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{{short description|British television series}}
{{short description|British television series}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
|name = Psychoville
| image = Psychoville titles.jpg
|image = Psychoville titles.jpg
| image_size = 250
| caption = Title card from the second series
|image_size = 250px
|caption = Title card from the second series
| genre = {{flatlist|
|genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Sitcom]]
* [[Sitcom]]
* [[black comedy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a442438/league-of-gentlemen-duo-create-new-dark-bbc-comedy-anthology/ |title=<nowiki>'</nowiki>''League of Gentlemen''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Duo Create New Dark BBC Comedy Anthology |last=Fletcher |first=Alex |date=December 3, 2012 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref>
* [[black comedy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a442438/league-of-gentlemen-duo-create-new-dark-bbc-comedy-anthology/ |title=<nowiki>'</nowiki>''League of Gentlemen''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Duo Create New Dark BBC Comedy Anthology |last=Fletcher |first=Alex |date=3 December 2012 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref>
* [[Mystery fiction|mystery]]
* [[Mystery fiction|mystery]]
* [[psychological thriller]]
* [[psychological thriller]]
* [[psychological horror]]
* [[psychological horror]]
}}
}}
|creator = [[Reece Shearsmith]]<br>[[Steve Pemberton]]
| creator = [[Reece Shearsmith]]<br>[[Steve Pemberton]]
|writer = Reece Shearsmith<br>Steve Pemberton
| writer = Reece Shearsmith<br>Steve Pemberton
|director = [[Matt Lipsey]]
| director = [[Matt Lipsey]]
|starring = Steve Pemberton<br>Reece Shearsmith<br>[[Daniel Kaluuya]]<br>[[Dawn French]]<br>[[Eileen Atkins]]<br>[[Imelda Staunton]]<br>[[Jason Tompkins]]<br>[[Lisa Hammond (actress)|Lisa Hammond]]
| starring = Steve Pemberton<br>Reece Shearsmith<br>[[Daniel Kaluuya]]<br>[[Dawn French]]<br>[[Eileen Atkins]]<br>[[Imelda Staunton]]<br>[[Jason Tompkins]]<br>[[Lisa Hammond (actress)|Lisa Hammond]]
|theme_music_composer = [[Joby Talbot]]
| theme_music_composer = [[Joby Talbot]]
|country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
|language = English
| language = English
|num_series = 2
| num_series = 2
|num_episodes = 14
| num_episodes = 14
| executive_producer = [[Jon Plowman]]
|list_episodes = #Episodes
| producer = Justin Davies
|executive_producer = [[Jon Plowman]]
|producer = Justin Davies
| runtime = 30mins
|runtime = 30mins
| channel = [[BBC Two]]
|channel = [[BBC Two]]
| first_aired = {{start date|2009|6|18|df=yes}}
|first_aired = {{start date|2009|6|18|df=yes}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2011|6|6|df=yes}}
| related = ''[[The League of Gentlemen]]'' <br>''[[Inside No. 9]]''
|last_aired = {{end date|2011|6|6|df=yes}}
|related = [[The League of Gentlemen]] <br>[[Inside No. 9]]
|website = https://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville
|production_website =
}}
}}


'''''Psychoville''''' is a British [[psychological horror]]-[[psychological thriller|thriller]] [[black comedy]] [[mystery fiction|mystery]] television series created and written by and starring ''[[The League of Gentlemen]]'' members [[Reece Shearsmith]] and [[Steve Pemberton]] for the [[BBC]]. It debuted on [[BBC Two]] on 18 June 2009. Pemberton and Shearsmith each play numerous characters, with [[Dawn French]] and [[Jason Tompkins]] in additional starring roles. The first series was followed by a Halloween special, broadcast on 31 October 2010, which saw [[Imelda Staunton]] added to the main cast along with previously supporting actors [[Eileen Atkins]] and [[Daniel Kaluuya]]. The second series was first broadcast on 5 May 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RadioTimes/status/59990511313891328|title=Radio Times on Twitter}}</ref> and ended on 6 June. Reece Shearsmith has officially announced that there will not be a third series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2011/09/15/13981/psychoville_killed_off|title=Psychoville killed off : News 2011 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide|first=Powder Blue Internet Business|last=Solutions}}</ref> In February 2020, Shearsmith and Pemberton's follow-up series, ''[[Inside No. 9]]'', crossed over with ''Psychoville'' and brought back five of the characters for the episode "Death Be Not Proud".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/inside_no_9/episodes/5/2/|title=Inside No. 9: Series 5, Episode 2 - Death Be Not Proud|publisher=[[British Comedy Guide]]|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref>
'''''Psychoville''''' is a British [[psychological horror]]-[[psychological thriller|thriller]] [[black comedy]] [[mystery fiction|mystery]] television series created and written by and starring ''[[The League of Gentlemen]]'' members [[Reece Shearsmith]] and [[Steve Pemberton]] for the [[BBC]]. It debuted on [[BBC Two]] on 18 June 2009. Pemberton and Shearsmith each play numerous characters, with [[Dawn French]], [[Jason Tompkins]], [[Daniel Kaluuya]] and [[Eileen Atkins]] in additional starring roles. The first series was followed by a Halloween special, broadcast on 31 October 2010, which saw [[Imelda Staunton]] and [[Jason Watkins]] added to the main cast. The second series was first broadcast on 5 May 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RadioTimes/status/59990511313891328|title=Radio Times on Twitter}}</ref> and ended on 6 June. Reece Shearsmith has said that there will not be a third series.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2011 |title=Psychoville killed off |url=http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2011/09/15/13981/psychoville_killed_off |access-date=20 September 2011 |website=[[Chortle]] |publisher=Powder Blue Internet Business Solutions}}</ref>
In February 2020, Shearsmith and Pemberton's follow-up series, ''[[Inside No. 9]]'', crossed over with ''Psychoville'' and brought back five of the characters for the episode "Death Be Not Proud".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/inside_no_9/episodes/5/2/|title=Inside No. 9: Series 5, Episode 2 - Death Be Not Proud|publisher=[[British Comedy Guide]]|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref>


==Premise==
==Premise==
The series revolves around five different characters from different parts of England: David Sowerbutts (played by Pemberton), a [[serial killer]]-obsessed man-child who still lives with his mother Maureen (Shearsmith); Mr. Jelly (Shearsmith), an embittered one-handed children's entertainer; Oscar Lomax (Pemberton), a blind millionaire who collects stuffed toy animals; Joy Aston (French), a [[midwife]] who treats a practice doll as if it is her real child; and Robert Greenspan (Tompkins), a [[Pantomime|panto]] [[Dwarfism|dwarf]] in love with his [[Snow White]] who believes he has the power of [[telekinesis]]. All five are connected by a mysterious [[blackmail]]er who has sent them a letter each with the message: "I know what you did".
The series revolves around five different characters from different parts of England: David Sowerbutts (played by Pemberton), a [[serial killer]]-obsessed man-child who still lives with his mother Maureen (Shearsmith); Mr. Jelly (Shearsmith), an embittered one-handed children's entertainer; Oscar Lomax (Pemberton), a blind millionaire who collects stuffed toy animals; Joy Aston (French), a [[midwife]] who treats a practice doll as if it is her real child; and Robert Greenspan (Tompkins), a [[Pantomime|panto]] [[Dwarfism|dwarf]] in love with his [[Snow White]] who believes he has the power of [[telekinesis]]. All five are connected by a mysterious [[blackmail]]er who has sent them a letter each with the message: "I know what you did".
The series is named after the title given to ''[[The League of Gentlemen]]'' when the series was sold to [[Japan]] and [[Korea]].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6381267.ece|title= The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville|publisher= Times Online|date= 31 May 2009|access-date= 25 June 2009 | location=London | first=Stephen | last=Armstrong}}</ref>
The series is named after the title given to ''[[The League of Gentlemen]]'' when the series was sold to [[Japan]] and [[Korea]].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6381267.ece|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110617005946/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6381267.ece|url-status= dead|archive-date= 17 June 2011|title= The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville|work= The Times|date= 31 May 2009|access-date= 25 June 2009 | location=London | first=Stephen | last=Armstrong}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
The series features a diverse set of five characters who live in different parts of England, all of whom have been blackmailed by the same individual (referred to in the credits for episode seven as "Black Gloved Man"), who has given them each a letter with the message "I know what you did…"<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/09/bbc.television|title= League Of Gentlemen duo back with BBC2 comedy Psychoville|publisher= The Guardian|date= 9 October 2008|access-date= 5 February 2009 | location=London | first=Ben | last=Dowell}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/psychoville_panel_discussion |title=TV Preview: Psychoville + panel discussion |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] |access-date=15 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511155422/http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/psychoville_panel_discussion |archive-date=11 May 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/2009/wk23/thu.shtml#thu_psychoville|title=Psychoville|publisher=BBC|access-date=21 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7661624.stm|title= New show for League of Gentlemen|publisher= BBC Online|date= 9 October 2008|access-date= 5 February 2009}}</ref> In the second episode, the blackmailer leaves them a second message that reads, "You killed her". In the third episode they receive a videotape showing them in an asylum together (several having previously revealed that they had been institutionalised) performing "[[Close Every Door]]" from the musical ''[[Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]]''. It is later disclosed that the institution was called Ravenhill Hospital. In Episodes Five and Six, the characters discover the final message: a key depicting a raven. At least David's letter also contains the message "I'm waiting...".
The series features a diverse set of five characters who live in different parts of England, all of whom have been blackmailed by the same individual (referred to in the credits for episode seven as "Black Gloved Man"), who has given them each a letter with the message "I know what you did…"<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/09/bbc.television|title= League of Gentlemen duo back with BBC2 comedy Psychoville|work= The Guardian|date= 9 October 2008|access-date= 5 February 2009 | location=London | first=Ben | last=Dowell}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/psychoville_panel_discussion |title=TV Preview: Psychoville + panel discussion |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] |access-date=15 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511155422/http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/psychoville_panel_discussion |archive-date=11 May 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/2009/wk23/thu.shtml#thu_psychoville|title=Psychoville|publisher=BBC|access-date=21 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7661624.stm|title= New show for League of Gentlemen|publisher= BBC Online|date= 9 October 2008|access-date= 5 February 2009}}</ref> In the second episode, the blackmailer leaves them a second message that reads, "You killed her". In the third episode they receive a videotape showing them in an asylum together (several having previously revealed that they had been institutionalised) performing "[[Close Every Door]]" from the musical ''[[Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]]''. It is later disclosed that the institution was called Ravenhill Hospital. In Episodes Five and Six, the characters discover the final message: a key depicting a raven. At least David's letter also contains the message "I'm waiting...".


