Chris Lilley Also Popular In Canada!

My favourite Canadian in the world, a lovely lass named Rylee who you probably won’t ever meet and your life will be the poorer for it, sent me a link last night to an article on a Canadian news site about Chris Lilley and Summer Heights High. If you thought the Yanks were soiling themselves in excitement, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Chris Lilley has been called the Aussie Ricky Gervais, but frankly, he brings a little more to the party. Lilley is a quadruple threat: a writer, satirist, musician and elastic comic character actor who disappears into his often monstrous, sometimes heartbreaking characterizations with Peter Sellers-like ease. In fact, when it comes to stirring up controversy, Lilley gives Sacha Baron Cohen a run for his money. Hooray for HBO, then, because the Aussie star is coming to America: Lilley’s provocative series Summer Heights High makes its North American debut on Nov. 9.

Better than Ricky Gervais? Oh, do go on!

As a species of cringe comedy, Summer Heights High can proudly stake its claim alongside The Office and Da Ali G Show. Gifted and bold, Lilley merges satire and drama exceedingly well. In controversy he locates pathos, a feat few others manage without seeming maudlin. Whether or not Lilley will enjoy the kind of international stardom of Gervais or Baron Cohen is anyone’s guess. But the quality of Summer Heights High indicates he’s entitled to it.

The entire article is a great (and lengthy) read, and if you’re a patriot, you must consume it immediately. Off you go!

Note to the ABC: For real, you may want to get cracking on giving Lilley the bucks for further creative output.

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