Kath & Kim

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Kath and Kim

Jane Turner and Gina Riley as 'Kath & Kim'
Genre Comedy
Picture format 16:9
Running time Approx. 23 minutes per episode.
Creator(s) Gina Riley
Jane Turner
Starring Gina Riley
Jane Turner
Magda Szubanski
Glenn Robbins
Peter Rowsthorn
Country of origin Australia Australia
Original channel ABC
No. of episodes Regular
24
Telemovie
1
Official website

Kath & Kim is an Australian television comedy series shown on the ABC network. It also airs on RTÉ Two in Ireland, TV3 in New Zealand, LIVINGtv, Ftn and the BBC in the United Kingdom. In the United States the first two seasons aired on Trio in 2004, while The Sundance Channel currently airs the third season, which began December 7, 2005 and will rerun the first two seasons that aired on Trio starting April 5, 2006.

The series began in 2002, and has so far aired three seasons, and a made-for-TV movie, Da Kath & Kim Code, which premiered on ABC TV on November 27, 2005.

The show was created and written by Jane Turner and Gina Riley, who also play the title roles. The TV series has been a huge hit in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and the U.S..

Contents

[edit] Premise

Kath Day-Knight (Jane Turner) is an 'empty nester' divorcée who wants to enjoy time with her "hunk o' spunk" Kel Knight (Glenn Robbins), a local "purveyor of fine meats", but whose lifestyle is often cramped by the presence of her self-indulgent and spoiled rotten twenty-something daughter Kim Craig née Day (Gina Riley). Kim enjoys frequent and lengthy periods of spiteful estrangement from her forgiving husband Brett Craig (Peter Rowsthorn) for imagined slights and misdemeanors, followed by loving reconciliations with him. During Kim and Brett's frequent rough patches Kim usually seeks solace from her servile "second best friend" Sharon Strzelecki (Magda Szubanski), screaming abuse at Sharon for minor infractions while issuing her with intricately-instructed tasks, such as stalking Brett. Kim and Brett had a baby in the final episode of the second series whom they named Epponnee-Raelene Kathleen Darlene Charlene Craig, shortened to Epponnee-Rae.

[edit] Background

The characters of Kath, Kim and Sharon were originally developed in the early 1990s in a recurring skit in the comedy sketch show Big Girl's Blouse in 1994. These skits, a send-up of a fly-on-the-wall type reality TV series following a mother and daughter planning the daughter's wedding, continued to evolve in the short-lived comedy series Something Stupid (1998). The original skits rarely featured any characters other than Kath, Kim or Sharon (in one skit Brett was played by Jane Turner) and were the basis for the plots of the first two series.

Some elements of the humour used in Kath & Kim refers to other earlier works. In episode 2.3 The Moon, Kim and Sharon fight about which ABBA member they looked like when they were in school. Kim says she looked like Agnetha; and in an episode of Fast Forward Gina Riley had played Frida in an ABBA parody.

Kath & Kim added the characters of Kath's fiance Kel and Kim's husband Brett, and expanded on the characters that had originated in the original skits. In the tradition of Barry Humphries and his famous satirical creation Dame Edna Everage, Kath & Kim satirises the habits and values of modern suburban Australians, and emphasises the kitsch and superficial elements of contemporary society, particularly the traditional working class which has progressed to a level of affluence (or "effluence" as quoted by Kath) which previous generations had been unable to achieve. The strong script, crass and embarrassing behaviour of the characters, and their gaudy fashion sense are popular features of the show. The highly developed alternative vocabulary (including mixed metaphors and malapropisms) and mis-pronunciation of words by the two main characters are much-repeated by the show's fans:

"It's ny-oice, it's diff'rent, it's un-ewes-yewl!"
"Kimmy, look at moiye!"
"I can furl it in me waters!"
"I wasn't going to go by myself, what would that look like"

[edit] Format

Much of the humour is character-based, derived from viewers recognising themselves, their families or their friends in the characters. In this way it is similar to UK comedy The Royle Family which had also aired in Australia on the ABC. Kath & Kim does not always stick to the understated naturalistic style of The Royle Family, however like The Royle Family it is generally presented in the form of a 'fly on the wall' documentary.

