Big Train Series 1 & 2 Review

Sketch-based comedy, with a few honourable exceptions, is a hit-and-miss affair, and this show from Father Ted writers Arthur Mathews and Graham Linehan is no exception. On the up side, Mark Heap (Brian in Spaced) is revealed as a talented juggler, Simon Pegg wears a succession of fright wigs, and the first series’ ‘Stare Out’ championships, with real sports commentators taking us through a staring contest, are still hilarious. On the downside, too many sketches miss the mark and prove baffling rather than barmy, while others stretch a weak joke far past its breaking point.