Bob Mortimer: A Career of Surreal Comedy and Creative Partnership
Bob Mortimer is a cornerstone of British surrealism, known for his eccentric wit and a legendary creative partnership that redefined comedy in the late 20th century. From his beginnings as a disillusioned legal professional to becoming a beloved national treasure, Mortimer's journey is marked by a unique ability to find humor in the absurd.
The Partnership with Vic Reeves
The trajectory of Mortimer's life changed in 1986 at the Goldsmiths Tavern in New Cross, London. After watching a performance by comedian Vic Reeves—specifically a character named Tappy Lappy who attempted to tap dance in a Bryan Ferry mask—Mortimer was inspired to collaborate. The two began writing together and formed a band called the Potter's Wheel.
This collaboration evolved into Vic Reeves Big Night Out, a variety show where Mortimer developed iconic characters such as the Singing Lawyer, Graham Lister, Judge Nutmeg, and the Man With the Stick. The show's success led it to move to the Albany Empire in Deptford in 1988.
The duo made their television debut in 1989 on One Hour with Jonathan Ross in a segment called "Knock down ginger." Shortly after, they filmed a television pilot for Vic Reeves Big Night Out. To record the series, Mortimer took a 10-week hiatus from his legal career—a break that became permanent as he committed fully to comedy.
Expanding the Comedy Empire
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Reeves and Mortimer expanded their repertoire with several high-profile projects:
- The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer (1993): A surreal sketch show.
- Shooting Stars (1993–2011): A groundbreaking comedy panel show that ran for eight series.
- Bang Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer (1999): A second sketch series.
- Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000): A series where Mortimer played Jeff Randall.
- Catterick (2004): A surreal six-episode comedy about an ex-soldier returning from Cyprus.
Their impact on the industry was recognized in 2003 when The Observer listed them as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy, and in 2005, fellow comedians voted them the 9th greatest comedy act of all time.
Later Collaborations
The pair continued to work together into the 2010s, filming the BBC sitcom House of Fools in 2013. In 2017, they relaunched their original format as Vic and Bob's Big Night Out, marking the first time Mortimer's name appeared in the title of the series.
Solo Career and Diverse Ventures
While his partnership with Reeves is legendary, Bob Mortimer has maintained a prolific solo career across television, radio, and literature.
Television and Voice Work
Mortimer is well-known for his voice acting, most notably as the animated bulldog for Churchill Insurance from 1996 to 2011. He also voiced Father Nicholas in the BBC Three series Popetown (2005) and co-wrote the sketch comedy Tittybangbang.
His versatility extends to hosting and panel shows. He hosted 29 Minutes of Fame (2005) and has been a regular guest on Would I Lie to You? since 2012, a role he credits with bringing him significant modern recognition. He also won series 5 of Taskmaster in 2017.
Gone Fishing and Later Successes
In 2018, Mortimer teamed up with Paul Whitehouse for Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. The series, which has aired six series to date, blends fishing with candid discussions about their shared experiences with heart conditions. This period of his career also saw the release of his autobiography, And Away... (2021), and his Sunday Times bestselling comic novel, The Satsuma Complex (2022).
Most recently, Mortimer won the first series of LOL: Last One Laughing UK in March 2025, earning a British Academy Television Award for Best Entertainment Performance in 2026.
Key Facts
- Career Pivot: Left a legal career permanently after a 10-week break to film Vic Reeves Big Night Out.
- Major Awards: Won the 2026 BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance for LOL: Last One Laughing UK.
- Literary Success: Authored the bestselling novel The Satsuma Complex.
- Health Advocacy: Co-hosts Gone Fishing, discussing heart health through the lens of angling.
- Chart Success: Reached No. 44 in the UK Singles Chart with "Let's Dance" (1997).
| Project | Role/Type | Key Period/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Reeves Big Night Out | Performer/Writer | 1986–2018 |
| Shooting Stars | Panel Show Host | 1993–2011 |
| Churchill Insurance | Voice Actor | 1996–2011 |
| Gone Fishing | Co-host | 2018–Present |
| The Satsuma Complex | Author | 2022 |
| LOL: Last One Laughing UK | Winner | 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bob Mortimer meet Vic Reeves?
Mortimer met Reeves in 1986 at the Goldsmiths Tavern in London while watching Reeves perform a show. He was particularly impressed by the character Tappy Lappy.
What was Bob Mortimer's profession before comedy?
Before committing to a full-time career in comedy, Bob Mortimer worked in the legal profession.
What is the significance of 'Gone Fishing'?
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is a series where Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse discuss their lives and heart conditions while fishing across the UK.
Which book did Bob Mortimer write in 2022?
In 2022, he published The Satsuma Complex, which became a Sunday Times bestselling comic novel.
Has Bob Mortimer won any major awards recently?
Yes, he was awarded the British Academy Television Award (BAFTA) for Best Entertainment Performance in 2026 for his win on LOL: Last One Laughing UK.