The League of Gentlemen -- Christmas Special [DVD] [1999]

Loosely themed around ‘A Christmas Carol’ we visit Royston Vasey in the present day for the tale of Stella and Charlie, a marriage made in hell. Charlie loves line dancing, Stella loves… another man. The obvious way out of their predicament is to visit the local women’s group ‘Solutions’. With her Spiderman mask Stella trots off for advice, guidance, and the threat of Anne Robinson in case they swizz her.

We then visit Herr Lip, his wife Lotty, and of course his church full of choir boys. The usual torrent of ‘innocent’ misunderstandings commence, with Herr Lipps new house guest getting more than he wanted for Christmas

We return to Royston vasey for our final story, and at long last discover the reason for Mr Chinnerys absolute incompetence, a real treat as we get to meet a Victorian Barbara who is having trouble with her bustle, not to mention the Victorian Pauline and Mickey (love)

All stories are intertwined by extremely entertaining links delivered by the wonderful vicar, Bernice (and friends).

A superb special that needs no introduction, or indeed prior knowledge of the series, you’ll either love seeing your old favourites, or be left regretting not watching the previous series

Set on Christmas Eve in the dark and strange northern town of Royston Vasey, the unsympathetic Reverend Bernice (Shearsmith) is about to settle down to a quiet night in, until three unexpected visitors arrive and treat us to an hour of scary stories in a similar, though far more macabre way, to "A Christmas Carol".

Firstly, a depressed Charlie Hull (Pemberton) tells of a "cheese-dream" where his jealous wife Stella (Shearsmith) ruins his chances at a line-dancing competition through a strange group known as "Solutions"...

Next, an elderly man named Matthew tells of his terrifying experiences in the German town of Duisberg during Christmas 1975, at the hands of German exchange teacher Herr Lipp (Pemberton) and his wife Lotte (Gatiss), who may or may not be vampires...

Then, as the night closes in, hopeless veterinary Mr Chinnery (Gatiss) explains the reason behind his own misfortunes, dating back to Victorian London, a practice called Purblind, Boothby and Canker, and the mysterious curse of Karrit Poor...

All through this, Bernice has her own Christmas woes to worry about, as she relives a Christmas past where her mother was taken by an evil stranger at her front door posing as Santa Claus, and it is only at the very end that all is revealed...

Also, many familiar faces from the first two series are present in some form or another, such as the Dentons, Pauline, Ross and Mickey, Pam Doove, Barbara, Judee and Iris, Vinnie and Reenie, Mike King and Papa Lazarou.

Shown in 16:9 widescreen with stereo sound, there are also DVD extras, including, among other things, a cast commentary, an hour-long radio interview and, best of all, a Jackanory-style story by Mr Chinnery, about "The Curse of Karrit Poor".

Christmas will never be the same again - yule never leave!