Entertainment/British Sitcoms
Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab) – BBC 1992–1996; 2001–2004; 2011–2012
Edina “Eddy” Monsoon and Patsy Stone are a pair of high-powered career women on the London fashion scene. Eddy runs her own PR firm, and Patsy is an editor at a top British fashion magazine.
It was derived from a sketch in French & Saunders.
The character of Edina was based on PR guru Lynne Franks.
Serge Turtle is Edina's older child and only son. He is an unseen character.
Patsy’s name is Eurydice Colette Clytemnestra Dido Bathsheba Rabelais Patricia Cocteau Stone.
Set in Holland Park.
Edina Monsoon Jennifer Saunders
Patsy Stone Joanna Lumley
Saffron, Edina’s daughter Julia Sawalha
Mother, Edina’s mother June Whitfield
Bubble, Edina’s personal assistant Jane Horrocks
After Henry – ITV 1988-1992
Started on BBC Radio 4 in 1985
Sarah France is the widow of a GP, Henry. She shares a house with her demanding mother, Eleanor Prescott, and her obstinate daughter, Clare.
Sarah works at Bygone Books
Sarah France Prunella Scales
Eleanor Prescott Joan Sanderson
Clare France Janine Wood
Agony – ITV 1979-1981. Agony Again – BBC 1995
Jane Lucas is a successful agony aunt (for Happening Radio and Person magazine) whose personal life is chaotic.
This was the first British sitcom to portray a gay couple (Rob and Michael) as non-camp, intelligent and happy people.
The series was revived in 1995 by the BBC with Jane as the host of television show Lucas Live.
Jane Lucas Maureen Lipman
Laurence Lucas Simon Williams
Bea Fisher Maria Charles
Andy Evol Peter Blake
Rob Jeremy Bulloch
Michael Peter Denyer
Val Dunn Diana Weston
Vincent Fish Bill Nighy
Daniel (Agony Again) David Harewood
Debra (Agony Again) Doon Mackichan
Ain’t Misbehavin’ – BBC 1994-1995
Writer: Roy Clarke.
Wronged spouses get together to scupper the illicit affair being conducted by their other halves.
Clive Quigley Peter Davison
Sonia Drysdale Nicola Pagett
Melissa Quigley (series 1) Lesley Manville
Melissa Quigley (series 2) Karen Drury
Dave Drysdale John Duttine
All About Me – BBC 2002-2004
Set in Birmingham and about a multi-cultural family. The 'me' in the title is cerebral palsy sufferer Raj, whose thoughts are heard in a voiceover.
Colin Craddock Jasper Carrott
Rupinder Craddock (series 1) Meera Syal
Rupinder Craddock (series 2 and 3) Nina Wadia
Raj Jamil Dhillon
All Gas and Gaiters – BBC 1966-1971
Set in the close of the fictional St Ogg's Cathedral and concerned various intrigues and rivalries among the clergy.
Bishop Cuthbert Hever William Mervyn
Archdeacon Henry Blunt Robertson Hare
Reverend Mervyn Noote Derek Nimmo
'Allo 'Allo! – BBC 1982-1992
The story is set in Café Rene in the town of Nouvion, in German-occupied France during the Second World War. It is a parody of Secret Army and was created by David Croft, who also wrote the theme music, and Jeremy Lloyd.
Military from the Axis powers have occupied the town and stolen all of its valuable artefacts. These include a painting of The Fallen Madonna by Van Klomp (known to those who have seen it as The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies).
The café is being used as a safe house for two British airmen, Fairfax and Carstairs.
A secret communication device between London and the resistance (codename "Nighthawk") is hidden under a bed.
Officer Crabtree is a British spy posing as a French police officer. Greeting – “Good moaning!”
Rene Artois Gordon Kaye
Edith Artois, Rene’s wife Carmen Silvera
Yvette Carte-Blanche, waitress Vicki Michelle
Major-General Klinkerhoffen Hilary Minster
Lieutenant Gruber Guy Siner
Herr Otto Flick, Gestapo officer Richard Gibson
Helga Geerhart, lover of Herr Flick Kim Hartman
Michelle Dubois, Resistance leader Kirsten Cooke
Officer Crabtree Arthur Bostrom
And Mother Makes Three – ITV 1971-1973. And Mother Makes Five – ITV 1974-1976
Widow Sally Harrison has two sons. Widower David Redway has one daughter. You do the maths.
