British Comedy Shows H to I @ Memorable TV - The Home of Television Information

BRITISH COMEDY - H to I

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HALE AND PACE

London Weekend Television / 60x30m-e 1x60m-e / 1988-97

Producers: Alan Nixon, David G. Hillier, Mark Robson

Often outrageous sketch series starring the two former teachers Gareth Hale and Norman Pace. On 20 December 1986 the duo starred in a 60 minute special for Channel 4 called Hale and Pace Christmas Extravaganza. The duo made a regular habit of trying to offend as many viewers as possible and generated a huge number of complaints over the years, (especially the incident of the 'microwaved moggy').

HALESAPOPPIN!

BBC / 1x45m-e / 1948 (29May - Saturday 8.30pm) black and white

Writers: Loftus Wigram, Norman Hackforth / Producer: Henry Caldwell

One off special for popular comedian Sonnie Hale and also featuring Doris Hare and Wallis Eaton.

A HALF HOUR MISLAID WITH JASPER CARROTT

BBC / 1x30m-e / 1976 17 September

A half hour special screened only in the Midlands area starring the then rising comedian Jasper Carrott.

HANCOCK AT THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL

BBC2 / 1x50m-e / 1966 15 October - Saturday 9.05pm black and white

Writers: Tony Hancock, John Muir and Eric Green, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson / Producer: Derek Burrell-Davis

A performance by Tony Hancock of his stand up act (which he never seemed to vary over the years) at the Hall of the Title.

HANCOCK'S WORLD OF SPORT

BBC1 / 1x45m-e / 1999 (15 September - Wednesday 9.30pm)

Producer: Steve Punt / Director: Pati Marr

Clip driven show looking at various funny moments from the years sporting events. Hosted by Nick Hancock with guest appearances by Chris Barrie and John Motson.

THE HAPPENING

Channel 4-Noel Gay / 6x60m-e / 1991 6 September - 11 October Fridays 11.05pm

Producers: Dave Morley, Graham K. Smith, Miles Ross, Rory Sheehan

A comedy and music series hosted by Jools Holland. Jack Dee, Bob Mills, Vic Reeves, Bill Hicks, Sean Hughes and Julian Clary were among the comedians performing.

h & p @ bbc

BBC1 / 6x40m-e / 1999 First Episode: 28 April

Producer: Candida Julian-Jones / Director: Peter Orton

Variety come sketch show with Gareth Hale and Norman Pace. One aspect of the show featured celebrity guests appearing out of character and heavily in disguise (like Anthea Turner as a singing punk rocker).

THE HANGOVER SHOW

BBC2 / 1x45m-e / 1991 1 January - Tuesday 10.55pm

Writers: Pete McCarthy, John Dowie / Producer/Director: Caroline Roberts

Comedian Pete McCarthy takes a look at the effects of the world of alcohol.

HAPPY GO CRAZY

BBC / 1x30m-e / 1954 13 January - Wednesday 8.15pm

Writers: David Climie, Dick Vosburgh / Script Editor: Sid Colin / Producer: Bill Ward

One off special for the American (but resident in Britain) actor Bonar Colleano.

Mike HARDING (1941 - )

Manchester born comedian who came to prominence in the mid 1970's and styled himself the Rochdale Cowboy. His sketch and stand up shows have been:-

1. MH AND 5p - BBC2 8 episodes 1978 / 2. THE MIKE HARDING SHOW - BBC2 20x30m-e 1979-82 4 Seasons / 3. ONE NIGHT IN LINCOLN - BBC2 6x30m-e 1983 / 4. MIKE HARDING IN BELFAST - BBC2 6x30m-e 1984 / 5. THE HARDING TRAIL - BBC1 6x30m-e 1984

HARRY

BBC2 / 1x40m-e / 1976 (12 November - Friday 9.30pm)

Writer: Ronnie Taylor / Producer: James Muir

A sketch special for Harry Worth, also appearing was Josephine Tewson.

