VIDEO Victorian Dragons Den - Toothbrush

Victorian Dragons Den - Toothbrush - Comic Relief 2009 In a delightful throwback to Comic Relief 2009, the video "Victorian Dragons Den - Toothbrush" features a humorous spoof of the popular TV series "Dragons' Den." In this sketch, notable British comedians Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield join forces to pitch a ridiculous product – a toothbrush designed for the Victorian era! This entertaining segment showcases a blend of comedy and clever writing, poking fun at the traditional pitch process that entrepreneurs experience on the actual Dragons' Den show. The sketches often present outlandish inventions, and in this case, Whitehouse and Enfield bring their comedic flair to emphasize the absurdities of pitch presentations, and how past inventions are sometimes laughably impractical by today's standards. Although the video does not provide a transcript, the humorous visuals and performances are more than enough to convey the comedic essence. It's a nostalgic reminder of how charity events like Comic Relief not only raise money but also provide laughter and entertainment through creative media.

Why It Resonates:​

For fans of British comedy and those who appreciate satirical takes on reality television, this video encapsulates a witty moment in broadcast history. The juxtaposition of Victorian themes with modern-day entrepreneurial culture makes it thought-provoking and entertaining.

Discussion Point:​

What are your thoughts on how comedy can influence our perception of entrepreneurship? Have you come across any other funny pitches or spoof advertisements that made an impression on you? Feel free to share your favorites and engage with others about the unique intersection between humor and business!

This comedy sketch parodies Dragons' Den by transporting the format back to the Victorian era. An entrepreneur pitching as Peter Jones enters the dim, brick-walled warehouse to present his new invention—the toothbrush—asking for an investment of two shillings and sixpence. He demonstrates how brushing twice a day for two minutes produces a sparkling white smile, contrasting sharply with the panel of Victorian Dragons who all possess ghastly, rotten teeth.
The pitch unravels as each Dragon rejects the idea for absurdly period-appropriate reasons. One Dragon worries a broom on his teeth would cause them to fall out entirely, while Mistress Meaden scolds him for wasting children's time that could be spent praying in the workhouse or working in a coal mine. Another Dragon insists kids ought to be sweeping chimneys instead, and a fellow Dragon dismisses the venture as living in 'cloud shiny metal cuckoo land.' Outside the room, presenter Evan Davis teasingly tells Jones he relied a bit too much on his height.
It is a clever and tightly written piece of satire that nails both the tropes of the real show and the bleak humor of Victorian Britain. The visual contrast between Peter's modern dental hygiene and the horrific teeth of the panel carries the joke brilliantly from start to finish.