With its parodic use of reality TV genre conventions, it is somewhat similar to The Office and Reno 911!. Like those shows it occasionally features segments where the characters are apparently being interviewed by a film crew, with much of the humour coming from the gaffes and gauche comments unwittingly made by the interview subjects. The series can also be viewed as partially indebted to the 1990s reality TV series Sylvania Waters, which documented the lifestyle of a nouveau riche Sydney family.

The outrageous fashions worn by Kath & Kim, and Kath, Kim and Kel's constant pursuit of ridiculous fads and their preoccupation with appearing trendy and "with-it" recalls Absolutely Fabulous.

Despite the fact that it was initially rejected by the ABC during the regime of controversial ABC General Manager Jonathan Shier, Kath & Kim became an instant hit with audiences and is now the most successful comedy series ever developed and produced by the ABC. Nevertheless, some people were offended, with critics arguing that the show could never appeal directly to the very people who were being satirised, as they would likely not recognise the elements of comedy being conveyed. Its success was largely the result of an ever increasing "word of mouth" with the show's admirers and detractors each taking the time to discuss and publicise the show.

The theme song is Anthony Newley's "The Joker", which is performed by Gina Riley.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Main cast

  • Jane Turner plays Kathleen Darlene Day-Knight-- An empty nester who is proud of her home and how she looks. She likes to keep herself slim and trim.
  • Gina Riley plays Kim Craig (née Day) -- A self-absorbed, ever-complaining and spoilt woman who, despite her "people skills", her call centre employer can somehow not do without her.
  • Magda Szubanski plays Sharon Strzelecki --who is Kim's "second best friend" she is also very unlucky in love, but a fine netball player.
  • Glenn Robbins plays Kel Knight -- Kath's better half and a gourmet butcher - "Purveyor of fine meats actually, Kath".
  • Peter Rowsthorn plays Brett Craig -- Kim's husband who works in Computa City, a large electronics store.

In series one, Cujo - Brett's dog was introduced and in series two, Epponnee Rae - Brett and Kim's newborn baby girl - were added to the credits.

All of the cast were regulars on various sketch comedy shows of the late '80s and early '90s, and all are veterans of Melbourne's thriving live comedy scene. Riley and Turner first came to prominence as cast members of the popular TV sketch comedy series Fast Forward; their co-star Szubanski had first gained fame on the earlier The D-Generation, which had also featured Kath & Kim recurring guests Marg Downey and Tony Martin, and occasional appearances by Turner as 'Eileen Maverick'. Riley later co-starred with humourists John Clarke and Bryan Dawe in the acclaimed Olympic Games satire, The Games. Szubanski has also gained international recognition with a leading role in the popular children's film Babe.

Glenn Robbins also stars as Russell Coight in the series, All Aussie Adventures, which parodies outback adventure shows such as The Crocodile Hunter. Peter Rowsthorn appeared on the non-related The Comedy Company sketch show (which also featured Glenn Robbins). Many of the occasional characters in Kath & Kim are played by comedians who have worked with Riley, Turner and Szubanski in previous series, although its growing popularity has also seen several leading Australian dramatic actors -- including Geoffrey Rush -- featured in cameo roles.

[edit] Main cast in other roles

Riley and Turner also play the recurring characters of Prude and Trude: two shop assistants at a pricey gift store, in episodes 1x08, 2x02, 3x02, 3x07 and 3x08, as well as the movie.

Riley played Robyn Robinson, the "dragon lady" and director of the Fountain Lakes Players, in 3x04.

Turner played Damian, a jockey and brief love interest of Sharon, in 3x02. Magda Szubanski played Brett's mother and self-confessed bitch, in 3x03.

[edit] Major guest cast

A significant number of Australian actors and comedians have had guest roles on the show.