Ultimately it is revealed that Joy, Robert, David and Oscar were involved in the death of Nurse Edwina Kenchington ([[Eileen Atkins]]), who is the blackmailer's mother. The blackmailer is Dr. Stuart Strachen, a surgeon, who is also known as Mr. Jolly. Jolly blackmailed Jelly whom he blamed most, as he was operating on Jelly's hand (which was later amputated after the operation went wrong) while Kenchington was dying. David knocked her over and Joy pronounced her dead. The group started a fire to cover their tracks, but Kenchington woke up and attempted to escape. Oscar, Joy and Robert prevented her from leaving the room she was trapped in, but she somehow survived and returns to Ravenhill in the final episode looking for her locket. At the end of the series, Mr Jolly blows up part of the asylum with most of the main characters and Kenchington inside and it is revealed that Robert has the locket.
Ultimately it is revealed that Joy, Robert, David and Oscar were involved in the death of Nurse Edwina Kenchington ([[Eileen Atkins]]), who is the blackmailer's mother. The blackmailer is Dr. Stuart Strachen, a surgeon, who is also known as Mr. Jolly. Jolly blackmailed Jelly whom he blamed most, as he was operating on Jelly's hand (which was later amputated after the operation went wrong) while Kenchington was dying. David knocked her over and Joy pronounced her dead. The group started a fire to cover their tracks, but Kenchington woke up and attempted to escape. Oscar, Joy and Robert prevented her from leaving the room she was trapped in, but she somehow survived and returns to Ravenhill in the final episode looking for her locket. At the end of the series, Mr Jolly blows up part of the asylum with most of the main characters and Kenchington inside and it is revealed that Robert has the locket.


Series two begins with Mr Jelly, Oscar, and Oscar's assistant Michael, aka "Tealeaf", attending the funeral of Mr Jolly. Afterwards, Jelly is given a box of Jolly's props, which also turns out to contain Strachen's mobile phone and his ID card at Andrews Nanotech. Posing as Mr Jolly, Mr Jelly discovers that Strachen was using his surgical skills to deal in the black market organ trade, and that Kenchington had an account with a cryogenic storage facility where her late father Ehrlichmann's head was kept frozen. Meanwhile, Andrews Nanotech has hired a police detective to retrieve Kenchington's locket by any means necessary. Robert gives the locket to Debbie for safekeeping, but after Robert's death, Debbie gives it away to make-up lady Hattie. Detective Finney tracks down the former Ravenhill patients, questioning, then killing, Joy, Robert, and Oscar, and attempting to kill Mrs Wren. Oscar's friend, toyshop owner Peter Bishop, deduces that Oscar was killed for his connection to Ravenhill. He enlists Tealeaf's help with his investigation and they successfully retrieve the locket from Hattie before Finney can get to it, and contact Mr Jelly, whose own investigations have resulted in him taking possession of Ehrlichmann's frozen head. Bishop kills Tealeaf and travels to London with Mr Jelly to attempt to sell the locket and head to Grace Andrews. It is revealed that the method for restoring a frozen head to life, worked out by Edwina Kenchington, was microscopically engraved on the links of the locket chain, and using this information, Andrews' team is able to bring Erlichmann's head back to life. The head is subsequently destroyed, but the technique has been proven to work. The series ends with the revelation that David Sowerbutts is storing the corpse of his mother Maureen (who has died of cancer) in a bathtub filled with ice, suggesting that she could be resurrected by the same technique.
Series two begins with Mr Jelly, Oscar, and Oscar's assistant Michael, aka "[[thief|Tealeaf]]" (A slang term for thief), attending the funeral of Mr Jolly. Afterwards, Jelly is given a box of Jolly's props, which also turns out to contain Strachen's mobile phone and his ID card at Andrews Nanotech. Posing as Mr Jolly, Mr Jelly discovers that Strachen was using his surgical skills to deal in the black market organ trade, and that Kenchington had an account with a cryogenic storage facility where her late father Ehrlichmann's head was kept frozen. Meanwhile, Andrews Nanotech has hired a police detective to retrieve Kenchington's locket by any means necessary. Robert gives the locket to Debbie for safekeeping, but after Robert's death, Debbie gives it away to make-up lady Hattie. Detective Finney tracks down the former Ravenhill patients, questioning, then killing, Joy, Robert, and Oscar, and attempting to kill Mrs Wren. Oscar's friend, toyshop owner Peter Bishop, deduces that Oscar was killed for his connection to Ravenhill. He enlists Tealeaf's help with his investigation and they successfully retrieve the locket from Hattie before Finney can get to it, and contact Mr Jelly, whose own investigations have resulted in him taking possession of Ehrlichmann's frozen head. Bishop kills Tealeaf and travels to London with Mr Jelly to attempt to sell the locket and head to Grace Andrews. It is revealed that the method for restoring a frozen head to life, worked out by Edwina Kenchington, was microscopically engraved on the links of the locket chain, and using this information, Andrews' team is able to bring Erlichmann's head back to life. The head is subsequently destroyed, but the technique has been proven to work. The series ends with the revelation that David Sowerbutts is storing the corpse of his mother Maureen (who has died of cancer) in a bathtub filled with ice, suggesting that she could be resurrected by the same technique.


==Web presence==
==Web presence==
Shearsmith and Pemberton collaborated with Rob and Neil Gibbons to produce fictional web content to accompany the show including an interactive treasure hunt.<ref>
Shearsmith and Pemberton collaborated with [[Gibbons brothers|Rob and Neil Gibbons]] to produce fictional web content to accompany the show including an interactive treasure hunt.<ref>
{{Cite book|title = Psychoville - disclaimer|publisher = BBC|url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/disclaimer.shtml
{{Cite book|title = Psychoville - disclaimer|publisher = BBC|url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/disclaimer.shtml
|access-date = 24 June 2009}}</ref> Fake websites and promotional websites were created for many of the characters to allow viewers of the programme to get "an overall ''Psychoville'' experience."
|access-date = 24 June 2009}}</ref> Fake websites and promotional websites were created for many of the characters to allow viewers of the programme to get "an overall ''Psychoville'' experience."
Line 55: Line 52:
The websites were again written by Shearsmith and Pemberton.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Psychoville - Experience|publisher = BBC|url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/experience/
The websites were again written by Shearsmith and Pemberton.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Psychoville - Experience|publisher = BBC|url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/experience/
|access-date = 16 May 2011}}</ref>
|access-date = 16 May 2011}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{|
* Jelly Parties<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jellyparties.co.uk/ |title=Jelly Parties |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112111025/http://www.jellyparties.co.uk/ |archive-date=12 January 2022}}</ref>
{{col-2}}
* Jolly Parties<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jollyparties.co.uk/ |title=Jolly Parties |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118135242/http://www.jollyparties.co.uk/ |archive-date=18 January 2022}}</ref>
* [http://www.jellyparties.co.uk/ Jelly Parties]
* Lomax Commodities<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lomaxcommodities.co.uk/ |title=Lomax Commodities |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114175035/http://www.lomaxcommodities.co.uk/ |archive-date=14 January 2022}}</ref>
* [http://www.jollyparties.co.uk/ Jolly Parties]
* Best Murders<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestmurders.co.uk/ |title=Best Murders |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412172733/http://www.bestmurders.co.uk/ |archive-date=12 April 2022}}</ref>
* [http://www.lomaxcommodities.co.uk/ Lomax Commodities]
* Joy's Advice to Young Mums Website<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freddyfruitcake.co.uk/ |title=Joy's Advice to Young Mums Website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115151941/http://www.freddyfruitcake.co.uk/ |archive-date=15 January 2022}}</ref>
* [http://www.bestmurders.co.uk/ Best Murders]
* Goldfish Bowl Productions<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goldfishbowlprods.co.uk/ |title=Goldfish Bowl Productions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330071444/http://www.goldfishbowlprods.co.uk/ |archive-date=30 March 2022}}</ref>
* [http://www.freddyfruitcake.co.uk/ Joy's Advice to Young Mums Website]
* Debbie Hart<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smellslikedebbie.co.uk/ |title=Debbie Hart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121175734/http://www.smellslikedebbie.co.uk/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
* [http://www.goldfishbowlprods.co.uk/ Goldfish Bowl Productions]
* Hoyti Toyti/The Nazi Bay<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoytitoyti.co.uk/ |title=Hoyti Toyti/The Nazi Bay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121085557/http://www.hoytitoyti.co.uk/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref> (type 'NAZI' in the valuation booth)
* [http://www.smellslikedebbie.co.uk/ Debbie Hart]
* Robert Greenspan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robertgreenspan.co.uk |title=Robert Greenspan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121175824/http://www.robertgreenspan.co.uk/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
* [http://www.hoytitoyti.co.uk/ Hoyti Toyti/The Nazi Bay] (type 'NAZI' in the valuation booth)
* Biggins Panto<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bigginspanto.co.uk/ |title=Biggins Panto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713015149/http://www.bigginspanto.co.uk/ |archive-date=13 July 2012}}</ref>
||
* Midget Gems<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midgetgemsvideo.co.uk/ |title=Midget Gems |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121135536/http://www.midgetgemsvideo.co.uk/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
{{col-2}}
* Murder and Chips<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.murderandchips.co.uk/ |title=Murder and Chips |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121180111/http://www.murderandchips.co.uk/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
* [http://www.robertgreenspan.co.uk Robert Greenspan]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20120713015149/http://www.bigginspanto.co.uk/ Biggins Panto]
* Ravenhill Hospital<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insideravenhill.co.uk/ |title=Ravenhill Hospital |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121180652/http://www.insideravenhill.co.uk/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
* Sunnyvale Rest Home<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunnyvaleresthome.co.uk/ |title=Sunnyvale Rest Home |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121180210/http://www.sunnyvaleresthome.co.uk/ |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref>
* [http://www.midgetgemsvideo.co.uk/ Midget Gems]
* FOCCE (Federation of Clowns and Children's Entertainers)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focce.co.uk/ |title=FOCCE (Federation of Clowns and Children's Entertainers) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123050029/http://www.focce.co.uk/ |archive-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>
* [http://www.murderandchips.co.uk/ Murder and Chips]
{{div col end}}
* [http://www.insideravenhill.co.uk/ Ravenhill Hospital]
* [http://www.sunnyvaleresthome.co.uk/ Sunnyvale Rest Home]
* [http://www.focce.co.uk/ FOCCE (Federation of Clowns and Children's Entertainers)]
|}


