Picturehouse Blog

Twenty-five years ago, in 1997, Chris Morris' groundbreaking and controversial comedy series Brass Eye was broadcast for the very first time into homes across the UK. Enraging everyone from politicians to tabloid journalists, its sly, satirical writing paired with an anarchic silliness made for a completely unique show that has only evolved over time into a milestone of British television comedy.

Despite its myriad controversies, the show catapulted the careers of its talented cabal of comedy writers into the comedy stratosphere. It also cemented the reputation of series director Michael Cumming – who's celebrating the show's 25th anniversary with a tour of his cult documentary Oxide Ghosts: The Brass Eye Tapes, arriving at Picturehouse for a series of special screenings from 5 March onwards.

Only ever screened at special live events like ours, Oxide Ghosts is compiled from hundreds of hours of unseen, behind the scenes footage from Michael's personal archive, providing personal insights into the process of making a truly legendary TV series over a two-year period. The film carries the blessing of Chris Morris (who later went on to direct films such as Four Lions) and provides a unique glimpse of his extraordinary working practises.

At these anniversary shows, which are accompanied by introductions and post-film Q&As, Michael both builds and shatters Brass Eye myths – making them a must for both fans of the series, and anyone with a curiosity about how great comedy is made.

Alongside Michael, we're lucky enough to be joined by two more esteemed comedy names: David Walliams hosts the Q&A at The Gate on 20 March, and Stewart Lee talks to Crouch End Picturehouse on 21 March. 

Oxide Ghosts: The Brass Eye Tapes tours select Picturehouse Cinemas from Saturday 05 March. Tickets are on sale now.