Close
Challenge our database - win DVDs!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
This evening the database systems for our new website were put online for contributors to start using. We're now going to start filling all these databases full of data in preparation for the re-launch. If you're a contributor you should receive more information about this by email shortly (if you haven't heard from us by the morning let me know).
If you're not a contributor - to quickly fill you in: due to my day job work commitments, and things taking longer than expected to code, as you've probably spotted, the re-launch is a bit delayed (I think we're now challenging Wembley in terms of over-run actually!). Trust me, no one is more frustrated about this than me!
We are pushing forward slowly but surely though and, as I'm sure anyone who has access to our contributors system will tell you, behind-the-scenes things are shaping up nicely. I'm not going to set a new launch date because we'll probably only miss it, but I'm fairly confident we'll now finally be ready May / June time. It sounds a long time but when you see how much work has gone into the new website it'll make sense and be worth the wait.
p.s. If you're not currently a contributor but want to get involved just let us know. There's all sorts to do. Whether it be finding YouTube videos or writing character profiles... there's roles to suit everyone.
Challenge Our Database
Our master comedy list is now pretty comprehensive, but it probably does have a few gaps. I've setup a little challenge to help us find those comedies we're missing. Check it out:
URL REMOVED - The challenge has now ended. If you still want to see if you can spot anything missing just head to http://www.comedy.org.uk/guide/[/i]
Basically for every comedy you spot missing from our database you get an entry into a prize draw. Next month I'll choose three random entries - they get some comedy DVDs (nothing exciting, just some stuff I've got lying around).
Good luck!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Down your Ear
(Radio 4, Christmas special 1992, 5 part series 1993)
A programme showcasing On The Hour producer Armando Iannucci's prodigious ability for fiddling about with bits of tape. Armed only with a huge library of stock recordings and some splicing equipment, Iannucci explained (via ludicrously mannered commentary) the history and future of radio and much else besides, highlighting such audio gems as a single footballer playing a league match on his own and a live commentary on the splitting of the Radio 4 Frequencies.
It's very funny.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Turn It Up!
Re-Turn It Up!
The Jewel And Warriss Show (BBC)
The Jewel And Warriss Show (ATV)
The Jewel And Warriss Scrapbook
And that's just one page (424, Mark)!
... Sorry. 
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Badge said:
Oh - do we have to add them to this thread after we've tried the database? In which case: "Neat and Tidy - Adventures Beyond Belief"
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Mark didn't actually specify, but it's easier that way, yes. 
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dannyjb1 said:
BBC4 Radio Series
Routemasters (1999) about a time-travelling art thief which starred Amanda Donohoe
I Think I've Got A Problem (2002-3, two series) the story of a man with a be-bop band living in his head, starring Bill Nighy, Bob Monkhouse and Suggs
Dead Man Talking (2004) with English satirist John Bird interviewing dead celebrities
The Pickerskill Detentions (2005) which he also directed, and is the story of a retired English master, played by Ian Richardson, recalling his most favourite detentions.
Channel 4
Prospects (1986?). Comedy staring Garly Olsen and another fella about some budding scam artisits.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Thanks for these everyone! Keep them coming.
(And to confirm, yes, either post any missing shows you discover here or, if you're shy, email or PM them to me - thanks)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dannyjb1 said:
BBC 2
Important Astrology Experiment by Dave Gorman.
Follow-up to his Collection series.
Am I just appearing too geeky now?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Deferenz said:
I can't find this one:
BBC 1981 - 'Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights'
Def.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: Deferenz @ March 10, 2008, 11:55 AM
BBC 1981 - 'Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights'
View original
This was an excellent programme which was one of the first to broadcast alternative comedy. The theme song - an old rhythm and blues number - was sung by the Blues Band with Paul Jones.
Quote: dannyjb1 @ March 10, 2008, 11:41 AM
Am I just appearing too geeky now?
View original
Er, no. I think it's just me.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Hello Mum
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Ian Wolf said:
Quick question: If we give a suggestion, does that mean we have to write up that show/film ourselves?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Ian Wolf @ March 11, 2008, 10:40 AMQuick question: If we give a suggestion, does that mean we have to write up that show/film ourselves?
