Summer Heights High Essay Example

vanity, "My breasts would've been bigger but I had an eating disorder in year 8" and casual racism, "No offence, but all Asians are fugly". Lilley throws himself into the character with sheer ease - almost too much ease if you ask me. Using extremely well-observed tendencies of teenagers: "public schools are like so random! ", Lilley has clearly done his research - are there any words that are more overused by young people than "like" and "random"? .

.. brilliantly crafted comedic entertainment " Then there's Jonah Takalua, a 13 year-old bully from Tonga. Having been expelled from his last two schools and now at his third in eighteen months, Jonah has attention deficit disorder.He is disruptive in class, educationally challenged and has anger issues.

Jonah leads a breakdancing crew with his other Polynesian friends who are collectively known as 'The Islander Boys'. Despite his appalling behaviour and complete lack respect for any of his teachers, Jonah's reaction to his punishments, "Puck you sir! and "Have you got your period or what miss? " as well as his belief that his punishments are in fact racist attacks against him, provide brilliantly crafted comedic entertainment. Finally we have Greg Gregson, aka Mr G, an ego-maniac drama teacher "What you're getting with me is an industry level performer for the price of a teacher". He is known for his unorthodox approach to teaching, "My teaching methods are fairly unique. I get pretty experimental" (said whilst thrusting his body over a bright pink exercise ball).

Definitely the most impressive portrayal of the three, Mr G has that instantly recognisable David Brent self-delusion that he is loved and admired by

all. He has written a number of musicals including "Tsunamarama", a musical about the 2004 Tsunami set to the music of Bananarama - why did no-one think of this before?! But his latest project, writing and producing a full scale "arena spectacular" about the recent tragic death of a year 11 girl from an ecstasy overdose, includes thoughtful and sensitive lyrics such as, "She's a slut and she knows it.... and "She's a party girl with a bad habit for drugs.

... ".Without question Summer Heights High is the best import from down under in a long time. With Lilley not having to rely on overused Aussie clichi?? s like "G'day" or "Good on you mate", his enthusiasm for comedy stills shines through with global appeal.

Although it is not for the easily offended, with no subject being too taboo for Lilley, the series has certainly brought a breath of new life to BBC Three and makes a pleasant change from the channel's usual Friday night drivel of 'Two Pints of Toilet Humour and a Canned Laughter Track'.From the vain, high maintenance caricature of Ja'mie and the outrageous, high octane behaviour of Jonah, to the high hopes of Mr G as the next director, producer and star of the show, Summer Heights High with its heavy mix of life's realities and absurdities is certainly high-ranking on my list of nominees for the 2010 comedy awards. The best thing: So convincing are the characterisations that before long you find yourself unaware that all three are played by the same person.