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ElvenQuest
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| Other names | Elvenquest Elven Quest Elven's Quest (working title) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comic fantasy |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Home station | BBC Radio 4 |
| Starring | Stephen Mangan Alistair McGowan Darren Boyd Kevin Eldon Sophie Winkleman Dave Lamb Chris Pavlo |
| Written by | Anil Gupta Richard Pinto |
| Produced by | Anil Gupta Paul Schlesinger |
| Original release | 29 March 2009 – 2013 |
| No. of series | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 24 |
| Website | BBC website |
ElvenQuest is a comic fantasy broadcast on BBC Radio 4 by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto, and starring Stephen Mangan, Alistair McGowan, Darren Boyd, Kevin Eldon, Sophie Winkleman and Dave Lamb.[1] The series takes place in the world of Lower Earth, a parody of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. In Lower Earth, a band of warriors go forth to search for a mythical sword to save Lower Earth from the evil Lord Darkness (played by McGowan). In order to do so, they must find "The Chosen One" who will save Lower Earth. The Chosen One is Amis, a dog in the real world which belongs to a fantasy novelist called Sam Porter (played by Mangan).[2] The first series was broadcast from 29 March to 3 May 2009 and the second from 18 November to 23 December 2010. The third series was broadcast from 17 October to 21 November 2011. The fourth series was broadcast from 12 February to 19 March 2013.
Plot
[edit]During the Third Age of Elven Princes of Lower Earth, a band of noble warriors – Vidar the Elf Lord (Boyd), Penthiselea the Warrior Princess (Winkleman, later Ingrid Oliver) and Dean the Dwarf (Eldon) – plan to save Lower Earth from the evil rule of Lord Darkness by searching for the Sword of Asnagar, "for whoso'er wields the sword shall rule all of Lower Earth."[2] However, they first have to discover "The Chosen One" who will lead them to the Sword, whose name is "Amis". Amis is a dog belonging to Sam Porter, a misanthropic fantasy novelist in the real world.
Vidar, Penthiselea and Dean travel via a portal to take Amis, who is with Sam at a book signing in Totnes High Street, to Lower Earth. When they take Amis, Sam follows them and both Sam and Amis arrive in Lower Earth. When they arrive in Lower Earth, Amis is transformed into a human (played by Lamb), retaining many of his canine traits, such as becoming excited when there is a knock at the door, and being totally devoted to Sam. Sam believes he has been kidnapped by deranged fans until he sees the world outside the room in which he awakes. He asks to be sent back home, but is told that the portal is closed and can only be opened by the same Sword of Asnagar that Amis must seek.
Sam decides to travel with Amis, Vidar, Penthiselea and Dean to find the Sword. Meanwhile, Lord Darkness (Alistair McGowan) is planning to stop them from finding the Sword, helped by his evil but dimwitted assistant Kreech (also played by Eldon). Sam proves invaluable in using his modern instincts to trick his way past various creatures barring their way. For instance, he bluffs a three-headed troll guardian of Darkness' fortress in the same way as he would a security guard at a nightclub, distracting it long enough for Dean the dwarf to attack. He also tends to expect secret tunnels and concealed doors because that's the sort of thing he would have written into one of his plots. He is often right.
Characters
[edit]- Sam Porter (Stephen Mangan). An author of fantasy novels with a jaded attitude, especially towards his more fanatical fans. As the series opens his career and personal life are not going well.
- Amis, the Chosen One (Dave Lamb). Originally Sam's pet dog and best friend in the world, he transforms into a human in Lower Earth but retains canine traits and behaviours.
- Vidar the Elf Lord (Darren Boyd), last of a mighty family of Elf Lords, and the leader of the Questers, despite being somewhat dim. His name may be inspired by Víðarr, a god in Norse mythology associated with vengeance.
- Penthiselea the Warrior Princess (Sophie Winkleman Series 1–3) (Ingrid Oliver Series 4) in silver breastplate armour and thigh-high boots, who has been promised to Vidar since childhood. Sam is very interested in her, but having been raised as a Warrior Princess she has no concept of relationships with men. Her name may be inspired by Penthesilea, a legendary Amazon warrior-queen. Though she changed actress from series three to four, her appearance on the cover art remained the same.
- Dean the Dwarf (Kevin Eldon), a mighty if diminutive warrior with unsavoury personal habits. After the first series it is hinted less and less subtly that he is gay.
- Lord Darkness (Alistair McGowan), Lord of Evil, whose efforts to dominate Lower Earth are frustrated by the Questers and his own staff of extremely dimwitted minions. In later episodes, his evil plans frequently do not interfere with those of the questers, and they are generally on cordial terms with each other.