HARRY ENFIELD'S BRAND SPANKING NEW SHOW

Sky One-Tiger Aspect / 12x30m-e / 2000 Mondays 10.00pm 11 September

Writers: Harry Enfield, George Jeffries, Bert Tyler-Moore, Dominic Holland, Gary Parker / Music: Philip Pope / Theme Music: London Elektricity / Titles: Triffic Films / Executive Producers: Mark Freeland, Peter Bennett-Jones, Andrew Zien / Series Producer: Clive Tulloh / Director: Dewi Humphreys

Harry Enfield's return to sketch comedy, shown on satellite channel Sky One, his new characters included James Bond's brother Rodney, DJ Chris Great (very Chris Evans), a straight talking pharmacist, the small bloke (he's small but he's hard) and a sweary Jeremy Paxman. Harry took an unusual step in the creation of some of the above characters letting readers of the Sun newspaper send in their ideas from which he picked his favourites.

HARRY ENFIELD'S GUIDE TO OPERA

Channel 4 / 6x30m-e / 1993 ( 4 March - 8 April)

Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse take a light hearted demystifying look at the world of Opera.

HARRY ENFIELD PRESENTS KEVIN'S GUIDE TO BEING A TEENAGER

BBC1-Tiger Aspect / 1x40m-e / 1999 (27 December - Monday 9.40pm)

Producer: Dewi Humphrey / Director: Clive Tulloh

A special featuring Harry Enfield's classic surly teenager Kevin ("It's So Unfair"). The show was a collection of the sketches that had featured in Harry's sketch series (see below), also appearing were Kathy Burke as Kevin's best friend Perry, Louisa Rix ads Kevin's Mum and both Stephen Moore and Duncan Preston as Kevin's Dad.

HARRY ENFIELD'S TELEVISION PROGRAMME

Page highlight: The Old Gits from Harry Enfield's Television Programme. Picture BBC.BBC2-Hatrick / 12x30m-e 1x40m-e / 1990-92 2 seasons and 1 special

Producers: Mary Bell, Geoffrey Perkins, Geoff Posner / Main Writers: Harry Enfield, Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse

Very popular sketch series starring Harry Enfield as well as Paul Whitehouse and Kathy Burke. Enfield's many memorable characters included The Slobs, Smashie and Nicey the two DJ's , Mr Don't Wanna Do It Like That, The Old Gits and Tim Nice-But-Dim. See also Harry Enfield and Chums.

HARRY ENFIELD AND CHUMS

BBC1-Tiger Aspect-Pozzitive / 12x30m-e 2x40m-e / 1994-97 2 seasons plus 2 specials

Main writers: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse / Producers: Harry Thompson, Sophie Clarke-Jervoise, Geoff Posner

A more or less continuation of Enfield's previous show (see above). Many of the characters from that show reappeared here, new characters included Julio Geordio, The Self Rightous Brothers, Michael Payne and Tory Boy. Enfield was again assisted by Paul Whitehouse and Kathy Burke.

THE HARRY SECOMBE SHOW

ATV / 8x45m-e / 1955-57 1 season + 2 specials

Sketch show starring Harry Secombe; The first such show to be screened on the ITV. For the series Secombe was supported by Norman Vaughan and Johnny Vyvyvan.

Season: 24 September - 29 October 1955 Saturdays 8.15pm / Special 1: 22 December 1956 Saturday 9.00pm / Special 2: 23 March 1957 Saturday 8.30pm

THE HARRY SECOMBE SHOW

BBC2-1 / 27x45m-e 2x50m-e 1x55m-e 1x60m-e / 1968-73 4 seasons plus 6 specials

Producers: Terry Hughes, Colin Chapman

A Harry Secombe series that mixed sketches with music. The first five editions were all specials. Secombe was assisted by Julian Orchard and writers included Marty Feldman and Barry Took, Jimmy Grafton, Jeremy Lloyd and Lew Schwarz.

HAVE A HARRY...