==Cast==
==Cast==
[[File:Psychoville.jpg|thumb|right|The main characters in the first series of ''Psychoville'' (left to right): Joy Aston, Oscar Lomax, Mr Jelly (back), Robert Greenspan (front), David Sowerbutts and Maureen Sowerbutts.]]
[[File:Psychoville.jpg|thumb|The main characters in the first series of ''Psychoville'' (left to right): Joy Aston, Oscar Lomax, Mr Jelly (back), Robert Greenspan (front), David Sowerbutts and Maureen Sowerbutts.]]


===Principal characters===
===Principal characters===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:85%"
{| class="wikitable sortable""
! Actor
! Actor
! Character
! Character
Line 95: Line 89:
|-
|-
| Brian MacMillan
| Brian MacMillan
| 3
| 4
| "Evil Queen" in ''[[Snow White]]''
| "Evil Queen" in ''[[Snow White]]''
|-
|-
Line 160: Line 154:


===Supporting cast===
===Supporting cast===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:85%"
{| class="wikitable sortable""
! Actor
! Actor
! Character
! Character
Line 256: Line 250:
| "Murder and Chips" auditionee
| "Murder and Chips" auditionee
|-
|-
| George Asprey || [[John George Haigh]]
| [[George Asprey]] || [[John George Haigh]]
| 1
| 1
| Appears to David in a vision
| Appears to David in a vision
Line 280: Line 274:
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Jason Watkins (actor)|Jason Watkins]] || Peter Bishop
| [[Jason Watkins]] || Peter Bishop
| 5
| 5
| Owner of "Hoyty-Toyties"
| Owner of "Hoyty-Toyties"
Line 287: Line 281:


==Production==
==Production==
Filming for the series began at locations around London in October 2008, with plans for the show to be broadcast in 2009.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3170920/League-of-Gentlemen-creators-write-new-comedy-Psychoville-for-BBC2.html|title= League of Gentlemen creators write new comedy Psychoville for BBC2
Filming for the series began at locations around London in October 2008, with plans for the show to be broadcast in 2009.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3170920/League-of-Gentlemen-creators-write-new-comedy-Psychoville-for-BBC2.html|title= League of Gentlemen creators write new comedy Psychoville for BBC2|work= The Daily Telegraph|date= 10 October 2008|access-date= 5 February 2009 | location=London | first=Matthew | last=Moore}}</ref> In May 2009 it was confirmed that the series would begin on 11 June,<ref name="viral">{{cite news|url= http://www.brandrepublic.com/Industry/Entertainment/News/907248/BBC-launches-blackmail-viral-promote-Psychoville/|title= BBC launches blackmail viral to promote 'Psychoville'|publisher= Brand Republic|first= Ben|last= Bold|date= 20 May 2009|access-date= 21 May 2009|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120515220758/http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/907248/BBC-launches-blackmail-viral-promote-Psychoville/|archive-date= 15 May 2012}}</ref> although it was later rescheduled to 18 June.<ref name="Armstrong">{{cite news|url= https://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6381267.ece|title= The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville|work= The Times|first= Stephen|last= Armstrong|date= 31 May 2009|access-date= 8 June 2009 | location=London}}</ref> In order to promote Psychoville's launch, digital agency [[Ralph & Co]] created a customisable [http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/grahamnorton/graham_norton.shtml viral video], which enabled users to seemingly broadcast their friends' darkest secrets on a digital billboard at London's [[Piccadilly Circus]].<ref name="viral"/>
|publisher= Telegraph.co.uk|date= 10 October 2008|access-date= 5 February 2009 | location=London | first=Matthew | last=Moore}}</ref> In May 2009 it was confirmed that the series would begin on 11 June,<ref name="viral">{{cite news|url= http://www.brandrepublic.com/Industry/Entertainment/News/907248/BBC-launches-blackmail-viral-promote-Psychoville/|title= BBC launches blackmail viral to promote 'Psychoville'|publisher= Brand Republic|first= Ben|last= Bold|date= 20 May 2009|access-date= 21 May 2009|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120515220758/http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/907248/BBC-launches-blackmail-viral-promote-Psychoville/|archive-date= 15 May 2012|df= dmy-all}}</ref> although it was later rescheduled to 18 June.<ref name="Armstrong">{{cite news|url= http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6381267.ece|title= The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville|publisher= Times Online|first= Stephen|last= Armstrong|date= 31 May 2009|access-date= 8 June 2009 | location=London}}</ref> In order to promote Psychoville's launch, digital agency [[Ralph & Co]] created a customisable [http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/grahamnorton/graham_norton.shtml viral video], which enabled users to seemingly broadcast their friends' darkest secrets on a digital billboard at London's [[Piccadilly Circus]].<ref name="viral"/>


