-written by Edgar Wright, David Walliams, Julian Barratt, Adam Bloom, Jessica Hynes, Simon Pegg, Norman Lovett, Paul Morocco, and Mick O'Connor.

Contents

Asylum ran for one series of six episodes. Unlike traditional sitcoms or comedy television shows, it was to some extent an opportunity for stand-up routines by various comedians, [3] mixed with an overall story involving much black humour. It is significant for involving a large number of British comedians, many of whom went on to work on some of the most successful comedy programmes of the 2000s. It marked the first collaboration of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, who would go on to make cult sitcom Spaced and Shaun of the Dead . Many of the characters names were the same as those of the actors who portrayed them. [3]

David Devant & His Spirit Wife were the "house band" for the series, performing segments in every episode, [4] from their first album, Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous. The lead-in track "Ginger" served as the programme's title music.

The series has yet to be released on DVD. [5]

Cast and crew

Written by the cast and
Principal cast and characters
Guest stars

References

  1. Asylum at British Comedy Guide
  2. 1 2 Edgar Wright at the BFI 's Screenonline
  3. 1 2 Dessau, Bruce (1 April 2010). "Laugh Lines: From Asylum to The Mighty Boosh". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  4. Foster, Foz. "Sound Design & Music". Foz Creative. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  5. "Hidden Comedy Classics Online". www.theskinny.co.uk : The Skinny. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  6. Simon Pegg at the BFI 's Screenonline

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