- Kreech (Kevin Eldon), the Right Hand of Darkness, and only slightly less dimwitted than the other minions -- the name being a contraction of Creature.
- Other characters played by Chris Pavlo.
Production
[edit]One of the writers, Gupta, said in an interview with the BBC Comedy website that ElvenQuest is not designed to be a spoof of Lord of the Rings, because this had already been done in an earlier radio sitcom, Hordes of the Things. He also said that: "we wanted to create a show which would exist in its own right. In the best sitcoms the comedy should come from the characters and their inter-relationships, which means they can't simply be two dimensional parodies."[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Wolf, Ian. "ElvenQuest – Production Details, Plus Regular Cast and Crew". British Comedy Guide. Archived from the original on 22 March 2009. Retrieved 29 April 2009.
- ^ a b Wolf, Ian. "ElvenQuest". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 29 April 2009.
- ^ Thair, David (28 April 2009). "ElvenQuest: a new adventure begins". BBC. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
External links
[edit]ElvenQuest
View on GrokipediaPremise and Setting
Plot Overview
ElvenQuest centers on a parodic fantasy adventure set during the Third Age of Elven Princes in the world of Lower Earth, where a group of warriors embarks on a quest to retrieve the Sword of Asnagar, the only weapon capable of defeating the tyrannical Lord Darkness.[1] The core narrative follows the formation of an unlikely quest party comprising the elf lord Vidar, the warrior princess Penthiselea, the dwarf Dean, and the modern-day interloper Sam Porter along with his dog Amis—who transforms into a foul-mouthed human warrior upon entering Lower Earth and is revealed as the prophesied Chosen One—as they navigate perilous kingdoms and face initial skirmishes with Lord Darkness's minions, including the scheming Kreech. This epic journey blends medieval tropes with comedic clashes between contemporary sensibilities and fantastical elements, highlighting misunderstandings and absurdities that underscore the show's satirical tone.[3] The inciting incident occurs when a mystical portal opens in contemporary Totnes, United Kingdom, during a book signing event, drawing Amis into Lower Earth; Sam, Amis's devoted owner and a reluctant participant, pursues him through the rift, thrusting both into the heart of the prophecy. Key plot developments reveal Amis as the foretold "Chosen One" destined to wield the Sword of Asnagar, propelling the party through a series of trials that test their resolve and camaraderie while evading the encroaching forces of darkness. Throughout the narrative, the quest's progression emphasizes themes of improbable friendship forged in chaos, with humorous detours amplifying the ridiculousness of heroic archetypes.[1] Spanning four series, the overarching arc features escalating adventures, including the discovery and subsequent loss of the Sword of Asnagar in series 2, and in the fourth installment, the questers face further perils and a near-confrontation with Lord Darkness, but the central conflict remains unresolved, leaving a legacy of lighthearted fantasy subversion.[1][4]World of Lower Earth
Lower Earth serves as the central fictional universe in the BBC Radio 4 sitcom ElvenQuest, functioning as a parodic parallel to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. This fantasy realm is inhabited by traditional races such as elves, dwarves, and amazons, alongside mythical creatures and magical phenomena that underpin its lore. The world operates under a system of prophecy and ancient artifacts, where epic struggles between good and evil define its historical narrative.[5][6] The current era, known as the Third Age or humorously the Silver Age—"not quite golden and platinum was too expensive"—is marked by the encroaching threat of an evil empire seeking domination. An ancient prophecy central to the lore foretells the emergence of a Chosen One destined to wield the Sword of Asnagar, a legendary artifact said to possess the power to overthrow darkness when brandished for benevolent purposes. This historical context establishes a framework of cyclical conflicts, echoing classic fantasy sagas but infused with satirical undertones.[6][7] Geographically, Lower Earth encompasses diverse terrains typical of high fantasy, including dense enchanted forests, rugged mountain ranges, and scattered rural villages such as Mexigaroth. Prominent locations include the structured Elf Kingdom, a bastion of elven nobility, and the foreboding Dark Fortress, stronghold of tyrannical rule. Quest-related sites like goblin markets and amazonian enclaves further populate the landscape, serving as hubs for trade, intrigue, and cultural exchange.[8][1] The realm's parodic elements exaggerate and subvert fantasy tropes for comedic effect, incorporating bureaucratic inefficiencies in governance—such as logistical management within oppressive regimes—and anachronistic intrusions that blend modern mundanity with medieval mysticism, like portals linking to contemporary Earth locales. Magic operates through codified rules, including specific incantations and reliance on artifacts, yet frequently results in unintended, humorous malfunctions that underscore the genre's absurdities.[6][3] Societal structures highlight racial dynamics, with longstanding rivalries between elves and dwarves driving tensions, often portrayed through stereotypical contrasts: elves embodying refined, archaic formality and dwarves injecting coarse, contemporary vernacular. Cultural systems vary by race, as seen in amazon tribes governed by rigorous, ritualistic customs, while elven traditions preserve knowledge in sacred tomes emphasizing life's inherent struggles. These elements, disrupted by occasional modern Earth influences, maintain a delicate balance between enchantment and everyday folly.[6][1]Characters