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
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|Title=Episode 1
|Title=Episode 1
|AltTitle=Black Mail
|AltTitle=Black Mail
|Viewers=1.73{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.73{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|6|18|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|6|18|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man sends out his first letters to his five victims declaring, "I know what you did". When he gets his letter, Robert believes it is because he once appeared in porn films and asks for Brian, the actor playing the role of the evil queen in the panto to prevent Debbie, the dim actress playing Snow White from finding out. Mr. Jelly entertains at a child's birthday party and believes that his letter comes from the similarly named act Mr. Jolly. Joy teaches some parents-to-be about giving birth while looking after her own "baby" Freddy. Lomax is offered help from a new social worker whom he names "Tealeaf", who stumbles upon his vast collection of "commodities". David is offered work playing the role of a butler at a murder mystery evening, but when he creates a more realistic murder, he gets fired. When he returns home, Maureen thinks he really did commit murder.
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man sends out his first letters to his five victims declaring, "I know what you did". When he gets his letter, Robert believes it is because he once appeared in porn films and asks for Brian, the actor playing the role of the evil queen in the panto to prevent Debbie, the dim actress playing Snow White from finding out. Mr. Jelly entertains at a child's birthday party and believes that his letter comes from the similarly named act Mr. Jolly. Joy teaches some parents-to-be about giving birth while looking after her own "baby" Freddy. Lomax is offered help from a new social worker whom he names "Tealeaf", who stumbles upon his vast collection of "commodities". David is offered work playing the role of a butler at a murder mystery evening, but when he creates a more realistic murder, he gets fired. When he returns home, Maureen thinks he really did commit murder.
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|Title=Episode 2
|Title=Episode 2
|AltTitle=Lomax
|AltTitle=Lomax
|Viewers=1.29{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.29{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|6|25|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|6|25|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man sends a second message to his victims stating, "You killed her". Lomax reveals to Tealeaf that his collection only needs one more item to complete it – Snappy the Crocodile. He tells him how he first found Snappy, but two people, a pair of conjoined twins called the Crabtree sisters got there before him. In exchange for Snappy, he gave them his eyes, hence his blindness. Lomax has now discovered that someone is selling him online and he intends to buy it, but he finds himself in a bidding war with the Crabtree sisters. As they put in even bigger amounts of money, the people selling Snappy withdraw him from sale in the hope of making even more money. Elsewhere, Robert and Debbie go on a date, which is later discovered to be a trick. David and Maureen visit the man who organised the murder mystery evening, Graham. When he tries to call the police, David and Maureen plan to drown Graham in his bath. Graham escapes, but is run over by a bus and killed as he flees. Mr. Jelly visits a school to provide entertainment but discovers Mr. Jolly is already there. Joy meanwhile, steals some blood to give to Freddy.
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man sends a second message to his victims stating, "You killed her". Lomax reveals to Tealeaf that his collection only needs one more item to complete it – Snappy the Crocodile. He tells him how he first found Snappy, but two people, a pair of conjoined twins called the Crabtree sisters got there before him. In exchange for Snappy, he gave them his eyes, hence his blindness. Lomax has now discovered that someone is selling him online and he intends to buy it, but he finds himself in a bidding war with the Crabtree sisters. As they put in even bigger amounts of money, the people selling Snappy withdraw him from sale in the hope of making even more money. Elsewhere, Robert and Debbie go on a date, which is later discovered to be a trick. David and Maureen visit the man who organised the murder mystery evening, Graham. When he tries to call the police, David and Maureen plan to drown Graham in his bath. Graham escapes, but is run over by a bus and killed as he flees. Mr. Jelly visits a school to provide entertainment but discovers Mr. Jolly is already there. Joy meanwhile, steals some blood to give to Freddy.
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|Title=Episode 3
|Title=Episode 3
|AltTitle=Jelly
|AltTitle=Jelly
|Viewers=1.30{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.30{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|2|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|2|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man delivers a video tape to the victims showing them inside a mental hospital. Mr. Jelly decides to visit Mr. Jolly to find out why he has been sending the messages. In a flashback, it is shown that Jolly was originally a doctor, Dr. Stuart Strachen, who operated on Jelly's hand, which had to be amputated. This injury resulted in him having to use hooks which scared the children he is entertaining and thus he becomes less successful. Over time, Dr. Strachen developed an interest in Jelly's work and becomes a children's entertainer himself, becoming even better than Jelly. The two fight in a children's play area and eventually Jelly demands to know why Jolly has been sending the letters. However, it turns out that the "E" in the name of the address is an "O" and the letters were meant to be sent to Jolly. Meanwhile, David and Maureen visit another member of the murder mystery evening who they murder via electrocution. Robert takes out his revenge on Debbie by using his telekinetic powers to knock her unconscious. Lomax and the Crabtree Sisters travel to [[Dudley]] in order to buy Snappy the Crocodile, but it has gone missing. Joy's husband George demands that she stop treating Freddy as if he is real, but as he does so, Freddy appears to move of his own free will.
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man delivers a video tape to the victims showing them inside a mental hospital. Mr. Jelly decides to visit Mr. Jolly to find out why he has been sending the messages. In a flashback, it is shown that Jolly was originally a doctor, Dr. Stuart Strachen, who operated on Jelly's hand, which had to be amputated. This injury resulted in him having to use hooks which scared the children he is entertaining and thus he becomes less successful. Over time, Dr. Strachen developed an interest in Jelly's work and becomes a children's entertainer himself, becoming even better than Jelly. The two fight in a children's play area and eventually Jelly demands to know why Jolly has been sending the letters. However, it turns out that the "E" in the name of the address is an "O" and the letters were meant to be sent to Jolly. Meanwhile, David and Maureen visit another member of the murder mystery evening who they murder via electrocution. Robert takes out his revenge on Debbie by using his telekinetic powers to knock her unconscious. Lomax and the Crabtree Sisters travel to [[Dudley]] in order to buy Snappy the Crocodile, but it has gone missing. Joy's husband George demands that she stop treating Freddy as if he is real, but as he does so, Freddy appears to move of his own free will.
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|Title=Episode 4
|Title=Episode 4
|AltTitle=David and Maureen
|AltTitle=David and Maureen
|Viewers=1.41{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.41{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|9|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|9|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=David and Maureen kill another member of the murder mystery evening and hide the body in a wooden chest. As they sort out the mess they have caused, it is revealed that David had killed his father by giving him an overdose of sleeping pills, thinking he was helping him because he looked tired. A policeman, Jason Griffin, then visits the scene of the crime and David pretends to be the murder victim while he and Maureen try to bluff their way out of the situation. It is later revealed that Griffin is actually an actor auditioning for a role in the murder mystery evenings, but before Maureen learns this she tells him that it was in fact her who killed David's father by poisoning him slowly over time and that David's overdose was the final blow. As Griffin leaves, he tells David about what Maureen said about her committing his father's murder. As David confronts her, Griffin returns to get his coat and discovers the body. As a result, David murders Griffin as well.
|ShortSummary=David and Maureen kill another member of the murder mystery evening and hide the body in a wooden chest. As they sort out the mess they have caused, it is revealed that David had killed his father by giving him an overdose of sleeping pills, thinking he was helping him because he looked tired. A policeman, Jason Griffin, then visits the scene of the crime and David pretends to be the murder victim while he and Maureen try to bluff their way out of the situation. It is later revealed that Griffin is actually an actor auditioning for a role in the murder mystery evenings, but before Maureen learns this she tells him that it was in fact her who killed David's father by poisoning him slowly over time and that David's overdose was the final blow. As Griffin leaves, he tells David about what Maureen said about her committing his father's murder. As David confronts her, Griffin returns to get his coat and discovers the body. As a result, David murders Griffin as well.


