McPhail and Gadsby

Press, 15 July 1980, Page 16

McPhail and Gadsby

Sir, — As a Christian I found parts of the McPhailGadsby show quite unfunny. However, as a Christian I would defend their right to “send up” whatever they like and I thoroughly agree with the views expressed by your TV critic, John Collins. The Christians jumping up and down at the moment would not in the slightest bit be concerned if the “mickey” was being taken out of the Communists or the Hindus or any other non-Christian group. Our Lord had nothing . but gracious words to those who reviled Him. Goodness me, my faith is not going to be undermined by this kind of comedy. Much of what we do as Christians must seem exceedingly funny to those who are not. What is sacred to us will remain so but we cannot expect non-Christians to have the same attitude. Somehow I don’t think Jesus would jump up and down on this one. — Yours, etc..

THE REV. D. R. WILSON, Principal, University Hall. July 14, 1980. Sir, — I hope no-one wanted their sins forgiven or their souls comforted last Wednesday evening, for it seems that the entire Christian community, canons and all, were watching television. From the trailer promotions on television, and other print media publicity, I decided that the sort of religious jokes to be expected from the McPhail and Gadsby show had been done before (by Peter Cook and Dudley Moore) and better (by John Cleese and colleagues). And I did not watch the programme. Could it be that .our vocal Christians were tempted by titillation and watched to experience the thrill of being outraged and offended? 1 think Christ said something about not entering into temptation. — Yours, etc.. JOHN BALNEAVES. July 13, 1980. Sir, — Hooray for McPhail and Gadsby, and also for John Collins. Religion has become a Sacred Cow on TV and needs some satirical reduction. I am tired of the unending earnest faces that can believe 10 impossible things before breakfast and want me to do the same. Especially on Sunday, we endure the same loaded questions, the same overbearing coercion as to what the “right” religious answers are, and a complete lack of challenge, debate or healthy doubt. Sunday is the day believers have their services. Let us have our satire on TV then, while no-one is watching whose beliefs we must not challenge. Apparently Mr Cross can judge the entertainment value of “Death of a Princess,” with out seeing it. Unfortunately I am not so gifted — and am often out on Wednesday nights. — Yours, etc.. ALAN WILKINSON. July 14, 1980.