King of the Paupers: "Fixing" polls - Yes Prime Minister

[smoKINGcz]

Do you know in which episode is this? I need it to my presentation about manipulation :)

[kingofthepaupers]

@smoKINGcz I think it's called "Grand Design"

[SeventhSun]

Mr. Bean should do the show as Prime Minister. He'd bring some laughter and relief to a sensitive and serious issue like this.

[TheBoyFromNorfolk]

I don't know if you are aware there's a stage play doing the rounds (don't know if it's still on), but I saw it back in may, written by the same guys, updated for todays new british policies. Different actors, same genius.

See it if you can, by hook or by crook.

[kara1464]

@TheBoyFromNorfolk It would be soooooo good if they brought it back. It's a shame it would have to be with different actors... oh but... it would be really something.

[bulbadox]

Have to buy that book...

[kingofthepaupers]

Jct: I've got both books, Yes Minister, and Yes Prime Minister. And I've videotaped all the episodes. Amazing how true to the books the show was.

[ZomboDeZany]

@kingofthepaupers The book was made after the TV show.

[kingofthepaupers]

@ZomboDeZany Book after TV show

Jct: Then what brilliant script writing, with a video being equal to and better than the book! Can you give me the years so we have an idea of what governments they were laughing at?

[geordieboy56]

@kingofthepaupers All the episodes were run during the Thatcher Government in the UK...the first 3 series (titled Yes Minister) ran from 1980-1982, then a Christmas special where Jim Hacker became Prime Minister in 1984, then 2 series of Yes, Prime Minister from 1986-1988

[kingofthepaupers]

@geordieboy56 during the Thatcher Government

Jct: One can read any chapter and it's just like watching the episode. The adventures stand alone. But a wonderful expose of bureaucratic Peter's Principle (keep getting promoted until you hit your leve of incompetence and then stay there is why hierarchies don't work best sometimes).

[ZomboDeZany]

@kingofthepaupers it was made in the Thatcher Years; but they weren't laughing at any particular government - just the idea of government in general and the idea of the two opposing forces of Politics and Administration. But you're right, they're brilliantly-written shows. I just regret I wasn't able to see the specially-written 2010 stage production of Yes Prime Minister...

[radcliffowen]

@ZomboDeZany The "Yes Prime Minister" stage show is on in London now (Nov 2011) and will also be in Melbourne, Australia, in a few months.

[CurtHowland]

You lucky guy! I had that book but lost it 15 years ago!