This episode is a [[Homage (arts)|homage]] to the [[Alfred Hitchcock]] film ''[[Rope (film)|Rope]]'', in that it appears to be shot in one continuous take even though it was actually filmed in two.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/jul/09/psychoville-episode-four|title= Psychoville episode four: 'Give 'em enough rope'|publisher= The Guardian|date= 9 July 2009|access-date= 4 August 2009 | location=London | first=Will | last=Dean}}</ref>
This episode is a [[Homage (arts)|homage]] to the [[Alfred Hitchcock]] film ''[[Rope (film)|Rope]]'', in that it appears to be shot in one continuous take even though it was actually filmed in two.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/jul/09/psychoville-episode-four|title= Psychoville episode four: 'Give 'em enough rope'|work= The Guardian|date= 9 July 2009|access-date= 4 August 2009 | location=London | first=Will | last=Dean}}</ref>
|LineColor=f4cb97
|LineColor=f4cb97
}}
}}
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|Title=Episode 5
|Title=Episode 5
|AltTitle=Joy
|AltTitle=Joy
|Viewers=1.31{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.31{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|16|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|16|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man sends a final message to his victims, by giving them a key depicting a [[raven]] with a note saying, "I'm waiting". Joy finds that Freddy has come to life, but Freddy goes on a violent rampage and attempts to kill her. She hides herself in her lavatory, but when she gets out discovers that Freddy has murdered George. She collapses from the shock, but it turns out George was faking his death and that Freddy was being controlled by Joy's co-worker Nicola, with whom George is having an affair. As they leave, Joy wakes up. Elsewhere, Mr. Jolly explains to Mr. Jelly why the blackmail letters are being sent. While he was a doctor, he worked at a mental institution called "Ravenhill Hospital", which was run by a sadistic governess called Nurse Edwina Kenchington who used horrible treatments on the patients, including David, Joy, Robert and Lomax. It was they who killed Kenchington. Meanwhile, Robert visits Debbie in hospital who regains consciousness but is suffering from amnesia, so he tricks her into thinking that they are engaged. David and Maureen visit a wax works to kill another member of the murder mystery troupe, but David is distracted when models of famous serial killers seem to come to live and sing to him, telling him that everything is Maureen's fault. Lomax is tricked by Tealeaf and the Crabtree Sisters who run away with a vast amount of Lomax's money. Tealeaf then telephones the real owner of Snappy the Crocodile – the black gloved man.
|ShortSummary=The black gloved man sends a final message to his victims, by giving them a key depicting a [[raven]] with a note saying, "I'm waiting". Joy finds that Freddy has come to life, but Freddy goes on a violent rampage and attempts to kill her. She hides herself in her lavatory, but when she gets out discovers that Freddy has murdered George. She collapses from the shock, but it turns out George was faking his death and that Freddy was being controlled by Joy's co-worker Nicola, with whom George is having an affair. As they leave, Joy wakes up. Elsewhere, Mr. Jolly explains to Mr. Jelly why the blackmail letters are being sent. While he was a doctor, he worked at a mental institution called "Ravenhill Hospital", which was run by a sadistic governess called Nurse Edwina Kenchington who used horrible treatments on the patients, including David, Joy, Robert and Lomax. It was they who killed Kenchington. Meanwhile, Robert visits Debbie in hospital who regains consciousness but is suffering from amnesia, so he tricks her into thinking that they are engaged. David and Maureen visit a wax works to kill another member of the murder mystery troupe, but David is distracted when models of famous serial killers seem to come to life and sing to him, telling him that everything is Maureen's fault. Lomax is tricked by Tealeaf and the Crabtree Sisters who run away with a vast amount of Lomax's money. Tealeaf then telephones the real owner of Snappy the Crocodile – the black gloved man.
|LineColor=f4cb97
|LineColor=f4cb97
}}
}}
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|Title=Episode 6
|Title=Episode 6
|AltTitle=Robert
|AltTitle=Robert
|Viewers=1.08{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.08{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|23|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|23|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=When the rest of the pantomime cast learn of Robert and Debbie's supposed engagement, another of the dwarfs, Kerry, tries to separate them. As Robert confronts Kerry, she prevents him from escaping and uses some pick axes to attack Debbie. She then reveals that it is her, not Robert, who is telekinetic and demands that he leave Debbie and admit that he loves her. As Robert attempts to escape, the rest of the cast arrive to save Debbie thinking that Robert has gone mad. Brian knocks Robert unconscious and then Kerry drives him to the countryside. Meanwhile, Mr. Jolly tells Mr. Jelly to meet him at Jelly's house as he has important information, but when he arrives he finds Jolly is dead, with his head in a blue plastic bag. He discovers that the murderer is the black gloved man, who attempts to frame Jelly for the crime. Jelly decides his best option is to flee to Ravenhill. Joy takes Freddy to hospital thinking he is ill, but the doctors refuse to treat him. Joy then decides to kidnap Nicola and takes them all to Ravenhill, when she operates a blood transfusion to save Freddy. Tealeaf tricks the Crabtree sisters into giving him their money and makes his way to Ravenhill to collect Snappy. As he does, he is locked in the room containing Snappy by Joy, so he calls Lomax to get him out. Maureen discovers the truth about David's fake murder and takes a drugs overdose. She plans to kill David as well but finds he has left home. While trying to make herself vomit up the pills, she collapses. David is seen walking carrying a blue plastic bag with something head-shaped in it.
|ShortSummary=When the rest of the pantomime cast learn of Robert and Debbie's supposed engagement, another of the dwarfs, Kerry, tries to separate them. As Robert confronts Kerry, she prevents him from escaping and uses some pick axes to attack Debbie. She then reveals that it is her, not Robert, who is telekinetic and demands that he leave Debbie and admit that he loves her. As Robert attempts to escape, the rest of the cast arrive to save Debbie thinking that Robert has gone mad. Brian knocks Robert unconscious and then Kerry drives him to the countryside. Meanwhile, Mr. Jolly tells Mr. Jelly to meet him at Jelly's house as he has important information, but when he arrives he finds Jolly is dead, with his head in a blue plastic bag. He discovers that the murderer is the black gloved man, who attempts to frame Jelly for the crime. Jelly decides his best option is to flee to Ravenhill. Joy takes Freddy to hospital thinking he is ill, but the doctors refuse to treat him. Joy then decides to kidnap Nicola and takes them all to Ravenhill, when she operates a blood transfusion to save Freddy. Tealeaf tricks the Crabtree sisters into giving him their money and makes his way to Ravenhill to collect Snappy. As he does, he is locked in the room containing Snappy by Joy, so he calls Lomax to get him out. Maureen discovers the truth about David's fake murder and takes a drugs overdose. She plans to kill David as well but finds he has left home. While trying to make herself vomit up the pills, she collapses. David is seen walking carrying a blue plastic bag with something head-shaped in it.
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|Title=Episode 7
|Title=Episode 7
|AltTitle=Ravenhill
|AltTitle=Ravenhill
|Viewers=1.45{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.45{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|30|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|7|30|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The blackmail victims all make their way to Ravenhill, except Robert. The car that Kerry is driving runs out of petrol so they walk, finding a cottage. As Robert has some soup while Kerry makes a phone call, he discovers the telephone wire is cut and that Kerry has tricked him. He has also been drugged by the soup, served to him by an old crone. Lomax arrives at Ravenhill where he meets Joy and also finds Tealeaf who gives him Snappy. Lomax then throws Snappy over a cliff, and explains that he was in Ravenhill because he was suffering from [[Leisure Sickness]] after completing his collection the first time around. As a result, the only way to cure it was to get rid of Snappy. Mr. Jelly also arrives at Ravenhill, where he meets Joy and Lomax. They hear the sound of David singing and make their way to him, but it is in fact the video tape and they are trapped by the black gloved man. David meanwhile visits Kenchington's grave and discovers her coffin is empty. Kenchington is still alive, having not being killed by David and the others. Kenchington shoots David and leaves the graveyard, which is in the Ravenhill grounds. David however survives due to the item he is carrying in his blue plastic bag – a melon. The black gloved man reveals himself to be Mr. Jolly (he faked his death and used a fake head), who is actually Kenchington's son. He blames Joy, Lomax, Robert and David for killing her, and Jelly most of all because he was operating on his hand while she died, meaning Jolly was unable to save her. Kenchington then arrives revealing that she is not dead and that she wants to know which one of them stole a [[locket]] belonging to her. While a fight breaks out, Jolly reveals that he is wearing a bomb-covered vest as his method of getting his revenge on his mother's murder and he blows up part of the hospital with all of them inside and David outside. The locket is eventually shown to be worn by Robert.
|ShortSummary=The blackmail victims all make their way to Ravenhill, except Robert. The car that Kerry is driving runs out of petrol so they walk, finding a cottage. As Robert has some soup while Kerry makes a phone call, he discovers the telephone wire is cut and that Kerry has tricked him. He has also been drugged by the soup, served to him by an old crone. Lomax arrives at Ravenhill where he meets Joy and also finds Tealeaf who gives him Snappy. Lomax then throws Snappy over a cliff, and explains that he was in Ravenhill because he was suffering from [[paradise syndrome]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/jul/30/psychoville-final-episode|title=Psychoville episode seven: Ravenhill|last=Dean|first=Will|date=30 July 2009|website=The Guardian|publisher=The Guardian|access-date=9 April 2024|quote=One of the other major plots from the series that was cleared up was Lomax admitting to Michael that the reason he was at Ravenhill was because he has "paradise syndrome" and thus can never be happy when he has everything.}}</ref> after completing his collection the first time around. As a result, the only way to cure it was to get rid of Snappy. Mr. Jelly also arrives at Ravenhill, where he meets Joy and Lomax. They hear the sound of David singing and make their way to him, but it is in fact the video tape and they are trapped by the black gloved man. David meanwhile visits Kenchington's grave and discovers her coffin is empty. Kenchington is still alive, having not being killed by David and the others. Kenchington shoots David and leaves the graveyard, which is in the Ravenhill grounds. David however survives due to the item he is carrying in his blue plastic bag – a melon. The black gloved man reveals himself to be Mr. Jolly (he faked his death and used a fake head), who is actually Kenchington's son. He blames Joy, Lomax, Robert and David for killing her, and Jelly most of all because he was operating on his hand while she died, meaning Jolly was unable to save her. Kenchington then arrives revealing that she is not dead and that she wants to know which one of them stole a [[locket]] belonging to her. While a fight breaks out, Jolly reveals that he is wearing a bomb-covered vest as his method of getting his revenge on his mother's murder and he blows up part of the hospital with all of them inside and David outside. The locket is eventually shown to be worn by Robert.
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|LineColor=f4cb97
}}
}}
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|Title=Psychoville Halloween Special
|Title=Psychoville Halloween Special
|AltTitle=
|AltTitle=
|Viewers=1.50{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.50{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2010|10|31|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2010|10|31|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=Phil, a researcher for the TV series ''[[Dale Winton]]'s Overnight Ghost Hunt'', goes to Ravenhill Hospital to inspect it for a forthcoming shoot. While there he is haunted by visions which manifest themselves into the form of four stories. The special guest stars included [[Imelda Staunton]], [[Alex Waldmann]] and [[Julian Bleach]].
|ShortSummary=Phil, a researcher for the TV series ''[[Dale Winton]]'s Overnight Ghost Hunt'', goes to Ravenhill Hospital to inspect it for a forthcoming shoot. While there he is haunted by visions which manifest themselves into the form of four stories. The special guest stars included [[Imelda Staunton]], [[Alex Waldmann]] and [[Julian Bleach]].
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|Title=Survivors
|Title=Survivors
|AltTitle=
|AltTitle=
|Viewers=1.15{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=1.15{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|5|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|5|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The survivors of the explosion at Ravenhill Psychiatric Hospital are reunited to bury one of their number killed in the blast. But there is no rest for the wicked as new mysteries beckon. The survivors of the blast are under surveillance by the mysterious Grace Andrews and her mild-mannered lackey, Kelvin. Meanwhile, Detective Finney starts to question the survivors in an attempt to find out more about Kenchington's return from the dead and her hunt for her missing locket.
|ShortSummary=The survivors of the explosion at Ravenhill Psychiatric Hospital are reunited to bury one of their number killed in the blast. But there is no rest for the wicked as new mysteries beckon. The survivors of the blast are under surveillance by the mysterious Grace Andrews and her mild-mannered lackey, Kelvin. Meanwhile, Detective Finney starts to question the survivors in an attempt to find out more about Kenchington's return from the dead and her hunt for her missing locket.
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|Title=Dinner Party
|Title=Dinner Party
|AltTitle=
|AltTitle=
|Viewers=0.99{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=0.99{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|12|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|12|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The search for the missing locket continues with the investigation turning to Christopher Biggins for answers. Meanwhile, we find out what happened to Robert and Kerry as we return to the mysterious cottage in the woods.
|ShortSummary=The search for the missing locket continues with the investigation turning to Christopher Biggins for answers. Meanwhile, we find out what happened to Robert and Kerry as we return to the mysterious cottage in the woods.
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|Title=Hancock
|Title=Hancock
|AltTitle=
|AltTitle=
|Viewers=0.74{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=0.74{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|19|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|19|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=Mr Lomax reveals more about his past and the reason behind his hatred of Tony Hancock. Mr Jelly arrives at one of Mr Jolly's bookings and hopes no one will be able to tell the difference.
|ShortSummary=Mr Lomax reveals more about his past and the reason behind his hatred of Tony Hancock. Mr Jelly arrives at one of Mr Jolly's bookings and hopes no one will be able to tell the difference.
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|Title=Sunnyvale
|Title=Sunnyvale
|AltTitle=
|AltTitle=
|Viewers=0.66{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=0.66{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|26|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|26|df=y}}
|ShortSummary= Desperate measures are called for as Jeremy Goode searches for the missing library book. Mrs Wren is in peril from several parties and only one man can save her. But will he be bothered?
|ShortSummary= Desperate measures are called for as Jeremy Goode searches for the missing library book. Mrs Wren is in peril from several parties and only one man can save her. But will he be bothered?
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|Title=The Hunt
|Title=The Hunt
|AltTitle=
|AltTitle=
|Viewers=0.80{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=0.80{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|6|2|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|6|2|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=With danger mounting, and few witnesses left, Tealeaf, with the help of Peter Bishop, tries to solve the mystery of the locket. Things however, don't quite go to plan. Elsewhere, once again Jelly becomes Jolly with unexpected results.
|ShortSummary=With danger mounting, and few witnesses left, Tealeaf, with the help of Peter Bishop, tries to solve the mystery of the locket. Things however, don't quite go to plan. Elsewhere, once again Jelly becomes Jolly with unexpected results.
Line 433: Line 426:
|Title=Andrews Nanotech
|Title=Andrews Nanotech
|AltTitle=
|AltTitle=
|Viewers=0.63{{cn|date=August 2020}}
|Viewers=0.63{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|6|6|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|6|6|df=y}}
|ShortSummary=The secrets of the missing locket are finally exposed and the reality of what is at stake is revealed to those who remain.
|ShortSummary=The secrets of the missing locket are finally exposed and the reality of what is at stake is revealed to those who remain.
Line 441: Line 434:


