Penelope Princess of Pets
Encyclopedia
Penelope: Princess of Pets is a comedy series by comedy duo Kurt Braunohler
and Kristen Schaal
, in which Schaal stars as Penelope, a woman who can talk with animals. On a mission to save the world by killing a legislator named Stone before it's too late, Penelope is accompanied on her quest by her pet bird Ruby, and orphan friend Kyle (played by Braunohler). The theme song is written and performed by comedian/musician Reggie Watts
. Originally a web series
of 3- to 5-minute webisodes for comedy website Super Deluxe
, Penelope premiered online in March 2007, with nine webisodes released before the site was shut down in December 2008. It was picked up soon after to be adapted into a television show for United Kingdom
broadcaster Channel 4
.
Produced by Avalon Television
and billed as a "one-off special", the half-hour television format backdoor pilot was first broadcast on Comedy Lab
on April 21, 2010. Although including various elements and bits from the original web series, the television show has a number of key differences, including altered character back-stories. Whereas the web series title sequence
states that Penelope has 3759 hours to save the world, the title sequence for the television show states that Penelope has 3769 hours. The television show features a legislator named Stone like in the web series, but since the TV show is set in the UK rather than the United States, Stone is a Member of Parliament (MP) rather than a senator
. While Senator Stone is played by Ali Reza Farahnakian in the web series, in the television show MP Thomas Stone is played by Julian Barratt
of The Mighty Boosh
. The henchmen played by twin comedians Todd and Adam Stone in the web series are replaced by MP Stone's adopted sons, played by twin actors Sam and Matt Kennard
. These secondary characters play a more prominent role in the television series, with MP Stone given main billing in the title sequence.
Kurt Braunohler
Kurt Braunohler is a comedian in New York City.-Biography:Kurt Braunohler was born in Neptune, New Jersey. He attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Kurt's favorite animal is the parakeet.-Live Comedy:...
and Kristen Schaal
Kristen Schaal
Kristen Schaal is an American actress, writer and comedienne, best known for her role as Mel in the HBO series Flight of the Conchords, as Louise in Bob's Burgers and as a contributor on The Daily Show.-Early life:...
, in which Schaal stars as Penelope, a woman who can talk with animals. On a mission to save the world by killing a legislator named Stone before it's too late, Penelope is accompanied on her quest by her pet bird Ruby, and orphan friend Kyle (played by Braunohler). The theme song is written and performed by comedian/musician Reggie Watts
Reggie Watts
Reggie Watts is a Seattle-based comedian and musician. His shows are mostly improvised and consist of stream of consciousness stand-up in various shifting personae, mixed with loop pedal-based a cappella compositions. He also performs regularly on television, radio, and in live theater...
. Originally a web series
Web series
A web series is a series of episodes released on the Internet or also by mobile or cellular phone, and part of the newly emerging medium called web television. A single instance of a web series program is called an episode .While the popularity of web series is continuing to rise, the concept...
of 3- to 5-minute webisodes for comedy website Super Deluxe
Super Deluxe
Super Deluxe was a comedy video website provided by TBS Networks. It was launched on January 17, 2007, folded into AdultSwim.com on May 7, 2008, and taken offline on December 17, 2008.-Description:...
, Penelope premiered online in March 2007, with nine webisodes released before the site was shut down in December 2008. It was picked up soon after to be adapted into a television show for United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
broadcaster Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
.
Produced by Avalon Television
Avalon Group
The Avalon Group is a London-based business in the entertainment industry. It was established in 1989.It consists of the following companies:* Avalon Management, artist management* Avalon Promotions, event programming...
and billed as a "one-off special", the half-hour television format backdoor pilot was first broadcast on Comedy Lab
Comedy Lab
Comedy Lab is a British television series which showcases pilots of experimental comedy shows. Series have been aired irregularly on Channel 4 and E4 since 1998....
on April 21, 2010. Although including various elements and bits from the original web series, the television show has a number of key differences, including altered character back-stories. Whereas the web series title sequence
Title sequence
A Title Sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound...
states that Penelope has 3759 hours to save the world, the title sequence for the television show states that Penelope has 3769 hours. The television show features a legislator named Stone like in the web series, but since the TV show is set in the UK rather than the United States, Stone is a Member of Parliament (MP) rather than a senator
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
. While Senator Stone is played by Ali Reza Farahnakian in the web series, in the television show MP Thomas Stone is played by Julian Barratt
Julian Barratt
Julian Barratt is an English comedian, musician, music producer and actor. Barratt is best known for playing the character of Howard Moon in the cult comedy The Mighty Boosh, which he also co-writes with comedy partner, Noel Fielding.-The Mighty Boosh:Barratt stars as the character Howard Moon...
of The Mighty Boosh
The Mighty Boosh
The Mighty Boosh is a British comedy troupe featuring comedians Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding. Developed from three stage shows and a six episode radio series, it has since spawned a total of twenty television episodes for BBC Three and two live tours of the UK, as well as two live shows in the...
. The henchmen played by twin comedians Todd and Adam Stone in the web series are replaced by MP Stone's adopted sons, played by twin actors Sam and Matt Kennard
Matt Kennard
Matthew Kennard is an English television actor, best known for starring in UK daytime drama Doctors, as nurse Archie Hallam....
. These secondary characters play a more prominent role in the television series, with MP Stone given main billing in the title sequence.
External links
- Penelope Princess of Pets web series at Funny or DieFunny or DieFunny or Die is a comedy video website founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's production company, Gary Sanchez Productions with original and user-generated content. Funny or Die contains exclusive material from a number of famous contributors and also has its own Funny or Die Team, which creates...
- Penelope Princess of Pets at Comedy LabComedy LabComedy Lab is a British television series which showcases pilots of experimental comedy shows. Series have been aired irregularly on Channel 4 and E4 since 1998....
- Comedy Lab 2010 Review, The Independent on Sunday