Fun at the Funeral Parlour

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Fun at the Funeral Parlour
Genre Comedy
Written by Rhys Thomas
Directed by Peter Boyd MacLean (1st)
Christine Gernon (2nd)
Starring Rhys Thomas as Percy
William Thomas as Ivor
Alex Lowe as Arwell
Tony Way as Gwynne
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of series 2
No. of episodes 13
Production
Running time 30 minutes
Release
Original network BBC Choice
Original release 1 January 2001 –
12 March 2002

Fun at the Funeral Parlour was a comedy series broadcast on BBC Choice and BBC Three for two series in 2001 and 2002. It was set in a Welsh funeral directors called "Thomas, Thomas, Thomas and Thomas".

The series was written by Rhys Thomas, who also starred alongside William Thomas, Alex Lowe and Tony Way. Thomas created the show at the age of 20, after contributing to The Fast Show becoming the youngest person ever to create, write and star in their own TV sitcom. The second series featured a theme tune written and performed by Queen's guitarist, Brian May. He and producer of the series, Simon Lupton went on to work with Brian May and Queen on numerous DVDs and Queen documentaries.

Characters

Ivor Thomas

A single father, and head of the household and the company. In some ways, he is slightly backward; but in most ways, he is surprisingly sharp for a Welsh bumpkin. He has a phobia about dead bodies but manages quite well with the aid of his three sons to whom he is devoted. Because death means business, he is constantly hoping for people to die.

Arwell Thomas (33 years old)

Of the sons, it is Arwell who seems closest to Ivor—he often confides in his father about personal matters. He hopes to one day meet and marry someone with whom he can have children and build a life. But until he meets his wife-to-be, the main love in his life is his Fiat Panda.

Gwynne Thomas

Gwynne has a mental deficiency (on one occasion, he pulls one of his own teeth with a pair of pliers). Despite his subtle impairment, he receives no special treatment from Ivor and is expected to perform his duties regardless.

Percy Thomas

Perhaps the sharpest of them all and with a devious streak.

Guest stars

Series 1 guests include:

Series 2 guests include:

Episode guide

Series 1

Airdate in Britain Episode Title
01·1·2001 "Death In The Valleys"
08·1·2001 "The Jaws Of Doom"
15·1·2001 "The Heron Incident"
22·1·2001 "The Mountains Of Doom"
29·1·2001 "Blue Ice"
05·2·2001 "Dead Aid"

Series 2

Airdate in Britain Episode Title
22·1·2002 "The Balls Of Doom"
29·1·2002 "Polterghoost"
05·2·2002 "A Pocket Full Of Gravel"
12·2·2002 "Gwynne's Marvelous Medicine"
19·2·2002 "Marooned"
26·2·2002 "Dog Dago Afternoon"
05·3·2002 "Moira Stewart & The Clown Syndrome"

Series 2 locations

Towards the end of "Balls Of Doom" (while “Forever Autumn” is playing), we see Arwell riding his motorised scooter along the road. This was shot in Llansawel, heading southwest past the Swan Fach cottage, over the stone bridge, past the 1957 NEUADD LLANSAWEL Community Hall, and the Black Lion Hotel, and on toward the B4337. This stretch of road features in most episodes—usually as part of the route of a funeral procession. The Community Hall also features in "Moira Stewart & The Clown Syndrome" and "'A Pocket Full Of Gravel".

The church is St David’s in Abergwili and features in most episodes of Series 2.

DVD Release

The 2006 DVD Set

  • Disc 1: Series 2 out of order, aspect ratio is 16:9
  • Disc 2: Series 1 in correct order, aspect ratio is 4:3

One explanation for the reversal may be that Series 2 is arguably better than Series 1.

External links

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