==Awards==
==Awards==
''Psychoville'' won the 2009 [[British Comedy Awards|British Comedy Award]] for "Best New British TV Comedy" and the 2011 [[British Comedy Awards|British Comedy Award]] for "Best Comedy Drama".{{cn|date=August 2020}}
''Psychoville'' won the 2009 [[British Comedy Awards|British Comedy Award]] for "Best New British TV Comedy" and the 2011 [[British Comedy Awards|British Comedy Award]] for "Best Comedy Drama".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comedy.co.uk Awards 2011 results |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/awards/2011/ |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=British Comedy Guide |language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 459: Line 452:
* {{British Comedy Guide|tv|psychoville}}
* {{British Comedy Guide|tv|psychoville}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/grahamnorton/graham_norton.shtml Viral Promotion]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/psychoville/grahamnorton/graham_norton.shtml Viral Promotion]
* [https://archive.is/20130421040132/http://www.redrawstump.co.uk/ Fan Site]
* [https://archive.today/20130421040132/http://www.redrawstump.co.uk/ Fan Site]
* [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6381267.ece The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville], ''[[The Sunday Times]]'', 31 May 2009
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110617005946/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6381267.ece The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville], ''[[The Sunday Times]]'', 31 May 2009
* [https://twitter.com/RealReeceShears Reece Shearsmith on Twitter (@RealReeceShears)]
* [https://twitter.com/RealReeceShears Reece Shearsmith on Twitter (@RealReeceShears)]


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[[Category:BBC black comedy television shows]]
[[Category:BBC black comedy television shows]]
[[Category:BBC television sitcoms]]
[[Category:BBC television sitcoms]]
[[Category:English-language television shows]]
[[Category:British English-language television shows]]
[[Category:British horror comedy television series]]
[[Category:British horror comedy television series]]

Latest revision as of 13:42, 29 October 2024

Psychoville
Title card from the second series
Genre
Created byReece Shearsmith
Steve Pemberton
Written byReece Shearsmith
Steve Pemberton
Directed byMatt Lipsey
StarringSteve Pemberton
Reece Shearsmith
Daniel Kaluuya
Dawn French
Eileen Atkins
Imelda Staunton
Jason Tompkins
Lisa Hammond
Theme music composerJoby Talbot
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes14
Production
Executive producerJon Plowman
ProducerJustin Davies
Running time30mins
Original release
NetworkBBC Two
Release18 June 2009 (2009-06-18) –
6 June 2011 (2011-06-06)
Related
The League of Gentlemen
Inside No. 9

Psychoville is a British psychological horror-thriller black comedy mystery television series created and written by and starring The League of Gentlemen members Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton for the BBC. It debuted on BBC Two on 18 June 2009. Pemberton and Shearsmith each play numerous characters, with Dawn French, Jason Tompkins, Daniel Kaluuya and Eileen Atkins in additional starring roles. The first series was followed by a Halloween special, broadcast on 31 October 2010, which saw Imelda Staunton and Jason Watkins added to the main cast. The second series was first broadcast on 5 May 2011[2] and ended on 6 June. Reece Shearsmith has said that there will not be a third series.[3] In February 2020, Shearsmith and Pemberton's follow-up series, Inside No. 9, crossed over with Psychoville and brought back five of the characters for the episode "Death Be Not Proud".[4]

Premise

[edit]

The series revolves around five different characters from different parts of England: David Sowerbutts (played by Pemberton), a serial killer-obsessed man-child who still lives with his mother Maureen (Shearsmith); Mr. Jelly (Shearsmith), an embittered one-handed children's entertainer; Oscar Lomax (Pemberton), a blind millionaire who collects stuffed toy animals; Joy Aston (French), a midwife who treats a practice doll as if it is her real child; and Robert Greenspan (Tompkins), a panto dwarf in love with his Snow White who believes he has the power of telekinesis. All five are connected by a mysterious blackmailer who has sent them a letter each with the message: "I know what you did". The series is named after the title given to The League of Gentlemen when the series was sold to Japan and Korea.[5]

Plot

[edit]

The series features a diverse set of five characters who live in different parts of England, all of whom have been blackmailed by the same individual (referred to in the credits for episode seven as "Black Gloved Man"), who has given them each a letter with the message "I know what you did…"[6][7][8][9] In the second episode, the blackmailer leaves them a second message that reads, "You killed her". In the third episode they receive a videotape showing them in an asylum together (several having previously revealed that they had been institutionalised) performing "Close Every Door" from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It is later disclosed that the institution was called Ravenhill Hospital. In Episodes Five and Six, the characters discover the final message: a key depicting a raven. At least David's letter also contains the message "I'm waiting...".

Ultimately it is revealed that Joy, Robert, David and Oscar were involved in the death of Nurse Edwina Kenchington (Eileen Atkins), who is the blackmailer's mother. The blackmailer is Dr. Stuart Strachen, a surgeon, who is also known as Mr. Jolly. Jolly blackmailed Jelly whom he blamed most, as he was operating on Jelly's hand (which was later amputated after the operation went wrong) while Kenchington was dying. David knocked her over and Joy pronounced her dead. The group started a fire to cover their tracks, but Kenchington woke up and attempted to escape. Oscar, Joy and Robert prevented her from leaving the room she was trapped in, but she somehow survived and returns to Ravenhill in the final episode looking for her locket. At the end of the series, Mr Jolly blows up part of the asylum with most of the main characters and Kenchington inside and it is revealed that Robert has the locket.

Series two begins with Mr Jelly, Oscar, and Oscar's assistant Michael, aka "Tealeaf" (A slang term for thief), attending the funeral of Mr Jolly. Afterwards, Jelly is given a box of Jolly's props, which also turns out to contain Strachen's mobile phone and his ID card at Andrews Nanotech. Posing as Mr Jolly, Mr Jelly discovers that Strachen was using his surgical skills to deal in the black market organ trade, and that Kenchington had an account with a cryogenic storage facility where her late father Ehrlichmann's head was kept frozen. Meanwhile, Andrews Nanotech has hired a police detective to retrieve Kenchington's locket by any means necessary. Robert gives the locket to Debbie for safekeeping, but after Robert's death, Debbie gives it away to make-up lady Hattie. Detective Finney tracks down the former Ravenhill patients, questioning, then killing, Joy, Robert, and Oscar, and attempting to kill Mrs Wren. Oscar's friend, toyshop owner Peter Bishop, deduces that Oscar was killed for his connection to Ravenhill. He enlists Tealeaf's help with his investigation and they successfully retrieve the locket from Hattie before Finney can get to it, and contact Mr Jelly, whose own investigations have resulted in him taking possession of Ehrlichmann's frozen head. Bishop kills Tealeaf and travels to London with Mr Jelly to attempt to sell the locket and head to Grace Andrews. It is revealed that the method for restoring a frozen head to life, worked out by Edwina Kenchington, was microscopically engraved on the links of the locket chain, and using this information, Andrews' team is able to bring Erlichmann's head back to life. The head is subsequently destroyed, but the technique has been proven to work. The series ends with the revelation that David Sowerbutts is storing the corpse of his mother Maureen (who has died of cancer) in a bathtub filled with ice, suggesting that she could be resurrected by the same technique.

Web presence

[edit]

Shearsmith and Pemberton collaborated with Rob and Neil Gibbons to produce fictional web content to accompany the show including an interactive treasure hunt.[10] Fake websites and promotional websites were created for many of the characters to allow viewers of the programme to get "an overall Psychoville experience."

A new Psychoville Experience was created for series two, with a new interface and a selection of new fictional websites released after each episode. Viewers were asked to find a number each week and input them into a keypad to unlock a 'secret chamber' at the end of the series. The chamber once opened reveals the revived head of the Nazi Doctor Ehrlichmann (Kenchington's father). Five questions are asked and a certain amount correct gets you a free 'freeze and reanimation ticket' from CG Medistore and andrewsnanotech to print out. The websites were again written by Shearsmith and Pemberton.[11]

  • Jelly Parties[12]
  • Jolly Parties[13]
  • Lomax Commodities[14]
  • Best Murders[15]
  • Joy's Advice to Young Mums Website[16]
  • Goldfish Bowl Productions[17]
  • Debbie Hart[18]
  • Hoyti Toyti/The Nazi Bay[19] (type 'NAZI' in the valuation booth)
  • Robert Greenspan[20]
  • Biggins Panto[21]
  • Midget Gems[22]
  • Murder and Chips[23]
  • Ravenhill Hospital[24]
  • Sunnyvale Rest Home[25]
  • FOCCE (Federation of Clowns and Children's Entertainers)[26]

Cast

[edit]
The main characters in the first series of Psychoville (left to right): Joy Aston, Oscar Lomax, Mr Jelly (back), Robert Greenspan (front), David Sowerbutts and Maureen Sowerbutts.