Yorkshire TV / 2x60m-e / 1977 and 78

Writers: Barry Cryer, Spike Mullins, Peter Vincent, Peter Robinson

A pair of sketch specials starring Harry Secombe. 1. HAVE A HARRY CHRISTMAS (23 December 1977 - Friday 8.00pm) / 2. HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY (11 October 1978 - Wednesday 8.00pm)

HAYWIRE

BBC2 / 6x30m-e / 1999 20 June - 25 July Sundays 10.40pm

Producer: Jackie Hamilton / Director: Peter Boyd Maclean

Comedy. Sketch show set in the 21st century amid a world of thousands of TV channels for the viewer to surf. With Phil Nicol, Kevin Gildea, Karl

HEADCASES
Topical CGI comedy series for ITV that is a sort of modern day take on Spitting Image. full entry

HELLO CHEEKY

Yorkshire / 13x30m-e / 1976 2 seasons

Writers: Barry Cryer, John Junkin, Tim Brooke-Taylor / Executive Producer: Duncan Wood / Producer: Len Lurcuck

Fast paced sketch show starring the three writers (Barry Cryer, John Junkin, Tim Brooke-Taylor) also involved was Denis King.

HELLO, GOOD AFTERNOON, WELCOME

Scottish TV / 6x30m-e / 1980 (4 November - 9 December / Tuesdays 3.45pm)

Producer: David MacMahon / Executive Producer: Bryan Izzard

Sketch and music based series featuring Scottish comedian Allan Stewart.

HELLO MUM

BBC2 / 6x30m-e / 1987 23 February - 30 March Mondays 10.15pm

Sketch series (shown live) and featuring up and coming talent including Helen Lederer, Clive Mantle, Nick Wilton and Arnold Brown.

HERE AND NOW

Associated-Rediffusion / 9x30m-e / 1955-56 16 December 55 - 17 February 56 Fridays 10.00pm

Director: Peter Croft

Sketch based series featuring several soon to be famous stars including Ian Carmichael, Joan Sims, Nicholas Parsons, Hugh Paddick and Jimmy Thompson.

HERE COMES CHARLIE CALLAS

London Weekend Television / 2x45m-e / 1968-69

Script Associate: Eric Merriman / Producer: David Bell / Director: Bill Turner

A pair of specials that were centred around well known US stand up comic Charlie Callas.

HERE'S HOWARD

BBC / 8x30m-e / 1951 14 March - 20 June Wednesday 9.30pm black and white

Writer: Michael Howard / Producer: Bryan Sears

A series of stand up shows for former classical actor Michael Howard, also featuring regularly were Ossy Waller, John Blythe and Harry Lane.

HERE'S TELEVISION

BBC / 1x60m-e / 1951 6 January - Saturday 9.00pm black and white

Writers: Frank Muir, Denis Norden, Sid Colin / Producer/Director: Michael Mills

A sketch show taking the mickey out of shows that were then current on the box. With Sidney james, Clive Moreton, Bill Fraser and Ian Carmichael.

HEROES OF COMEDY

C4 / x60 / occasional series 1990s -

Biographies of Britain’s best loved comedy performers using clips and interviews. Some subjects were:- Mike Yarwood, Sid James, Hattie Jaques, Ronnie Corbett, Ronnie Barker, Alastair Sim, Dick Emery.

HE'S PASQUALE, I'M WALSH

Central-Thames / 1x30m-e / 1994 5 July - Tuesday 8.30pm

Producer: John Fisher / Director: Paul Kirrage

One off sketch special teaming up two mainstream comedians - Bradley Walsh and the strangely high pitched voiced Joe Pasquale.

HEY BRIAN!

Yorkshire / 7x30m-e / 1972-73 Special: 29 August 1972 / Season: 15 May - 19 June 1973

Executive Producer: John Duncan / Producer: Bill Hitchcock

A sketch series for the up and coming actor Brian Marshall also featuring Stu Francis. The special broadcast before the series proper began was called Our Brian.