  • Marg Downey has a recurring role as Marion, an inept marriage/love counsellor with somewhat unusual methods, appearing in episodes 1x04, 1x08, 2x01, 3x01, 3x07 and 3x08. Downey starred with the cast in sketch shows like Fast Forward and Something Stupid.
  • Young Zara Harrington played Epponnee Rae, Kim and Brett's baby, in season 3. Her full name is Epponnee Raeleen Kathleen Darleen Sharleen Craig. In Da Kath & Kim Code Epponnee Rae was played by Emma Le Boeuf.
  • Tony Martin played Mark, Sharon's on-again/off-again boyfriend in 1x02, 1x08, 2x04 and 2x05.
  • Peta Brady played Kelly, Brett's demanding boss - and later lover - in 1x06, 2x04, 3x01 and 3x02 and the movie.
  • Comedian Mark Trevorrow guest starred as Kel's tailor, in 1x07 and 2x08 and the movie.
  • Sibylla Budd guest starred as Lisa-Marie, Sharon's new best friend, in episode 2x03.
  • Judith Lucy guest starred as Bettina, a birthing-class teacher, in 2x06. She returned in the telemovie to play Santa's Elf
  • William McInnes guest starred as Sandy Freckle, Kel's best mate and worst enemy, in 2x07 and 2x08.
  • Mick Molloy played Gary Poole, Kath's vile first husband, in 2x08 and 3x01.
  • Rachel Griffiths guest starred as herself, at the races with a very drunk Kath, in 3x02.
  • Mark Holden guest starred as himself, when Kim enters her baby daughter Epponee Rae into a baby competition called Bub's Idol (as Mark is a judge on Australian Idol), in 3x02.
  • John Clarke guest starred in 3x06 as a real estate agent.
  • Colin Lane guest starred in 3x06 as a spa salesman.
  • Kylie Minogue guest starred as Epponnee Rae, in the future, on her wedding day, in 3x08. She also had a brief, uncredited role at the end of 3x07 as herself.
  • Michael Bublé guest starred as himself, when Kath and Kel became back-up dancers at his performance, in the movie.

[edit] Episodes

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

[edit] Series 1

    • Episode 1 -- "Sex" -- Kim demands Sharon's help to stalk Brett, while Kath and Kel go at it like rabbits.
    • Episode 2 -- "Gay" -- Kath is concerned that there may be a dark secret at the heart of Brett and Kim's separation.
    • Episode 3 -- "Sport" -- Kel designs a commemorative sausage to celebrate the big day of his and Kath's connubials. Kim is enlisted to play in Sharon's netball team.
    • Episode 4 -- "Fat" -- Kim has stacked on the weight and can't fit into her bridesmaids dress.
    • Episode 5 -- "Old" -- Kath is worried that Kel is losing interest and decides to move on without him. We are introduced to the unique dancing styles of Kath and Kel in this episode.
    • Episode 6 -- "Money" -- Kath organises a lingerie party to raise money for the hire of the pumpkin coach.
    • Episode 7 -- "Party" -- Kim organises a hen's night for Kath.
    • Episode 8 -- "The Wedding" -- Chaos again on the day of Kath and Kel's wedding, as a pair of shoes, a bowl of punch, and Kim's horsehair fake hair extension cause unexpected results.

[edit] Series 2

    • Episode 1 -- "The Announcement" -- Kim's marriage is still up the proverbial and newlywed Kath's libido has gone awol.
    • Episode 2 -- "Inside Out" -- Brett's finally popped the "R" word (Renovation!). Kath and Kel engage in some "horizontal Irish dancing" - literally.
    • Episode 3 -- "The Moon" -- Sharon has a new best friend and will Kim go to the school reunion?
    • Episode 4 -- "Obsession" -- Unlucky in love Sharon decides to take positive steps. Meanwhile Kim is helping Brett on his career projectory and decides to "work the room".
    • Episode 5 -- "My Boyfriend" -- Sharon has a boyfriend and pash rash 24-7.
    • Episode 6 -- "Another Announcement": Kim becomes gropable when Brett won't talk about his privates, and Kath decides that it's time for her and Kel to increase the size of their family.
    • Episode 7 -- "The Shower" -- Kel's mate Sandy Freckle causes Kath to briefly lose control, while Kim's baby shower has a surprise result.
    • Episode 8 -- "The Hideous Truth" -- In the aftermath of Kim going into labour, everyone's past catches up with them, which ends with a big shock for Kath.

