The Two Ronnies is a British comedy TV show that premiered in 1971. It showcases the comedic talent of Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, who perform a series of sketches, jokes, songs, and musical numbers. The show became known for its clever wordplay, humorous sketches, and catchy songs, making it a favorite among comedy fans.
The Frost Report was a satirical television show hosted by David Frost. It ran for 28 episodes on the BBC from 1966 to 1967. It is notable for introducing John Cleese, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett to television, and also launching the careers of other writers and performers.
Follow the misadventures of a working-class shopkeeper and his sexually inexperienced nephew in a store located in Yorkshire, England. With quirky customers and a busty woman to deal with, their days are always full of laugh-out-loud moments.
A gala programme broadcast each Christmas night by the BBC from 1958 to 1972 and also revived in 1994. It was hosted by a leading star and featured specially made short, seasonal editions of the previous year's most popular sitcoms and light entertainment programmes.
Porridge is a British sitcom set in the fictional HMP Slade prison. The show follows the comedic misadventures of the inmates, led by Norman Stanley Fletcher, as they try to navigate life behind bars. With its brilliant writing and memorable characters, Porridge has become a beloved classic of British comedy.
Fletcher and Godber are in trouble for brewing liquor in the lead-up to Christmas, but are caught up in a hostage situation in the Governor's office.
Going Straight follows the story of a reformed criminal who is trying to rebuild his life as a single father. Set in London in the 1970s, the show explores his struggles with unemployment, family relationships, and British humor. With a blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, Going Straight takes viewers on a journey of redemption and growth.
Hark at Barker was a 1969 British comedy series combining elements of sitcom and sketch show, which starred Ronnie Barker. It was made for the ITV network by LWT. Each show began with a spoof news item read by Barker as a continuity announcer. He would then introduce the main part of the programme, a lecture to be given by Lord Rustless on a different topic each week from his stately home, Chrome Hall. Helped and hindered by Rustless' secretary Bates, his Butler Badger, his bad-tempered Cook, his incoherent gardener Dithers and his buxom, near-mute maid Effie, these lectures invariably degenerated into farce, and were frequently interrupted by comic sketches on film or videotape which also starred Barker in various roles. Barker reprised the role of Lord Rustless in the BBC series His Lordship Entertains, and played very similar characters in Futtock's End and the Two Ronnies specials The Picnic and By the Sea.
The Ronnie Barker Playhouse was a series of six comedy half hours showcasing the talents of Ronnie Barker. All were broadcast by Associated-Rediffusion in 1968. The series was written by Brian Cooke, Hugh Leonard, Johnnie Mortimer and Alun Owen. The producers were Stella Richman and actress Stella Tanner. The executive producer was David Frost.
With their unique comedic brand of absurd sight gags, razor-sharp wordplay and devious double entendres, Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker together dominated TV comedy throughout the 70s and 80s. Over twelve series and eight specials, and with the help of some of the best writers in British comedy including John Cleese, Spike Milligan and Michael Palin, The Two Ronnies was the flagship sketch comedy show for the BBC, and became an institution in lounge rooms across Australia. In 1986, shortly before their final TV series went to air, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett performed a riotous series of shows in Australia for Channel Nine, the duo parading their mastery of silly skits, limericks, puns and tongue-twisters. Across six hilarious hour-long episodes, The Two Ronnies in Australia showcases two legendary comics at their side-splitting best.
Seven of One was a British comedy series that aired on BBC2 in 1973. Starring Ronnie Barker, 7 of One is a series of seven separate comedies that would serve as possible pilots for sitcoms. Originally it was to be called Six of One, which Barker planned to follow up with another series called Half Dozen of the Other. This was a BBC version of a similar showcase for LWT called Six Dates with Barker created in 1971.
Six Dates with Barker is a series of six one-off, half hour situation comedies showcasing the talents of Ronnie Barker. All were broadcast by London Weekend Television early in 1971. Writers on the series included John Cleese and Spike Milligan. The producer was Humphrey Barclay.
The Magnificent Evans is a 1984 BBC situation comedy written by Roy Clarke and starring Ronnie Barker, Sharon Morgan and Myfanwy Talog.
Comedic British History
Six hour-long episodes of The Two Ronnies Sketchbook aired on BBC 1 in March and April 2005. It saw the Two Ronnies back behind their famous news desk, introducing some of their favourite sketches and re-reading some of the classic news items that began and ended every episode of The Two Ronnies. Much was made of the fact that the sketches chosen were shown in their entirety. Each week an episode of the classic Spike Milligan-scripted serial The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town was shown, and each episode featured a new performance by a popular singer.
Clarence is a 1988 BBC situation comedy starring Ronnie Barker and Josephine Tewson, written by Ronnie Barker under the pseudonym "Bob Ferris". It was Barker's final sitcom appearance before his retirement. Barker had previously faced some criticism over his employment of a stammer for comedic effect in Open All Hours. However, the slapstick potential of a short-sighted furniture shifter must have seemed irresistible. The series was inspired by The Removals Person by Hugh Leonard, an earlier programme in the 1971 LWT comedy series, Six Dates With Barker. The house of Jane Travers, which inspired the opening titles, is located on Malvern Road in Cheltenham.
Set in 12th-century England, after the crusades, Robin Hood reunites with his love, Maid Marian. They face challenges from the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham and the king of England. Their tragic love and heroic actions as outlaws form the core of the story.