HIGHLAND FLING

BBC / 1x45m-e / 1950 10 April - Monday 8.30pm black and white

Writer: Harry Gordon / Producer/Director: Henry Caldwell

A showcase for Scottish comedian Harry Gordon who billed himself as The Laird of Inversnecky. Also appearing was Jack Holden.

Harry HILL

Channel 4-Avalon /x30m-e / 1997-

Often surreal but very funny sketch series starring, of course Hill and also featuring Burt Kwouk, Matt Badstock, Barrie Gosney, Al Murray, Steve Bowditch. Hill, a qualified doctor, wore shirts with outrageously large collars and also regulars on this show were a pair of puppet badgers.

Harry HILL

Avalon TV Production-Hall Bros / 1x75m-e / 1998

Writer: Harry Hill / Music: Richard Thomas, Mark Allis / Producer: Chris Miles / Director: Charlie Hanson

A Harry Hilly live stand up show from the West End of London, also appearing were Burt Kwouk and Steve Bowditch.

Harry HILL'S CHRISTMAS MEMORY LANE OF LAUGHTER

Channel 4-Avalon / 1x35m-e / 1999 23 December - Thursday 10.30pm

Producer: Charlie Hanson / Director: Robin Nash

Christmas special with the surreal comedian, his special guests were Frank Skinner, Mark Thomas, Stewart Lee and Barry Cryer.

Harry HILL: FIRST CLASS SCAMP

Paramount Comedy Channel / 1x75m-e / 1999 11 September Saturday 11.00pm

Highlights from Harry Hill's 1998 concert at the Debonaire Dachsund club in London. Also on hand was Burt Kwouk (proving himself to be Hill's most regular foil) and Harry's backing band The Caterers.

Harry HILL'S FRUIT FANCIES

BBC2 / 6x15m-e / 1994 19 September - 24 October Mondays 10.15pm

Writer: Harry Hill / Producer/Director: Jamie Rix

An anthology of bizarre silent black and white comedy films starring the former doctor Harry Hill.

HIGH SPIRITS WITH SHIRLEY GHOSTMAN

BBC-3 / 8x30 minute episodes / 2005 (March)

Executive Producer: Mark Freeland, Drew Pearce, Clive Tulloh

Comedy. Psychic medium Shirley Ghostman is a special kind of psychic, all her "contacts" are celebrities, he is aided by his spirit guide Sheba, an Alsatian dog who is Shirley's dead dad's dead dog. The show mixed in various segments including a reality segment called Spirit Academy, Shirley Vs the Sceptics and an investigative segment called The Paranormalists. High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman is one of the new breed of fake comedy shows, put together like a doco none of Shirley's "guests" know he is an actor. On 15 April Shirley appeared in character on the chat show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross and did a "reading" for fellow guest Nicole Kidman, he made numerous off colour remarks about Jews, Cancer and made comments about Kidman's mother. The BBC were deluged with complaints (well 350 which in the world of complaints is a deluge) and were forced to offer an apology, Shirley didn't comment as he was busy communing with the spirit of William Shakespeare.

With:- MARC WOOTON as Shirley Ghostman / The voice of PATRICK STEWART as The Narrator

HINGE AND BRACKET

BBC2 / 5x45m-e 2x50m-e / 1978-81

Writers: George Logan, Patrick Ffyfe / Producer: Peter Ridsdale Scott

A collection of 7 stand up specials for strange female impersonators George Logan and Patrick Ffyfe. See also their very slightly bizarre sitcom Dear Ladies.

HI THERE

BBC / 1x45m-e / 1951 20 August Monday 8.15pm

Writer: Benny Hill / Producer: Bill Lyon-Shaw

Benny Hill's first starring TV show and in much the same sketch vein as his later shows.

HIP HIP WHO RAY

ATV / 6x45m-e / 1956 25 August - 29 September Saturdays 8.15pm then 9.00pm black and white

Writers: Sid Colin, George Wadmore / Producer/Director: Albert Locke

A stand up series that was headlined by the popular Ted Ray. His sons, Andrew and Robin, both followed him into the business.

