Three In A Bed (ITV Tues 22 Feb 1972, Syd Little, Eddie Large)

One off comedy drama Three in a Bed saw the rivalry between two pubs, The Ploughman’s Boots and The Lady’s Garter, reach battle stations over an inter-pub darts match. Especially when both pubs wants to engage the services of a “ring-in” who happens to be a wizard with the “arrers.”

Of chief interest here is an early acting role for comedians Syd Little and Eddie Large aka Little and Large. The previous year the pair had won tv talent show Opportunity Knocks (they had been a double act since 1963) but it wasn’t until 1977 that the duo had their own sketch series (first on ITV and then more successfully on the BBC). The pair’s real names were Edward McGuinness and Cyril Mead.

Other familiar faces included Roy Barraclough and Anthony Jackson.

The writers of the production Mike Firman and Brian Chasser had also created sitcom Both Ends Meet which was also currently airing on ITV on Thursday evening at 8.30pm at the time. Mike also ran a company with Brian called Television Audience Programme Evaliaton (or TAPE as they liked to call it) which worked with ITV companies to work out whether prospective shows would be a hit or not.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Tuesday 22 February 1972 at 10.30pm

Writers: Brian Chasser, Mike Firman / Production Design: David Ferris / Associate Producer: David Clark / Producer and Director: Royston Mayoh

cast
Syd Little as Syd
Eddie Large as Eddie
Norman Chappell as Ernest
Carol Scott as Pub Singer
Leslie Noyes as Arnold
Anthony Jackson as Bert
Roy Barraclough as Percy
Jacqueline Clarke as Olive
John Barrard as Frederick
Jackie Brown as Organist