Principal characters

[edit]
Actor Character No. of
Episodes
Notes
Reece Shearsmith Mr Jelly 12 Children's Entertainer
Maureen Sowerbutts 12 David's mother
Brian MacMillan 4 "Evil Queen" in Snow White
Jeremy Goode 6 Obsessive Librarian
The Silent Singer 6 Appears to Jeremy when something bad is happening
Phil Walker 1 TV location scout
John Christie 1 Appears to David in a vision
Steve Pemberton David Sowerbutts 14 Ex-Ravenhill resident
Oscar Lomax 8 Ex-Ravenhill resident
George Aston 9 Joy's husband
Hattie 5 Shahrouz's blackmailing wife
Judge Pennywise 1 Clown in Mr Jelly's nightmare
Daniel Kaluuya Michael "Tealeaf" Fry 13 Oscar's home help
Dawn French Joy Aston 9 Midwife, ex-Ravenhill resident
Jason Tompkins Robert Greenspan 9 "Blusher" in Snow White, ex-Ravenhill resident
Eileen Atkins Edwina Kenchington 9 Nurse at Ravenhill Hospital
Imelda Staunton Grace Andrews 7 Wants Kenchington's locket
Vilma Hollingbery Claudia Wren 6 Care home resident and Jelly's assistant

Supporting cast

[edit]
Actor Character No. of
Episodes
Notes
Lisa Hammond Kerry 9 "Sniffy" in Snow White
Daisy Haggard Debbie Hart 7 "Snow White" in Snow White
Daniel Ings Kelvin 7 Grace's assistant
Adrian Scarborough Mr Jolly 6[nb 1] Dr Stuart Strachen
Elyes Gabel Shahrouz 6
Elizabeth Berrington Nicola 5[nb 1] A nurse, colleague of Joy
Alison Lintott Chelsea Crabtree 4 Kelly-Su's siamese twin
Debbie Chazen Kelly-Su Crabtree 4 Chelsea's siamese twin
Stacy Liu Jennifer 4[nb 1] Oscar's replacement home help
Christopher Biggins Himself 4 Director and "Prince Charming" in Snow White
Nick Holder Bob Dalton 3 Owner of Snappy the Crocodile
Alex Kelly Karen Dalton 3 Bob's wife
Aaron Smith Ian Dalton 3 Son of Bob and Karen
Sarah Solemani Emily 3 Robin's dinner guest, later David's companion
Nicholas Le Prevost Graham 2 "Murder and Chips" leader
Janet McTeer Cheryl 2 "Murder and Chips" actress
David Smallbone Martin Pike 2 "Murder and Chips" actor
David Bamber Robin 4 "Murder and Chips" actor
Natalie Cassidy Lorraine 2 "Murder and Chips" actress
Alex Waldmann Drew Aspinall[27] 1 Broke into Ravenhill as a child
Matthew Fenton
Daniel Millar AA Man 1 Tries in vain to fix Mr. Jelly's car
Sam Kisgart[nb 2] Jason Griffin 1 "Murder and Chips" auditionee
George Asprey John George Haigh 1 Appears to David in a vision
Eric Loren Albert DeSalvo 1 Appears to David in a vision
Glenn Carter Jack the Ripper 1 Appears to David in a vision
Huw Edwards Himself 1 Appears reading news on Joy's TV
Julian Bleach Doctor/Eddie 1 Appears in the Halloween special
Mark Bonnar Detective Finney 6
Jason Watkins Peter Bishop 5 Owner of "Hoyty-Toyties"
  1. ^ a b c Also appears in the Halloween special in stock footage.
  2. ^ Alias for Mark Gatiss

Production

[edit]

Filming for the series began at locations around London in October 2008, with plans for the show to be broadcast in 2009.[28] In May 2009 it was confirmed that the series would begin on 11 June,[29] although it was later rescheduled to 18 June.[30] In order to promote Psychoville's launch, digital agency Ralph & Co created a customisable viral video, which enabled users to seemingly broadcast their friends' darkest secrets on a digital billboard at London's Piccadilly Circus.[29]

Episodes

[edit]

Series 1 (2009)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
1"Episode 1"
"Black Mail"
18 June 2009 (2009-06-18)1.73[citation needed]
The black gloved man sends out his first letters to his five victims declaring, "I know what you did". When he gets his letter, Robert believes it is because he once appeared in porn films and asks for Brian, the actor playing the role of the evil queen in the panto to prevent Debbie, the dim actress playing Snow White from finding out. Mr. Jelly entertains at a child's birthday party and believes that his letter comes from the similarly named act Mr. Jolly. Joy teaches some parents-to-be about giving birth while looking after her own "baby" Freddy. Lomax is offered help from a new social worker whom he names "Tealeaf", who stumbles upon his vast collection of "commodities". David is offered work playing the role of a butler at a murder mystery evening, but when he creates a more realistic murder, he gets fired. When he returns home, Maureen thinks he really did commit murder.
2"Episode 2"
"Lomax"
25 June 2009 (2009-06-25)1.29[citation needed]
The black gloved man sends a second message to his victims stating, "You killed her". Lomax reveals to Tealeaf that his collection only needs one more item to complete it – Snappy the Crocodile. He tells him how he first found Snappy, but two people, a pair of conjoined twins called the Crabtree sisters got there before him. In exchange for Snappy, he gave them his eyes, hence his blindness. Lomax has now discovered that someone is selling him online and he intends to buy it, but he finds himself in a bidding war with the Crabtree sisters. As they put in even bigger amounts of money, the people selling Snappy withdraw him from sale in the hope of making even more money. Elsewhere, Robert and Debbie go on a date, which is later discovered to be a trick. David and Maureen visit the man who organised the murder mystery evening, Graham. When he tries to call the police, David and Maureen plan to drown Graham in his bath. Graham escapes, but is run over by a bus and killed as he flees. Mr. Jelly visits a school to provide entertainment but discovers Mr. Jolly is already there. Joy meanwhile, steals some blood to give to Freddy.
3"Episode 3"
"Jelly"
2 July 2009 (2009-07-02)1.30[citation needed]
The black gloved man delivers a video tape to the victims showing them inside a mental hospital. Mr. Jelly decides to visit Mr. Jolly to find out why he has been sending the messages. In a flashback, it is shown that Jolly was originally a doctor, Dr. Stuart Strachen, who operated on Jelly's hand, which had to be amputated. This injury resulted in him having to use hooks which scared the children he is entertaining and thus he becomes less successful. Over time, Dr. Strachen developed an interest in Jelly's work and becomes a children's entertainer himself, becoming even better than Jelly. The two fight in a children's play area and eventually Jelly demands to know why Jolly has been sending the letters. However, it turns out that the "E" in the name of the address is an "O" and the letters were meant to be sent to Jolly. Meanwhile, David and Maureen visit another member of the murder mystery evening who they murder via electrocution. Robert takes out his revenge on Debbie by using his telekinetic powers to knock her unconscious. Lomax and the Crabtree Sisters travel to Dudley in order to buy Snappy the Crocodile, but it has gone missing. Joy's husband George demands that she stop treating Freddy as if he is real, but as he does so, Freddy appears to move of his own free will.
4"Episode 4"
"David and Maureen"
9 July 2009 (2009-07-09)1.41[citation needed]

David and Maureen kill another member of the murder mystery evening and hide the body in a wooden chest. As they sort out the mess they have caused, it is revealed that David had killed his father by giving him an overdose of sleeping pills, thinking he was helping him because he looked tired. A policeman, Jason Griffin, then visits the scene of the crime and David pretends to be the murder victim while he and Maureen try to bluff their way out of the situation. It is later revealed that Griffin is actually an actor auditioning for a role in the murder mystery evenings, but before Maureen learns this she tells him that it was in fact her who killed David's father by poisoning him slowly over time and that David's overdose was the final blow. As Griffin leaves, he tells David about what Maureen said about her committing his father's murder. As David confronts her, Griffin returns to get his coat and discovers the body. As a result, David murders Griffin as well.

