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Viva La Dirt League: From Humble Beginnings to YouTube Comedy Icons

Paul Francis
Nov 7, 2024
3 min read

Viva La Dirt League (VLDL) is a New Zealand-based YouTube group specializing in comedic skits that parody the quirks of gaming, fantasy, and everyday geek culture. The group was founded primarily by Alan Morrison and Rowan Bettjeman, who initially came together with a shared love of games and humour. They began creating small skits inspired by video game tropes and quickly gained attention for their unique style and relatability among gamers.

As VLDL’s popularity grew, they brought in other talent, including Ben Van Lier and later Adam King, who joined the team officially after the channel had started gaining traction. With the addition of regular actors like Ellie Harwood, Byron Coll, and others, VLDL’s skits became more dynamic, allowing for a variety of character types and fresh humor in each series.

Popular Viva La Dirt League Series

Viva La Dirt League has created several iconic series on their channel, each targeting a different aspect of gaming or geek culture:

Epic NPC Man – Perhaps their most famous series, Epic NPC Man is set in the fictional fantasy world of "Skycraft" (a spoof on The Elder Scrolls and other RPG games). It follows the daily lives of NPCs, highlighting the limitations of these programmed characters and the humorous scenarios they encounter. Alan Morrison plays Greg, a clueless NPC with an often baffled take on the player-controlled adventurers, while Rowan Bettjeman stars as Bodger, a hapless blacksmith with dubious skills.

Bored – A workplace comedy set in a tech and gaming store, Bored follows the strange encounters between employees and customers. This series humorously explores tech and retail stereotypes, with recurring characters bringing a mix of dry humour and over-the-top situations to life.

PUBG Logic – Based on the game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), this series reenacts the often absurd logic and chaotic gameplay players experience in battle royale games. From awkward weapon handling to the bizarre behaviours players adopt, PUBG Logic is a fan favourite for its playful exaggeration of the game’s mechanics.

D&D Logic – A newer series, D&D Logic takes on the tropes and oddities of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. The characters’ attempts to navigate the rules and unexpected scenarios bring humour to classic RPG moments, making it a hit with tabletop enthusiasts.

Recurring Characters

VLDL’s characters are as iconic as the series they belong to, and the main cast plays various roles across these series:

Greg (Alan Morrison) – The bewildered NPC from Epic NPC Man, often confused by the actions of player-controlled characters.

Bodger (Rowan Bettjeman) – The blacksmith NPC in Epic NPC Man, known for his lack of skill and often misguided confidence.

Adam (Adam King) – Appearing in multiple series, Adam plays a variety of roles that highlight the quirks of gaming and retail interactions.

Ben (Ben Van Lier) – Known for his intense, larger-than-life characters, Ben adds a bold energy to many skits, particularly in Epic NPC Man and PUBG Logic.

Ellie (Ellie Harwood) – Often playing strong female characters, Ellie’s roles add depth and variety to VLDL’s series, especially in D&D Logic and Epic NPC Man.

Byron (Byron Coll) – Known for his eccentric characters, Byron frequently appears in various series, adding unpredictable and humorous elements.

Production and Growth

Starting with basic setups and simple skits, Viva La Dirt League has grown tremendously, now boasting high production quality with elaborate sets, costumes, and effects that rival those of professional studios. Supported by a loyal fan base on Patreon, they’ve been able to fund increasingly ambitious projects, expanding their world-building and exploring new concepts.

Today, Viva La Dirt League has cemented itself as a staple in the online gaming community. Their blend of humour, creativity, and genuine love for gaming resonates with fans around the world, making them a go-to YouTube channel for relatable, high-quality gaming and fantasy comedy.

From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

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17 April 2025

Paul Francis

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With Universal Studios bringing blockbuster magic to Bedfordshire, Britain’s holiday landscape may be on the brink of a transformation. But what does this mean for our beloved seaside resorts - and what’s next for the Great British getaway?

Blackpool Tower silhouette against an orange sunset over the sea, with a pier and Ferris wheel in the background, creating a serene, warm mood.