View original
No! Don't worry. This is simply to help us ensure we've got a complete list of comedies. Whether or not I find someone to write about them is another matter!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
RADIO 4: In One Ear, The Million Pound Radio Show, Cliffhanger, The Bodgers (later Channel4's Absolutely), The Wow Show, Son of Cliché, The Cabaret Upstairs
BEEB kidstuff: Playaway, Fast Forward (do they count?)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Curt said:
My knowledge of British sitcoms may be stronger then the average Canadian but they are minuscule in comparison to those who work on this website so alas I can not help. 
But a thanks to those who do!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mark @ March 11, 2008, 10:42 AMWhether or not I find someone to write about them is another matter!
View original
I'm the site's bitch when it comes to that.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, KJSmyling said:
At Home with the Snails... Radio 4 with Geoffrey Palmer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At_Home_with_the_Snails
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Lee Henman said:
OTT (Over The Top)? Early 80s adult Tiswas with Tarrant and Lenny Henry? Or am I imagining that?
Quote: Perry Nium @ March 12, 2008, 11:40 PMOTT (Over The Top)? Early 80s adult Tiswas with Tarrant and Lenny Henry? Or am I imagining that?
View original
Nope, it was indeed real. How strange and a bit seedy. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SKgSe6ermkY&feature=related
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Badge said:
OTT - such a weird failure - a mix of old school sexist and new wave "alternative" non-racist non-sexist. Alexei Sayle was on it as I recall. And Frank Carson. I think it lacked the charm of Tiswas, and maybe they had too much rope with which to hang themselves.
Sometimes when people are constrained by language etc they are more creative and more funny. From what I've seen of some CBBC programmes, they are at least as funny as lots of mainstream prime time comedy.
Sorry for going off thread.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dannyjb1 said:
The Beiderbecke Affair
The Beiderbecke Tapes
The Beiderbecke Connection
A Very Peculiar Practice
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, jdubya said:
Sir Henry At Rawlinson End
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Thanks guys, I've added all of those now.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Don't Stop Now - It's Fundation
Bodgers, Banks + Sparkes
Mr Don + Mr George
S + M
Josie
Paramount City
Aspects of the Fringe
Nick Revell Show
Laugh??? I nearly paid my Licence Fee
Hangar 17
Gagtag
Making Out
1985 (Radio 4 comedy I think)
Crapstone Villas
At Home with Hinge and Bracket
Life with Lederer
The Problem with Adam Bloom
There's a lot of it About
Cold Feet
Do Nothing Till You hear from me
Finkel's Café
The Grimleys
Pond Life
Stressed Eric
I Woke Up Screaming
The Men From the Ministry
Only When I Laugh
Stage Fright
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
The Men From the Ministry and Only When I Laugh are there. Haven't checked all of the others, but thanks for the list - I'll make Mark add them later.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Cheers
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Writer2K said:
Potting On (Radio 4)
Ed Reardon’s Week (Radio 4)
Tomorrow Today (Radio 4)
Cowards (Radio 4)
National Theatre of Brent (TV 1984-89, 6 episodes)
The Arts and How They Was Done (Radio 4)
All Bar Luke (Radio 4)
Rudy’s Rare Records (Radio 4)
The Cavity Within (Radio 4)
Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (1972 Radio...now on Radio 7)
Up The Front (1972 Frankie Howard Film)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Galton/Simpson-assisted radio: Happy Go Lucky, Star Bill
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
mostly monkhouse
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
I'll add these to the list too and promise to shut up thereafter:
COMIC ROOTS - early 80s BBC2 series where each episode featured a famed comic (Michael Palin, Alexei Sayle...) humourously recounting his/her upbringing
old radio: Band Wagon, Oop-la, Just Fancy, The Sherrin Report
Monkhouse-aided radio: The Saturday Show, Hello Playmates, Spotlight Revue, Variety Band Box, It's a Great Life, The Showband Show, Leave it to the boys, Mixed Doubles, Fast + Loose, Smash Hits, Punchline
telly: Here's Bob Monkhouse
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I'm sensing a pattern here! 
(Thanks though - I spent the weekend adding thousands of shows to the database, so will add them all later.)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mike88 said:
Two David Croft sitcoms
Birds In The Bush
Which Way To The War? (1 Pilot episode only.)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Nope, both are there I'm afraid.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
More Radio: Loose Ends, Who Said That
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Antrax said:
Concrete Cow.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Griff said:
The Pits.
(See www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/06_june/21/radio4_comedy.pdf for proof!)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Chapman said:
I haven't checked but what about ......