THE HISTORY OF PSYCHIATRY

Channel 4 / 1x60m-e / 1986 1 October

Comedy documentary taking a light hearted look at the serious subject of psychiatry, John Sessions appeared.

THE HOME-MADE XMAS VIDEO

BBC2 / 1x30m-e / 1987 23 December Wednesday 9.30pm

Writer: Robin Driscoll / Producer: John Kilby / Director: Jamie Rix

A Christmas 'horror story' that saw a typical family Christmas being filmed by the dad with his new video camera. Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones starred along with Diane Langton.

HORNE A'PLENTY

ABC-Thames / 11x30m-e / 1968-69 2 seasons

Script Editor: Barry Took (season 1) / Producers: Pat Johns (season 1), Barry Took (season 2) / Director: Peter Frazer-Jones

Sketch show based on the popular radio show Round the Horne starring Kenneth Horne and featuring Graham Stark, Sheila Steafal, Ken Parry, Alan Curtis and in season 2 Donald Webster. Writers included Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, Geoff Rowley and Andy Baker, Michael Green and Donald Webster. Season one which was made by ABC was not fully networked. Horne's radio material had often been slightly near the knuckle (especially the two infamous Julian and Sandy characters as played on radio by Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick) but this tv version didn't quite recapture the magic.

HOW DO YOU VIEW?

BBC / 30x30m-e / 1949-53 Five seasons and one special shown fortnightly / black and white

Writers: Terry-Thomas, Sid Colin, Talbot Rothwell / Producers: Bill Ward, Walton Anderson

Popular series, a mish mash of sketches and musical interludes with celebrity guest stars. The regular cast was headlined by the gap toothed genius Terry-Thomas and also featured Peter Butterworth and his wife Janet Brown, Adele and Dixon, H.C. Walton and Benny Lee.

THE HOWERD CROWD

BBC / 5x60m-e / 1952 and 1955 2 seasons (1 of 3 episodes and 1 of 2 episodes)

Writer: Eric Sykes / Producer: Bill Lyon-Shaw

This sketch series was Frankie Howerd's first regular TV venture. On 23 February 1957 Saturday 9.00pm Frankie starred another show called The Howerd Crowd, this was again written by Eric Sykes and appeared on ATV (Producer on this occasion was Brian Tesler).

THE HOWERD CONFESSIONS

Thames / 6x30m-e / 1976 2 September - 7 October Thursday 9.30pm

Producer/Director: Michael Mills

A Frankie Howerd sketch series that each week tackled a different theme. The writers included Dave Freeman and Dick Hills.

HOWERD'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND

BBC1 (Comedy Playhouse) / 1x30m-e / 1974 30 April - Tuesday 8.30pm

Writers: Barry Took, Michael Mills / Producer: Michael Mills

A series of period sketches starring Frankie Howerd and also featuring Patrick Holt, Patrick Newell and John Cazabon.

HOWERD'S HOUR

ABC / 1x60m-e / 1968 12 May - Sunday 8.25pm

Writer: Eric Sykes / Producer: Keith Beckett

Frankie Howerd examines the life of his great grandfather who was apparently a famous adventurer, also appearing were Hattie Jacques and Patrick Wymark.

HYSTERIA

A series of all star comedy gala's in aid of Aids Charities. The first 1987 show was not televised.

1. HYSTERIA 2 (Channel 4-Tiger / 1x120m-e / 1989 1 December Friday 10.30pm) With:- Joss Ackland, Clive Anderson, Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Paul Eddington, Adrian Edmondson, Harry Enfield, Craig Ferguson, Dawn French, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Hardy, Jonathan Ross, Lenny Henry, Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Saunders, Ruby Wax and the Who Dares cast.

2. HYSTERIA III (Channel 4-Noel Gay / 1x130m-e / 1991 12 October - Saturday 10.30pm) With:- Rowan Atkinson, Melvyn Bragg, Julian Clary, Dawn French, Stephen Fry, Lenny Henry, Elton John and Mike McShane.

