The Inspired Chaos of Shooting Stars: Vic and Bob's Untold Stories
In a rare glimpse behind the scenes, comedy legends Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves have opened up about the anarchic creation and enduring legacy of their cult classic panel show, Shooting Stars. From its origins as a quirky segment to becoming a BBC staple that defied convention, the duo recount the madness that defined the series.
Origins and Intense Writing
Bob Mortimer recalls first witnessing the seed of Shooting Stars during Vic Reeves' live show, The Big Quiz, which was filled with nonsensical questions and a rebellious attitude. "I'd never seen anything like it," Mortimer admits, sparking the idea to develop it further. The opportunity arose during a Vic and Bob Christmas special, where they slipped in the quiz format, catching the BBC's attention. "We got lucky," Mortimer notes, as the broadcaster approached them to turn it into a full series.
The writing process was intense, with hours spent devising true or false questions, but their passion made it a labour of love. Vic Reeves, also known as Jim Moir, emphasises the spontaneous nature of the show, keeping even the crew in the dark about scripts to maintain an element of surprise.
Unpredictable Moments and Guest Ordeals
The show was famed for its unpredictable challenges and guest antics. Mortimer laughs about dropping cheeses on participants and pretending to cage them with a monkey, while a planned horse for the studio was vetoed over fears it might bolt. Reeves reveals pranks like placing a stink bomb in Stephen Fry's shoe, which overwhelmed the studio with odour. "It's the most complaints we ever got," he says, referring to backlash from Christians over a stuffed buzzard adorned with a crucifix, with critics arguing birds cannot be religious.
Guests often faced the unknown, with some, like Larry Hagman, appearing bewildered but game. Mortimer observes that many claimed to enjoy the experience, though he suspects they might have been fibbing. The show's team captains, Mark Lamarr and Ulrika Jonsson, brought unique dynamics; Lamarr's deadpan demeanour contrasted with Jonsson's competitive spirit, adding to the chaotic charm.
Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy
Shooting Stars is credited with altering the parameters of panel shows, injecting fun and imagination into a stale format. Mortimer reflects that it offered a rare peek into celebrities' true personalities, thanks to its unscripted nature. Iconic elements like George Dawes, played by Matt Lucas in a romper suit, became fan favourites, with songs such as "Peanuts" reducing the cast to hysterics upon first hearing.
Reeves shares how catchphrases like "Eranu" and "Uvavu" emerged arbitrarily to end rounds, while his club singer-style songs and quirky prizes, often handmade, added to the show's DIY aesthetic. The legacy endures, with Mortimer noting that people still mimic gestures like raising handbags and exclaiming "Ooooh!" without knowing their origin.
In summary, Shooting Stars stands as a testament to Vic and Bob's creative idiocy, a show that not only entertained but reshaped British comedy, proving that chaos could be brilliantly inspired.
