Top 10 David Mitchell Moments

In this two-part sketch, Mitchell plays a Nazi officer plunged into self-doubt by a certain unsightly detail on his uniform. His long standing partner, Robert Webb, initially resists, but Mitchell’s having none of it - persisting with his point and mounting an irrefutable argument, until Webb re-evaluates his position. As the opening scene in the first episode of “That Mitchell and Webb Look”, it’s one of the double act’s most famous sketches, and one of their best.

Mitchell was a regular on the first seven series of this show, and here’s one of his most memorable moments. David’s in full current affairs flow as he argues against support for Vladimir Putin. Framing his rant around tense US relations with Iran, Mitchell suggests that American attempts at diplomacy are largely designed to tick off Russia. Even David recognises the dangers in provoking the enemy, though. Mitchell for Foreign Secretary, anyone? Stranger things have happened.

Though Mitchell mostly uses this 2012 chat show appearance to plug his autobiography, “Back Story”, the interview is also remembered for how open and honest the comic reveals himself to be - especially when speaking about his then fiancée, Victoria Coren. Giving a brief but brilliant glimpse of the personality of the guy behind the gags, David’s story has a genuinely happy ending. And then he plays some table tennis...

In this short web series monologue, Mitchell takes Americans to task over their command of the Queen’s English – taking particular offence at the misuse of certain phrases. And as he becomes more animated, David employs an elaborate and tongue-twisting graph to help him illustrate his point. The whole thing is Mitchell at his agitated best, working himself into a froth over topics that most others would probably consider quite trivial. He’s definitely got a point, though.

Mitchell’s an ever-present team captain on this popular panel show, and here he claims that his bedroom door is handleless, providing an eternal source of apparent frustration. And when he’s asked if anyone else is inconvenienced by this, David responds with typically self-deprecating wit. Since Mitchell spends most of his time playing the role of the posh intellectual, it’s unsurprising that Lee Mack’s team thinks he’s lying. But are they correct?

In the very last sketch of the series, Mitchell plays the genius detective, struggling with dementia in a nursing home. Treading the line between humour and pathos, as it becomes clear that Holmes’s illness is no laughing matter, it’s a phenomenal example of how heart-breaking comedy can be. With Webb’s Watson trying to help his muddled friend, and Mitchell’s character experiencing a fleeting – and poignant – moment of clarity, this performance proves Mitchell’s not just a great comedian, but also a great actor.

As all David Mitchell fans know, this guy really loves his history. But he gets the dreaded QI klaxon when talking World War One with Stephen Fry. The panel are debating the naming of World War One, when Mitchell gives the obvious answer - and tries to argue his way out of it, only to make matters worse. He concedes defeat eventually, and does so with admirable good grace.

Even Mitchell himself says that this is one of his favourite “Peep Show” moments, and who are we to disagree? To set the scene: it’s Christmas morning, and Mark’s on dinner duty - only Jez appears to have forgotten a key ingredient. Cue Mark’s colossal overreaction[2]. According to David, his wife can’t watch this scene because Mark’s just too cruel in it. And you have to feel for Jez, if you can’t make a joke on Christmas Day, then when can you make one??

Tax rarely seems a particularly funny topic, but Mitchell makes it work in this interview for Channel 4’s “The Last Leg”. Beginning with an ice cream-based metaphor, he quickly explains an interesting perspective on the inherent flaws in taxation rules. And this is one rant you won’t want to miss. Once again, Mitchell shows there’s more to his game than just punchline comedy, concluding his argument with characteristic eloquence.

We finish with an early episode of “Peep Show”, and probably the scene which sums Mark up best of all. A socially awkward chap faced with phoning the female work colleague he fancies, Mitchell’s character reaches voicemail and proceeds to painfully embarrass himself - all while Jez looks on with increasing horror. Of course, there’s not much Jeremy can do once Mark’s in full flow. The song at the end offers a cringey crescendo to an unforgettable sitcom moment.