The Utterly Made Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Apple TV+ (from Friday)
★★★½
It’s a common reality: stick Noel Fielding in full make-up and dandy garb, watch the mischievous glint in his eyes sparkle on the goofy absurdity he’s about to wreak, and TV gold will likely be spun. Though the now 50-year-old’s been a relentless on our screens since Razorlight was a factor – throughout panel reveals galore and, extra notably, as host of The Nice British Bake Off – he hasn’t had a lead TV position since his cult comedy with Julian Barratt, The Mighty Boosh, ended its run in 2007.
Noel Fielding performs the legendary English highwayman Dick Turpin.Credit score: Apple TV
For that motive alone, Apple TV’s new six-episode comedy The Utterly Made Up Adventures of Dick Turpin – starring Fielding because the notorious English highwayman – is a welcome proposition. That the present is basically an excuse for Fielding to parade round in billowing pirate shirts, leather-based pants, silk cravats, glowing capes and “magic mittens” is an attractive bonus. Don’t anticipate the one-of-a-kind madness of the Boosh, and also you’ll be pleasantly shocked.
Created by Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis and Stuart Lane, the collection is a foolish revamp of the Dick Turpin legend, the 18th century bandit who terrorised Yorkshire backwoods till he was hanged for horse theft in 1739. A folks hero within the ilk of Robin Hood within the UK, Turpin’s dashing exploits have been popular culture fodder for the reason that days of silent movie.
Set in England in 1735, Fielding’s Turpin offers a New Romantic bent to the macho legend lionised in lore. For starters, he’s a vegan, who takes to the lifetime of banditry after abandoning his father’s ambitions for him in butchery. “I’ll simply take these purple sneakers and my stitching machine,” Turpin says as he flees dwelling along with his most prized possessions.
Noel Fielding (left) along with his Essex Gang (Marc Wootton, Duayne Boachie, Ellie White) in The Utterly Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin.Credit score: Apple TV+
Even after Turpin turns into the famed highwayman, his exploits unfold throughout the land by way of common pamphlets, he’s not your traditional gunslinger. He knits balaclavas for his bumbling crew, the Essex Gang; he drinks natural tea somewhat than rum; he eats exhausting Italian biscuits. He additionally refuses to fireside weapons, declaring himself a pacifist.
Amid the rampant silliness, Fielding’s a delight. Perennially upbeat and naive, he’s satisfied by his newfound notoriety. “I do know who you’re, you prick. I’ve seen you prancing round in your humorous shirts,” a rival highwayman (performed by Greg Davies – there are infinite cameos from British comedy faves together with Tamsin Greig, Diane Morgan, Fielding’s half-brother Michael, from the Boosh and Wealthy Fulcher) confronts him. “Actually, which one? The ruffle ruched frill?” Turpin cheerfully replies, unfazed.