3. THE BIG SNOG (Channel 4-Pozzitive / 1x90m-e / 1995 25 November Saturday 10.45pm) With:- Eddie Izzard, Steve Coogan, Lenny Henry, Harry Enfield, Julian Clary and Dale Winton.

THE IDIOT WEEKLY, PRICE 2d

Associated-Rediffusion / 5x30m-e / 1956 24 February - 6 April Fridays 10.00pm black and white

Script Editor: Eric Sykes/ Producer/Director: Dick Lester

Often surreal sketch series with a stellar cast . The sketches hung on a loose premise of a Victorian weekly magazine. The cast members were:- Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Eric Sykes, Kenneth Connor, Valentine Dyall, Graham Stark, June Whitfield, Patt Lewis and Max Geldray.

I FEEL FINE

Granada / 2x60m-e / 1986-87

Producer: Johnny Hamp

A pair of Liverpool themed shows starring Stan Boardman. 1. 12 July 1986 Saturday 7.30pm / With:- Richard Stilgoe, Ringo Starr and Gerry Marsden. 2. 22 August 1987 Saturday 6.30pm / With:- Richard Stilgoe, Gerry Marsden, The Vernon Girls and Mick Miller.

THE ILLUSTRATED WEDNESDAY REVUE

Central / 1x30m-e / 1984 15 february Wednesday 11.40pm

Writer/Producer: Glen Cardno / Director: Shaun O'Riordan

This one off sketch special starred Glen Cardno.

THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY HUDD

BBC1 / 14x30m-e 7x25m-e / 1966-67 Three seasons

Writers: Eric Davidson, Dick Vosburgh, Dave Freeman / Producers: Michael Hurll, James Gilbert

Hectic sketch series, a kind of 1960's Fast Show headlined by Roy Hudd and also featuring Doug Fisher, Patrick Newell (season 1), Sheila Steafal (season 1) and Marcia Ashton (seasons 2-3).

THE IMAGINATIVELY TITLED PUNT AND DENNIS SHOW

BBC1 / 12x30m-e / 1994-95

Writers: Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis, Nick Hancock

Sketch based series for the two comedians Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis who first found fame on various Jasper Carrott shows and then by co-starring in The Mary Whitehouse Experience with Rob Newman and David Baddiel.

I'M ALL RIGHT JACQUES

BBC2 / 1x30m-e / 1992 21 December Monday 9.00pm

Writer: Pete McCarthy / Producer: Caroline Roberts

A satirical look at the European Union, with Pete McCarthy.

I'M BOB, HE'S DICKIE

ATV / 3x60m-e / 1977-78

Writer: Dick Vosburgh, Garry Chambers, Bob Monkhouse / Producer/Director: Paul Stewart Laing

Three specials starring Bob Monkhouse and Dickie Henderson. Dates were 1. 6 July 1977 / 2. 1 February 1978 / 3. 6 September 1978

I'M DICKIE - THAT'S SHOWBUSINESS

ATV / 2x60m-e / 1978

Writers: Garry Chambers, Dick Vosburgh / Producer/Director: Paul Stewart Laing

Two one off specials very much in the same vein as the above entry again starring Dickie Henderson. Guest stars included Michele Dotrice (show 1) and Prunella Scales (show 2).

IN ALL DIRECTIONS

BBC2 / 1x50m-e / 1966 29 April - Tuesday 9.00pm

Writer: Peter Jones / Producer: Michael Mills

A satire starring Peter Ustinov and Peter Jones and based on a popular 1950's radio show of the same name that had also starred Ustinov and Jones.

IN BED WITH ME DINNER

London Weekend Television / x30m-e 6x60m-e / 1992-

Writer: Bob Mills / Executive Producer: Jeff Pope

A show in which the seemingly under valued Bob Mills appeared in a TV Studio mock up of his flat and played old and often plain bizarre TV Clips taking the mickey out of the clips as well as performing more straight forward stand up material. The series began with two 30 minute specials and then a full 6 part series in 1994 followed by a three year gap before the 26x30m-e 3rd series.

