Rowley Birkin QC

Sozzled, rambling old barrister, Rowley Birkin QC, sits in his chair and spins yarns of foreign adventures, mysterious women and exotic beasts, attended only by his equally ancient butler.
Rowley Birkin During his nonsensical mutterings you can make out the occasional phrase - 'took it off below the knee'... 'a rather striking moustache'... 'SNAKE, SNAKE!'... 'Her husband had been entombed in ice. Like this.'... and of course, 'I'm afraid that I was very, very drunk'.
Rowley was based on a man, named Andrew Rollo, who Paul Whitehouse met on a fishing trip to Iceland.

[@graemem111]

Thanks so much for compiling and posting this absolute gem.
Paul Whitehouse is quite simply an acting genius, and far from given the acknowledgment that he deserves.
Brilliant.
And I’d forgotten the ‘pierced labia’ quip. I almost lost my dinner. Quite outstanding comedy.

[@donnalynes2804]

utterly brilliant

[@servicekid7453]

Always been my favourite Fast Show character 😂😂😂

[@graemem111]

The ‘beautiful woman’ sketch gets me every time. I cry at its brilliant poignancy.

[@graemem111]

That stare to camera? Wow

[@milesfinch]

Such a simple but powerful character and performance. Mr Whitehouse can really pull it out of the hat when you least expect it.

[@mjlivie]

PAUL is an unsung comedian plays a drunk VERY VERY WELL that takes YEARS of observation without being VERY VERY DRUNK HIMSELF. the only other i know who is better is BILLY CONNELY just a little better,.

[@onelife7247]

You’re right on both counts. He’s brilliant yes, and once you’ve observed enough drunks; it is actually quite easy to “play drunk” when you’re completely sober. You can find out all sorts of things when people think you’re drunk / stupid 🤫