Tropic of Ruislip?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
What genre's that one David? Sketch, sitcom, monologue...? And TV or radio?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
For the record (and to prove we're more honest than ITV), here is a list of winners of this 'Challenge Our Database' competition. All entries via email, PM and this thread were included in the random draw. Those that came out were...
P Werran
S Dunn
M Cassidy
And, I've decided to offer additional bonus prizes to the below for being a big help...
M Monkhouse
I Dunn
D Banks
If you're name is in the list I'll be in touch shortly (I need to get in touch with people one at a time, from the top, as I've only one copy of certain DVDs and so don't want to offer things I can't post out)
Thanks to everyone who submitted suggestions - your entries, in conjunction with mine and Aaron's research (mainly Aaron's in the latter instance) means we've now much closer to having a definitive list, there's the names of over 3,100 British comedies in the database now!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, EllieJP said:
Nice one everyone!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dannyjb1 said:
oooo
*SITS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR PM*
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Chapman said:
Quote: Aaron @ March 30 2008, 11:26 PM BSTWhat genre's that one David? Sketch, sitcom, monologue...? And TV or radio?
View original
It was a comedy drama serial based on a Leslie Thomas novel - probably way back in the late 70s.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, KJSmyling said:
Radio 4... Seymour the Fractal Cat
kjs
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Thank you for these suggestions. If anyone happens to spot any other omissions do please mention them. I think we're probably now weakest on comedy dramas and pre 80s Britcom films.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, JerryG said:
"Safety Catch" - Radio 4 (2007)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Hoorah! Had fun digging these out.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, KJSmyling said:
Quote: Michael Monkhouse @ April 15 2008, 7:57 AM BSTHoorah! Had fun digging these out.
View original
Digging what out????!!!!
kjs
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Digging out these titles from (1) the lost recesses of memory and (2) my cobweb-laden sitcom manuals.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Ooh oooh, which sitcom manuals?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Winterlight said:
I honestly thought that I had beaten the database when I recalled the ITV sitcom 'Conjugal Rites', but it was in there. Damn you!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Got me info from semi-pubescent memories of Radio 4... And Byrne and Powell's 'Writing Sitcoms'... And the 'Bob Monkhouse at the Beeb' cassette. Very interesting it was too.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
Did you include 'Lenin of The Rovers', Alexei Sayle's footie/Commie radio 4 series?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Nope - thanks.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Michael Monkhouse said:
I watched it being recorded and met both Alexei and Fawlty Towers' Major afterwards!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
A bit of a Do
Chucklevision
No, sorry, just noticed the updated list and see the two mentioned sitcoms are on it. There are no sitcoms on it being with The. 'The Good Life' 'The Thin Blue Line' 'The Fosters' etc.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
No, they're all there. Not sure where you're looking, but they may be listed all under T, rather than G (The Good Life), F (The Fosters), and such.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Jack Massey @ April 24 2008, 8:55 PM BSTNo, sorry, just noticed the updated list and see the two mentioned sitcoms are on it. There are no sitcoms on it being with The. 'The Good Life' 'The Thin Blue Line' 'The Fosters' etc.
View original
They're there - but in slightly the wrong place at the moment. Sorry. Basically you'll find the sitcoms begining with 'The' at the end of each letter's list at the moment. I'm working on trying to get them included alphabetically properly - sadly in computer programming terms moving the 'The' to the end isn't actually that easy so it's taking a little while to sort.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Is 'The Thin Blue Line' on the list.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Yes.
Like both Mark and I said, they're there.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Please could you locate me to where 'The Thin Blue Line' is. I can't see it on the list.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Which list are you looking at?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Just clicked on sitcoms and read the list. I see all the The stuff is at the end of each letter it concerns (at the end of G is The Good Life) but there is no such thing for the letter t.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Oh wow, you're right. Well spotted. I'll punch Mark in the face until he fixes that (ok, perhaps not the best method of productivity) - but I can assure you that it's in the database. Show ID 34, if it's of any interest.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Not the best method of productivity, but the most effective.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
It can help spur things on a little, yes!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Just as John Leslie tried to explain to Ulrika Jonsson.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Well that was an embarrasing bug. I'm sure Insp Grim would have called it a conspiracy.
Thanks for spotting it Jack. Aaron has now punched me repeatedly and hard enough that I've done something about it. It is showing again.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
He wouldn't have allowed such a huge cock-up to have gone unnoticed.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Cock-up?, my arse 
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Nigel Kelly said:
The Pall Bearer's Revue (1992)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0755634/bio
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Already there.