INNOCENTS ABROAD

BBC / 4x20m-e / 1950 22 July - 2 September Saturday 8.00pm Shown fortnightly

Writer: Max Kester /

Comedy. Sketch series poking fun at tourists with Crazy Gang co-hort Monsewer Eddie Gray. Also with Felix Felton and Geoffrey Wincott.

INSIDE VICTOR LEWIS-SMITH

BBC2 / 6x30m-e / 1993 1 November - 13 December Mondays 10.00pm

Writers: Victor Lewis-Smith, Paul Sparks / Producer/Director: Richard Curson Smith

Comedy. A bizarre mélange of sketches an old TV clips.

IN STITCHES WITH DAPHNE DOESGOOD

BBC2 / 1x30m-e / 1997 22 October Wednesday 11.15pm

Producer/Director: Elspeth Morrison

Sketch show made by the BBC's Disability Programme Unit. With Ali Briggs, Mandy Colleran, Peter White, Spike Breakwell, Alison Goldie, Liam O'Carroll and Pamela Mungroo.

INTERFERENCE

C4/Bright Thoughts / 6x30m-e / 1983 12 November - 17 December Saturdays 11.00pm

Producers: Neil Anthony, Bryan Izzard /

Comedy. A stand up series that took the form of a pirate TV broadcast (hence the title) the acts featured included Arnold Brown, Jim Barclay, Martin and Nikki Beaumont and former saucy actress Fiona Richmond.

IN THE LOOKING GLASS

BBC2 / 6x30m-e / 1978 17 January - 21 February

Writers: John Wells, John Fortune / Producer: Ian Keill

Sketch and music based series that starred the two Johns Wells and Fortune along with Madeline Smith and composer Carl Davis.

IS IT BILL BAILEY?

BBC2 / 6x30m-e / 1998 Fridays

Producer: Janice Thomas / Director: Edgar Wright

A mixture of stand up, musical moments (Bailey plays several instruments) and sketches.

IT HAPPENED NEXT YEAR

BBC2 / 1x25m-e / 1996 4 October - Friday 12.05pm

Writers: Mark Bunton, John O'Farrell, Pete Sinclair /

Comedy. Sketch show that apparently came from one year in the future-October 1997.The cast included Sally Phillips, Pauline McLynn, Kim Wall and Roger Blake.

IT'LL ALL BE OVER IN HALF AN HOUR

C4/Telekation / 3x30m-e / 1983 24-26 May Tuesday - Thursday 11.00pm

Writers: Alastair Beaton, Jonathan

Comedy. Sketch series that had an educational theme and an interesting co-writing credit. The cast included James Grout, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Jonathan

IT'LL BE ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT

LWT / 15x60me 1x45m-e / 1977-continuing

Producers: Paul Smith(1-3), Paul Lewis(4-13)

A series of comedy clips of foul-ups and 'bloopers' from various world wide TV shows. The shows have been presented by Denis Norden and appear roughly at the rate of one every two years. One of the shows It'll Be Alright Late At Night(1985 45m-e) first appeared on Channel Four. See also the BBC's own version Auntie's Bloomers.

IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT

BBC / 2x30m-e / 1957 3 and 17 June Mondays 7.30pm black and white

Writer: Talbot Rothwell /

Comedy. Two sketch specials that featured Michael Bentine, Murray Kash, Kitty Bluett and Corinne Grey.

IT'S A HUDD HUDD WORLD

Channel 4-Anglia-Gambit / 1x25m-e / 1987 31 December - Thursday 7.05pm

Executive Producer: Cecil Korer / Producer/Director: Ron Downing

One off comedy special starring Roy Hudd and also with June Whitfield, Chris Emmett, Suzy Aitchison, Robert Howie and Kalli Greenwood.

