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Figures Encyclopedia Entry 1782251884

** Figures is a British sitcom television series that aired from 1990 to 1991, known for its witty humor, satire, and portrayal of British culture. **CONTENT:** ### Overview Figures is a British sitcom television series created by Ben Elton, a renowned comedian, actor, and writer. The show premiered on BBC Two in 1990 and ran for one season, consisting of six episodes. Figures is often regarded as a precursor to Elton's more famous series, Blackadder, and shares similarities in its satirical style and historical settings. The show's narrative revolves around a group of historical figures who find themselves in a modern-day London, navigating the complexities of contemporary life. The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Ben Elton, Rik Mayall, and Adrian Edmondson. Each character is a historical figure, including Napoleon Bonaparte, William Shakespeare, and Florence Nightingale, who are transported to the present day. The show's humor is characterized by its clever wordplay, witty dialogue, and absurd situations, often poking fun at British culture and society. Figures received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising its original concept and clever writing. Although the show was short-lived, it has maintained a cult following and remains a beloved British sitcom. ### History/Background Ben Elton, the creator of Figures, is a British comedian, actor, and writer. Born on May 3, 1964, in London, England, Elton rose to fame in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian and writer for various British television shows. Figures was one of Elton's earliest attempts at creating a sitcom, and it marked a significant milestone in his career. The show's concept was inspired by Elton's fascination with history and his desire to explore the absurdities of modern life through a historical lens. Elton has stated that he was influenced by the works of Monty Python and the surreal humor of the British comedy troupe. Figures premiered on BBC Two in 1990, a time when British television was experiencing a surge in popularity. The show's success can be attributed to its unique blend of history, satire, and comedy, which resonated with audiences and critics alike. ### Key Information * **Main Cast:** Ben Elton, Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, and others * **Number of Episodes:** 6 * **Original Airdate:** 1990 * **Network:** BBC Two * **Genre:** Sitcom, Comedy, Historical Fiction * **Notable Guest Stars:** None * **Awards and Nominations:** None Figures is known for its clever writing, witty dialogue, and absurd situations. The show's humor is characterized by its clever use of historical references and its satire of British culture. Each episode features a unique historical setting and a new set of challenges for the characters. ### Significance Figures may have been a short-lived series, but its impact on British comedy is undeniable. The show's success paved the way for Ben Elton's future projects, including Blackadder, which became a beloved British sitcom. Figures also marked a significant milestone in the development of British comedy, showcasing the potential of satire and absurd humor in television. The show's portrayal of historical figures in a modern setting has been praised for its creativity and originality. Figures has been cited as an influence by many comedians and writers, including Ricky Gervais and Stephen Fry. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Figures - **Type:** British Sitcom Television Series - **Date:** 1990 - **Location:** London, England - **Known For:** Unique blend of history, satire, and comedy **TAGS:** British Sitcom, Comedy, Historical Fiction, Satire, Absurd Humor, British Culture, Ben Elton, Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Blackadder.