[edit] Series 3

    • Episode 1 -- "Cactus Hour" -- Kim and Brett deal, in different ways, with their life as new parents; and Kath and Kel have to come to terms with the fact that Kath may still be married to Gary Poole, her odious first husband, and Kim's father.
    • Episode 2 -- "The Mango Espadrille" -- Kath, Kim and Sharon head to the races, while Brett babysits Epponnee Rae; and Kel cooks up a storm.
    • Episode 3 -- "Sitting on a Pile" -- Brett and Epponnee head to the Gold Coast to visit Brett's mother, leaving Kim taking time off; while Kath and Kel decide to spend time apart but learn they have little to do without each other.
    • Episode 4 -- "Kicking up a Stink" -- Kim and Sharon head to Boot Camp; and Kel and Kath deal with space issues.
    • Episode 5 -- "Hello Nails!" -- Sharon has a date, and turns to Kim for a makeover; while Kath and Kel attempt to update their home theatre system, hindered by Brett who gets Kath obsessed with television.
    • Episode 6 -- "High and Dry" -- Kath starts a new career, while Brett brings the biggest news of all to Kim - an apartment.
    • Episode 7 -- "Foxy on the Run" -- Sharon anxiously fights for godmother status of Epponnee Rae; and Kath plans a big event for Kel's birthday - the big 50.
    • Episode 8 -- "99% Fat Free" -- Kath and Kel go fat free, while Brett and Kim fight over Epponnee Rae's career path.

[edit] Da Kath and Kim Code, 2005 telemovie

Initially, Riley and Turner planned to take 2005 off from television, but in July, they announced that they would be writing and filming a 90 minute telemovie. The movie aired on November 27, 2005, and was the ABC's top rated program for 2005 [1]. The Telemovie also screened in New Zealand in December

The film sees Kel and Kath return from a European The Da Vinci Code tour and begin the frantic preparations for Christmas. During the two weeks leading up to Christmas Day, a number of events take place. Brett and Kim have a falling out, which sees him living in a motel, and beginning a relationship with his boss Kelly. While Kim does eventually ask him back, he is still conducting the affair. Sharon meets a man, Marriott, online and they become engaged, however she soon gets her heart broken because she finds out that he does not even exist. Kath and Kel become backup dancers for Michael Bublé at the Carols by Candlelight. However, Kath's affection for Michael has Kel jealous.

And, meanwhile, a robed figure is stalking Fountain Lakes, and leaving mysterious presents for Kath and Kel. Kath suspects it is John Monk, their tour guide, who wants the €44 that were never paid. But it is something far greater.

[edit] Future

After a break in 2006, Kath & Kim will return in 2007, as it has been announced that the shows creators, Gina Riley and Jane Turner, are currently writing again. It is unknown whether they are writing Series 4 of the show, or another tele-movie.

Also, ABC no longer holds the rights to the show, and Channel 7 and Channel 10 are both rallying to pick up the programme. Although ABC still might renew their contract, it now seems unlikely, and so far, Australia's other 2 terrestrial broadcasters, Channel 9 and SBS, have shown no interest in bidding for the show.

[edit] News

  • On November 9, 2006, NBC announced plans for a American version of Kath & Kim, which would become a candidate for the 2007-2008 Fall TV season if the project is green-lighted. The US adaptation would follow the same setting as the original version, which is currently running in the US on The Sundance Channel.
  • In 2007, Little Britain star Matt Lucas is set to make a cameo appearance while on tour in Australia. "I don't know what I'll be doing yet," he told The Sun. It has been rumoured that he will be playing "a member of their family"[2].
  Kath & Kim
view • talk • edit
Characters: Kathleen Darlene née Day-Knight · Kim Craig · Sharon Strzelecki · Brett Craig · Kel Knight
Seasons: 1 · 2 · 3 ·
Locations: Melbourne · Fountain Gate Shopping Centre

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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[edit] Fansites

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