This episode is a homage to the Alfred Hitchcock film Rope, in that it appears to be shot in one continuous take even though it was actually filmed in two.[31]
5"Episode 5"
"Joy"
16 July 2009 (2009-07-16)1.31[citation needed]
The black gloved man sends a final message to his victims, by giving them a key depicting a raven with a note saying, "I'm waiting". Joy finds that Freddy has come to life, but Freddy goes on a violent rampage and attempts to kill her. She hides herself in her lavatory, but when she gets out discovers that Freddy has murdered George. She collapses from the shock, but it turns out George was faking his death and that Freddy was being controlled by Joy's co-worker Nicola, with whom George is having an affair. As they leave, Joy wakes up. Elsewhere, Mr. Jolly explains to Mr. Jelly why the blackmail letters are being sent. While he was a doctor, he worked at a mental institution called "Ravenhill Hospital", which was run by a sadistic governess called Nurse Edwina Kenchington who used horrible treatments on the patients, including David, Joy, Robert and Lomax. It was they who killed Kenchington. Meanwhile, Robert visits Debbie in hospital who regains consciousness but is suffering from amnesia, so he tricks her into thinking that they are engaged. David and Maureen visit a wax works to kill another member of the murder mystery troupe, but David is distracted when models of famous serial killers seem to come to life and sing to him, telling him that everything is Maureen's fault. Lomax is tricked by Tealeaf and the Crabtree Sisters who run away with a vast amount of Lomax's money. Tealeaf then telephones the real owner of Snappy the Crocodile – the black gloved man.
6"Episode 6"
"Robert"
23 July 2009 (2009-07-23)1.08[citation needed]
When the rest of the pantomime cast learn of Robert and Debbie's supposed engagement, another of the dwarfs, Kerry, tries to separate them. As Robert confronts Kerry, she prevents him from escaping and uses some pick axes to attack Debbie. She then reveals that it is her, not Robert, who is telekinetic and demands that he leave Debbie and admit that he loves her. As Robert attempts to escape, the rest of the cast arrive to save Debbie thinking that Robert has gone mad. Brian knocks Robert unconscious and then Kerry drives him to the countryside. Meanwhile, Mr. Jolly tells Mr. Jelly to meet him at Jelly's house as he has important information, but when he arrives he finds Jolly is dead, with his head in a blue plastic bag. He discovers that the murderer is the black gloved man, who attempts to frame Jelly for the crime. Jelly decides his best option is to flee to Ravenhill. Joy takes Freddy to hospital thinking he is ill, but the doctors refuse to treat him. Joy then decides to kidnap Nicola and takes them all to Ravenhill, when she operates a blood transfusion to save Freddy. Tealeaf tricks the Crabtree sisters into giving him their money and makes his way to Ravenhill to collect Snappy. As he does, he is locked in the room containing Snappy by Joy, so he calls Lomax to get him out. Maureen discovers the truth about David's fake murder and takes a drugs overdose. She plans to kill David as well but finds he has left home. While trying to make herself vomit up the pills, she collapses. David is seen walking carrying a blue plastic bag with something head-shaped in it.
7"Episode 7"
"Ravenhill"
30 July 2009 (2009-07-30)1.45[citation needed]
The blackmail victims all make their way to Ravenhill, except Robert. The car that Kerry is driving runs out of petrol so they walk, finding a cottage. As Robert has some soup while Kerry makes a phone call, he discovers the telephone wire is cut and that Kerry has tricked him. He has also been drugged by the soup, served to him by an old crone. Lomax arrives at Ravenhill where he meets Joy and also finds Tealeaf who gives him Snappy. Lomax then throws Snappy over a cliff, and explains that he was in Ravenhill because he was suffering from paradise syndrome[32] after completing his collection the first time around. As a result, the only way to cure it was to get rid of Snappy. Mr. Jelly also arrives at Ravenhill, where he meets Joy and Lomax. They hear the sound of David singing and make their way to him, but it is in fact the video tape and they are trapped by the black gloved man. David meanwhile visits Kenchington's grave and discovers her coffin is empty. Kenchington is still alive, having not being killed by David and the others. Kenchington shoots David and leaves the graveyard, which is in the Ravenhill grounds. David however survives due to the item he is carrying in his blue plastic bag – a melon. The black gloved man reveals himself to be Mr. Jolly (he faked his death and used a fake head), who is actually Kenchington's son. He blames Joy, Lomax, Robert and David for killing her, and Jelly most of all because he was operating on his hand while she died, meaning Jolly was unable to save her. Kenchington then arrives revealing that she is not dead and that she wants to know which one of them stole a locket belonging to her. While a fight breaks out, Jolly reveals that he is wearing a bomb-covered vest as his method of getting his revenge on his mother's murder and he blows up part of the hospital with all of them inside and David outside. The locket is eventually shown to be worn by Robert.

Halloween special (2010)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
8"Psychoville Halloween Special"
31 October 2010 (2010-10-31)1.50[citation needed]

Phil, a researcher for the TV series Dale Winton's Overnight Ghost Hunt, goes to Ravenhill Hospital to inspect it for a forthcoming shoot. While there he is haunted by visions which manifest themselves into the form of four stories. The special guest stars included Imelda Staunton, Alex Waldmann and Julian Bleach.

It is revealed that at least two of the characters who were assembled for series 1's finale are dead, with a further two in a critical condition.

Series 2 (2011)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
9"Survivors"
5 May 2011 (2011-05-05)1.15[citation needed]
The survivors of the explosion at Ravenhill Psychiatric Hospital are reunited to bury one of their number killed in the blast. But there is no rest for the wicked as new mysteries beckon. The survivors of the blast are under surveillance by the mysterious Grace Andrews and her mild-mannered lackey, Kelvin. Meanwhile, Detective Finney starts to question the survivors in an attempt to find out more about Kenchington's return from the dead and her hunt for her missing locket.
10"Dinner Party"
12 May 2011 (2011-05-12)0.99[citation needed]
The search for the missing locket continues with the investigation turning to Christopher Biggins for answers. Meanwhile, we find out what happened to Robert and Kerry as we return to the mysterious cottage in the woods.
11"Hancock"
19 May 2011 (2011-05-19)0.74[citation needed]
Mr Lomax reveals more about his past and the reason behind his hatred of Tony Hancock. Mr Jelly arrives at one of Mr Jolly's bookings and hopes no one will be able to tell the difference.
12"Sunnyvale"
26 May 2011 (2011-05-26)0.66[citation needed]
Desperate measures are called for as Jeremy Goode searches for the missing library book. Mrs Wren is in peril from several parties and only one man can save her. But will he be bothered?
13"The Hunt"
2 June 2011 (2011-06-02)0.80[citation needed]
With danger mounting, and few witnesses left, Tealeaf, with the help of Peter Bishop, tries to solve the mystery of the locket. Things however, don't quite go to plan. Elsewhere, once again Jelly becomes Jolly with unexpected results.
14"Andrews Nanotech"
6 June 2011 (2011-06-06)0.63[citation needed]
The secrets of the missing locket are finally exposed and the reality of what is at stake is revealed to those who remain.

Awards

[edit]

Psychoville won the 2009 British Comedy Award for "Best New British TV Comedy" and the 2011 British Comedy Award for "Best Comedy Drama".[33]

References

[edit]
General
  • "Psychoville - Character Guides". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
  • "Psychoville - Episode Guide". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
  • "Psychoville - Characters". BBC. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
  • "Psychoville - Episodes". BBC. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
Specific
  1. ^ Fletcher, Alex (3 December 2012). "'League of Gentlemen' Duo Create New Dark BBC Comedy Anthology". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  2. ^ "Radio Times on Twitter".
  3. ^ "Psychoville killed off". Chortle. Powder Blue Internet Business Solutions. 15 September 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  4. ^ "Inside No. 9: Series 5, Episode 2 - Death Be Not Proud". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  5. ^ Armstrong, Stephen (31 May 2009). "The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
  6. ^ Dowell, Ben (9 October 2008). "League of Gentlemen duo back with BBC2 comedy Psychoville". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
  7. ^ "TV Preview: Psychoville + panel discussion". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2009.
  8. ^ "Psychoville". BBC. Retrieved 21 May 2009.
  9. ^ "New show for League of Gentlemen". BBC Online. 9 October 2008. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
  10. ^ Psychoville - disclaimer. BBC. Retrieved 24 June 2009.
  11. ^ Psychoville - Experience. BBC. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
  12. ^ "Jelly Parties". Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
  13. ^ "Jolly Parties". Archived from the original on 18 January 2022.
  14. ^ "Lomax Commodities". Archived from the original on 14 January 2022.
  15. ^ "Best Murders". Archived from the original on 12 April 2022.
  16. ^ "Joy's Advice to Young Mums Website". Archived from the original on 15 January 2022.
  17. ^ "Goldfish Bowl Productions". Archived from the original on 30 March 2022.
  18. ^ "Debbie Hart". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  19. ^ "Hoyti Toyti/The Nazi Bay". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  20. ^ "Robert Greenspan". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  21. ^ "Biggins Panto". Archived from the original on 13 July 2012.
  22. ^ "Midget Gems". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  23. ^ "Murder and Chips". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  24. ^ "Ravenhill Hospital". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  25. ^ "Sunnyvale Rest Home". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  26. ^ "FOCCE (Federation of Clowns and Children's Entertainers)". Archived from the original on 23 January 2021.
  27. ^ "Psychoville – Characters: Drew Aspinall, played by Alex Waldmann". BBC.
  28. ^ Moore, Matthew (10 October 2008). "League of Gentlemen creators write new comedy Psychoville for BBC2". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
  29. ^ a b Bold, Ben (20 May 2009). "BBC launches blackmail viral to promote 'Psychoville'". Brand Republic. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2009.
  30. ^ Armstrong, Stephen (31 May 2009). "The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville". The Times. London. Retrieved 8 June 2009.
  31. ^ Dean, Will (9 July 2009). "Psychoville episode four: 'Give 'em enough rope'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 4 August 2009.
  32. ^ Dean, Will (30 July 2009). "Psychoville episode seven: Ravenhill". The Guardian. The Guardian. Retrieved 9 April 2024. One of the other major plots from the series that was cleared up was Lomax admitting to Michael that the reason he was at Ravenhill was because he has "paradise syndrome" and thus can never be happy when he has everything.
  33. ^ "Comedy.co.uk Awards 2011 results". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
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