IT'S ALL IN LIFE

ATV / 7x30m-e / 1973 5 January - 16 February Fridays 7.30pm

Writer: Ronnie Taylor / Producer: Les Chatfield

Stand up series starring Al Reed, there had been a pilot show broadcast 8 August 1972.

IT'S A MAD WORLD, WORLD, WORLD

BBC2 / 1x30m-e / 1993 25 May - Tuesday 9.00pm

Producer: David Tyler / Director: Geoff Posner

Sketch show broadcast under the comic asides banner whose title punned the 1960's film It's A Mad, Mad , Mad World. Sytarring were Caroline Aherne, Alistair McGowan, Flip Webster, Tim De Jongh and William Vandyck.

IT'S A SQUARE WORLD

BBC / 56x30m-e / 1960-64 7Seasons

Writers: Michael Bentine, John Law / Special Effects: Jack Kine / Producers: Barry Lupino, James Gilbert, Joe McGrath, John Street

This was Michael Bentine's most popular show and was often highly surreal, this sketch series was very Goonish in nature and also featured Dick Emery, Deryck Guyler, John Bluthal, Frank Thornton and Clive Dunn.

IT'S CHARLIE WILLIAMS

Granada / 2x45m-e / 1972

Producer: Johnny Hamp / Director: Peter Walker

A pair of stand up shows starring the funny, homely black Yorkshireman Charlie Williams. Dates were:- 1. 22 July 1972 and 2. 22 December 1972

IT'S GEORGE

Channel 4-Grampian / 1x60m-e / 1983 1 January Saturday 9.00pm

Writer: George Duffus / Producer: Alan Franchi

Stand up show starring the Scottish comedian George Duffus.

IT'S GOT TO BE FUNNY HASN'T IT

Channel 4 / 1x60m-e / 1983 24 December

This comedy documentary had Max Wall talking Peter Williams and looking back over his career.

IT'S MIKE REID

Granada / 1x45m-e / 1973 9 August Thursday 9.15pm

Producer: Johnny Hamp / Director: Peter Walker

One off special for the cockney Mike Reid that also featured appearances from Nicola Pagett, Bob Todd and jazzman George Melly.

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT

BBC / 4x45m-e / 1959 19 September - 12 December Saturdays 7.45pm shown monthly and black and white

Producer: Albert Stevenson

A stand up show hosted by Ted Ray. Also appearing were Ted's son Robin, June Whitfield and Alec Bregonzi.

IT'S TARBUCK

ATV / 6x30m-e / 1964-65 16 December 1964 - 27 January 1965 Wednesdays 9.10pm

Writers: Austin Steele, George Martin, Ron McDonnell / Producer: Jon Scoffield

Jimmy Tarbuck's first starring vehicle a mixture of stand up and sketch. Also with Ronnie Corbett, Amanda Barrie, Bob Todd and Henry McGee.

IT'S TARBUCK

ATV / 14x30m-e / 1970-73 Season One: 12 December 70 - 23 January 71 / Season 2: 27 March - 8 May 1973

Producer: Albert Locke

Series in the traditional manner of stand up and sketch moments starring gap toothed Liverpudlian comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, also appearing regularly were Kenny Lynch and in season two both Josephine Tewson and Frank Williams. The writers included Lawrie Kinsley, Bryan Blackburn and Mike Craig.

IT'S ULRIKA

BBC2-Channel X / 1x30m-e / 1997 25 August - Monday 10.15pm

Writer/Producers: Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer / Executive Producer: Alan Marke / Director: John Birkin

One off sketch special for the Swedish one time breakfast TV weather forecaster. Reeves and Mortimer thought this would be the show to elevate Johnson to stardom but they very wrong as it flopped badly. Vic and Bob also appeared as did Rhys Thomas, Laura Bratton, Steve Burge, Matt Lucas and Charlie Higson.

IT'S YOUNG AGAIN

Granada / 5x30m-e / 1963 4 July - 1 August Thursdays 7.30pm black and white

Directors: Eric Fawcett, Milo Lewis

Stand up series starring Alan Young. English born Young had had some success in the states in the late 1950's.

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