Season 1 • Episode 1
LatestSimon, a pizza delivery boy, arrives at a mental asylum to deliver a Beef Magic pizza and unwittingly becomes part of a twisted experiment.
Asylum is a British comedy series which was shown on Paramount Comedy Channel in 1996. Set in a mental asylum, it ran for one series of six episodes. Unlike traditional sitcoms or comedy television shows, it was to some extent an opportunity for stand-up routines by various comedians, mixed with an overall story involving much black humour. It is significant for involving a large number of British comedians, many who have gone on to work on some of the most successful comedy programmes of the last decade. It marked the first collaboration of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, who would go on to make cult sitcom Spaced. Many of the characters names were the same as those of the actors who portrayed them. David Devant & His Spirit Wife were the "house band" for the series, performing segments in every episode, from their first album, Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous. The lead-in track "Ginger" served as the programme's title music. The series has yet to be released on DVD; however, the full episodes are viewable on Norman Lovett's website.
Direction
Wright's hyperactive camera already doing its thing.
Acting
Pegg and Stevenson meet for the first chaotic time.
Creator
Edgar Wright
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This launched the Pegg/Stevenson/Wright trio who'd redefine British comedy within three years.
David Devant & His Spirit Wife were a real band; 'Ginger' as theme music was their actual track.
GB