A Hollywood Blockbuster Comes to Bedfordshire

There’s a palpable buzz in the air. Universal Studios - famed for its cinematic experiences in Florida, Hollywood, and Japan - is set to open its first-ever theme park in the UK. Landing in Bedfordshire, just an hour north of London, the project will be a game-changer not just for thrill-seekers, but for Britain’s entire domestic tourism economy.

Scheduled to open in 2031, the £multi-billion development promises immersive worlds based on James Bond, Paddington Bear, and possibly Middle-earth itself. While Harry Potter is off the table due to Warner Bros. exclusivity in nearby Leavesden, the resort will feature state-of-the-art attractions, a 500-room hotel, retail and dining districts, and a dedicated train station to ease the expected footfall.

With over 476 acres of space, it’s poised to become the largest theme park in Europe, creating more than 28,000 jobs and injecting an estimated £50 billion into the UK economy by 2055.

This isn’t just another amusement park - it’s the start of a shift in the UK’s holiday culture.

The Staycation Renaissance: A Market in Motion

Brits have always had a love-hate relationship with the staycation. But recent years, fuelled by climate anxiety, Brexit, the pandemic hangover, and now the cost-of-living crisis, have rekindled a nostalgic affection for home-grown holidays. According to ABTA, more than half of UK holidaymakers are opting for domestic trips, citing environmental concerns, affordability, and convenience.

In fact, UK holidaymakers are booking earlier than ever, with a 76% rise in early bookings for 2024. “Slowcations” are also booming - longer, more mindful breaks in places like Cornwall, Norfolk, and the Lake District. Many are even bypassing the peak summer rush and heading away in spring and autumn to find better value and quieter shores.

Seaside Resorts: Old Charm, New Challenges

As Universal’s cranes prepare to rise in Bedfordshire, the UK’s traditional holiday resorts face a fork in the road.

Brighton & Hove continues to thrive, topping Airbnb’s 2024 list for the most desirable UK staycation destinations. It’s a city that has mastered the art of reinvention - equal parts bohemian, beachy, and boutique.

Blackpool, despite years of economic struggle, still pulls in over 20 million annual visitors and contributes £1.7 billion to the local economy. With its piers, tower, and unapologetically retro charm, it holds a special place in the national psyche.

Yet not all resorts are riding the wave. Torquay, once the "Queen of the English Riviera", has struggled with declining footfall, tired infrastructure, and a high number of empty retail units. Others like Rhyl, Skegness, and Morecambe are engaged in long-term regeneration battles, hoping to reawaken their mid-century glory days.

A Tale of Two Futures?

The arrival of Universal Studios may signal a shift from nostalgia-fuelled, heritage-led tourism to blockbuster-based holidaymaking. But does this mean our seaside towns will fade into obscurity?

Not necessarily.

Instead, the smart money may lie in blending nostalgia with innovation. Towns that embrace sustainable tourism, cultural rejuvenation, and experiential travel are finding a new audience. Folkestone, for instance, is enjoying a quiet renaissance thanks to investment in its creative arts scene and the restoration of its grand hotels.

Meanwhile, holidaymakers are increasingly mixing experiences - choosing a week in the countryside or coast followed by a short break at a theme park or city destination. The UK may be small, but it’s never been more varied in what it offers.

What It All Means for the Great British Holiday

The launch of Universal Studios in the UK isn’t a threat to our seaside heritage - it’s a catalyst. This is a reminder that domestic holidays can be aspirational, high-quality, and world-class.

But if Britain is entering a new golden age of holidays, it must be inclusive. That means investment not only in blockbuster destinations like Bedfordshire, but in places like Scarborough, Margate, and Weston-super-Mare. It means creating transport links that connect cities to coasts and supporting independent businesses that give these towns their soul.

Universal may bring the stars - but the heart of the Great British Holiday still beats by the sea.

Sidebar: Top 5 UK Staycation Trends to Watch

Theme Park Tourism – Expect a boom in travel tied to Universal Studios, Legoland, and Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Slowcations & Wellness – Mindful travel to peaceful destinations like the Lake District or Norfolk Broads.
Heritage Seaside Revival – Towns investing in regeneration, arts, and culture to attract new demographics.
Eco-Conscious Travel – Low-carbon holidays, rail-based travel, and locally sourced stays.
Activity Holidays – Sportcations, paddleboarding weekends, and cycling-friendly routes are on the rise.