Main Characters
The main characters of ElvenQuest form the core of the quest party navigating the fantasy world of Lower Earth, blending archetypal fantasy roles with comedic subversion through their exaggerated personalities and interpersonal dynamics. This ensemble drives the series' humor by contrasting Sam's modern cynicism with the earnest, trope-laden enthusiasm of his companions, while the primary antagonist provides over-the-top villainy that often backfires due to incompetence.[1] Sam Porter, voiced by Stephen Mangan, is a misanthropic fantasy novelist from contemporary Earth who is abruptly transported to Lower Earth and thrust into the role of reluctant hero. His character provides meta-commentary on fantasy clichés, frequently breaking the fourth wall with sarcastic observations about quests, prophecies, and heroic tropes, which heightens the show's parody of the genre.[1][9] Amis, voiced by Dave Lamb (with James Bachman in select early episodes), is Sam's loyal pet dog magically transformed into a human form as the prophesied "Chosen One." Retaining canine traits such as fetching objects, boundless enthusiasm for walks, and unwavering loyalty to Sam, Amis serves as the emotional center of the group, often propelling the plot through his innocent interpretations of the prophecy.[10][1] Vidar, voiced by Darren Boyd, is the dim-witted Elf Lord and nominal leader of the quest party, hailing from a once-mighty elven lineage. His overly dramatic speeches and incompetent decision-making—marked by blind trust in ancient lore and frequent misadventures—contrast sharply with his self-perceived nobility, generating comedy through his earnest but hapless attempts at heroism.[1][11] Penthiselea, the fierce Warrior Princess voiced by Sophie Winkleman in series 1–3 and Ingrid Oliver in series 4, embodies the Amazonian archetype as the group's primary combatant. Her comically aggressive demeanor, including a penchant for violent solutions and unyielding bravado, often escalates situations absurdly, while her strong-willed personality clashes with the party's more passive members to underscore the humor in gender and warrior stereotypes.[11][10] Dean, voiced by Kevin Eldon, is a sassy dwarf miner whose flamboyant and gay-coded traits subvert traditional dwarf portrayals of gruff stoicism. As the practical yet bitchy voice of the group, he delivers cutting remarks on elven pretensions and quest hardships, with his loyalty to Vidar adding layers of ironic devotion that fuel comedic tensions.[1][10] Lord Darkness, voiced by Alistair McGowan, is the scheming overlord antagonist whose grandiose evil plans are repeatedly undermined by his own buffoonery and inept henchmen. Portrayed as an over-the-top villain with a casual flair for dramatic monologues, he represents the corrupt forces threatening Lower Earth, but his incompetence ensures the quest party's survival through farce rather than true peril.[1][11] Throughout the series, the characters' arcs highlight thematic clashes: Sam's initial cynicism gradually tempers the group's blind adherence to fantasy conventions, fostering reluctant camaraderie, while Amis evolves from a bewildered pet into a more assertive savior figure, all without delving into specific episodic events. These broad developments amplify the comedy by juxtaposing Sam's world-weary perspective against the unshakeable zeal of Vidar, Penthiselea, and Dean.[1]Recurring and Supporting Characters
Kreech, voiced by Kevin Eldon, serves as Lord Darkness's bumbling goblin henchman and self-proclaimed Right Hand of Darkness throughout the series.[6] As a dim-witted minion whose name is a contraction of "creature," Kreech frequently delivers bad news to his master and attempts schemes that inevitably fail, providing slapstick comic relief through his clumsy loyalty and absurd mishaps.[12] His portrayal highlights parody of classic fantasy sidekicks, with twists like slimy incompetence that amplify the show's humor, appearing in all four series for a total of 21 episodes.[10] Chris Pavlo provides versatile voice acting as the narrator and in various recurring supporting roles, embodying fantasy archetypes such as wise wizards, orc guards, and other ensemble figures across multiple episodes.[3] His range of silly, distinct voices for these smaller parts enhances the comedic parody of epic fantasy tropes, often underscoring ironic or chaotic interactions with the main cast without dominating the narrative. Pavlo's contributions appear prominently in Series 1 and sporadically thereafter, demonstrating the production's reliance on multifaceted audio performances.[10] Other recurring supporting characters include elf council members, who offer comically unhelpful advice in bureaucratic debates, and goblin minions under Lord Darkness's command, depicted as a horde of equally inept underlings that bolster the antagonists' failed endeavors.[13] Prophetic oracles, such as the Oracle encountered in quests like the search for the Sword of Asnagar, deliver backfiring prophecies with humorous irony, appearing in at least three episodes to propel plot twists through their cryptic, often counterproductive guidance.[14] These figures evolve across series, with later installments incorporating more Earth-inspired elements into their antics, such as modern slang in goblin chatter or oracle visions referencing contemporary culture, heightening the satire of genre conventions.[6]Production
Development and Writing
ElvenQuest was created by British writers and producers Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto, who developed the concept as an original comedy series for BBC Radio 4, emphasizing character-driven humor in a fantastical setting rather than a straightforward parody of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.[3] The idea originated from a brief five-line synopsis submitted to the broadcaster, which led to a commission for the first series, marking an evolution from initial pitch to a full six-episode run without a separate pilot production.[3] Gupta and Pinto, known for their prior work on sketch shows like Goodness Gracious Me, aimed to craft a unique narrative twist by making the protagonist's pet dog the prophesied "Chosen One," setting it apart from conventional fantasy tropes.[15][6] The writing process prioritized ensemble dynamics and interpersonal comedy over plot intricacies, drawing influences from satirical fantasy works such as Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels and the film The Princess Bride, while incorporating elements of sci-fi comedies like Red Dwarf and Galaxy Quest.[3] This approach allowed for subtle mockery of genre clichés, including epic quests, noble warriors, and ancient prophecies, through the lens of modern intrusions like a reluctant human protagonist from contemporary Earth.[3] Unlike earlier radio fantasy satires such as the 1980s series Hordes of the Things, which focused on broad, episodic parodies of Tolkien-esque elements, ElvenQuest emphasized deeper character development and ongoing group interactions to sustain humor across multiple series.[6] In a 2009 BBC Comedy Blog interview, Gupta explained the creators' intention to avoid one-dimensional stereotypes, instead using the series to explore themes of heroism and destiny with ironic detachment, ensuring the satire remained accessible while highlighting the absurdity of fantasy conventions.[3] This focus on originality helped the show secure greenlighting for subsequent series, culminating in four runs broadcast between 2009 and 2013.[1]Casting and Recording
The casting process for ElvenQuest identified performers capable of delivering the sharp comedic timing required for the series' parody of fantasy tropes.[3] Stephen Mangan was selected to portray the protagonist Sam Porter, a role that highlighted his signature dry wit and ability to convey reluctant sarcasm in a dialogue-driven format.[10] Alistair McGowan was cast as the antagonist Lord Darkness, chosen for his versatile vocal range and skill in embodying multifaceted villainy through impressions and tonal shifts.[10] A notable cast adjustment occurred ahead of Series 4, when Sophie Winkleman, who had voiced the warrior princess Penthiselea in the first three series, was replaced by Ingrid Oliver due to scheduling conflicts.[10] Recording sessions for the series were held at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, with each episode typically requiring 3-4 hours of studio time to capture the ensemble performances.[9] Sound effects played a crucial role in realizing the fantasy setting, including metallic clashes for sword fights and ethereal whooshes for magical elements, enhancing the radio format's immersive quality.[9] The production was overseen by producers including Anil Gupta, Paul Schlesinger (Series 1), and Sam Michell (Series 2–4).[11] One key challenge involved balancing the ensemble cast's overlapping lines in a format reliant solely on audio, addressed through structured rehearsals that incorporated light improvisation to refine timing and energy.[3]Broadcast History
Series Structure and Air Dates
ElvenQuest consists of four series, each comprising six 30-minute episodes, for a total of 24 episodes broadcast weekly on BBC Radio 4.[1][16] The first series aired from 29 April to 3 June 2009, with episodes broadcast on Wednesdays at 18:30.[17][18] Series 2 followed from 18 November to 23 December 2010, airing on Thursdays at 18:30.[19][20] Series 3 ran from 17 October to 21 November 2011, scheduled on Mondays at 18:30.[21] The final series aired from 12 February to 19 March 2013, with episodes on Tuesdays at 18:30.[22][23]| Series | Air Dates | Day and Time | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 April – 3 June 2009 | Wednesdays, 18:30 | 6 |
| 2 | 18 November – 23 December 2010 | Thursdays, 18:30 | 6 |
| 3 | 17 October – 21 November 2011 | Mondays, 18:30 | 6 |
| 4 | 12 February – 19 March 2013 | Tuesdays, 18:30 | 6 |