Sally Harrison Wendy Craig
Simon Harrison Robin Davies
Peter Harrison David Parfitt
David Redway Richard Coleman
Jane Redway Miriam Mann
Andy Capp – ITV 1988
Sitcom based on the cartoon strip of the same name and created by Reg Smythe.
Andy Capp James Bolam
Flo Capp Paula Tilbrook
Are You Being Served? – BBC 1972-1985
Created and written by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft.
Set in the retail ladies' and gentlemen's clothing floor departments of a fictional London department store called Grace Brothers.
Proposed but never taken up US adaptation was to be called Beanes of Boston (only a pilot was recorded).
Grace & Favour (BBC 1992-1993) was a sequel to Are You Being Served?. It was set in the Millstone Manor country hotel.
Mrs Betty Slocombe Molly Sugden
Mr Wilberforce Claybourne Humphries John Inman
Captain Stephen Peacock Frank Thornton
Mr Cuthbert Rumbold Nicholas Smith
Miss Shirley Brahms Wendy Richard
Mr Ernest Grainger Arthur Brough
Mr Dick Lucas Trevor Bannister
Mr Harman Arthur English
Young Mr Grace Harold Bennett
The Army Game – ITV 1957-1961
The series followed the escapades of National Service conscripts Hut 29 at Nether Hopping Camp, Staffordshire. It inspired Carry On Sergeant, the first Carry On film, which also featured Hartnell, Hawtrey and Rossington.
A spin-off Bootsie and Snudge – ITV 1961-1963 and 1974 – saw Bisley and Snudge back in civilian life.
Maj. "Upshot" Bagley Geoffrey Sumner
Sgt. Maj. Percy Bullimore William Hartnell
Cpl. Springer Michael Medwin
Pvt. Montague "Excused Boots" Bisley Alfie Bass
Pvt. "Cupcake" Cook Norman Rossington
Pvt. "Professor" Hatchett Charles Hawtrey
Pvt. "Popeye" Popplewell Bernard Bresslaw
Sgt. Maj. Claude Snudge Bill Fraser
Cpl. "Flogger" Hoskins Harry Fowler
As Time Goes By – BBC 1992-2002
Writer: Bob Larbey.
The series followed two young lovers who, having gone their separate ways, meet again in middle-age and rekindle their romance.
Lionel Hardcastle Geoffrey Palmer
Jean Pargetter (previously Hanson) Judi Dench
"Judi" Deacon (née Hanson), Jean's daughter Moira Brooker
Alistair Deacon, Judith's husband Philip Bretherton
Sandy Edwards, Jean's secretary Jenny Funnell
Richard "Rocky" Hardcastle, Lionel's father Frank Middlemass
Madge Hardcastle Joan Sims
Babes in the Wood – ITV 1998-1999
The series was set in St John’s Wood, where 3 twenty-somethings share a flat.
Leigh Jackson Denise van Outen
Caralyn Monroe/Munroe Natalie Walter
Charlie Lovall Karl Howman
Benito Mark Hayford
Ruth Ford/Frause Samantha Janus
Francesca "Frankie" Fraiser-Jones Madeleine Curtis
Bachelor Father – BBC 1970-1971
Peter Lamb is a rich man who fosters a variety of diverse children.
Peter Lamb Ian Carmichael
Mrs Rathbone Sonia Graham
Bad Education – BBC 2012-2014
Creator: Jack Whitehall.
Alfie Wickers is the new history teacher at Abbey Grove School, in Watford.
Alfred Frufrock "Alfie" Wickers Jack Whitehall
Shaquille Banter "Simon" Fraser Mathew Horne
Isobel Pickwell Michelle Gomez
Rosie Gulliver Sarah Solemani
Professor Celia "Pro Green" Green Samantha Spiro
Martin Wickers Harry Enfield
Olive Mollinson Leila Hoffman
Chantelle Parsons Nikki Runeckles
Jing Hua Kae Alexander
Joe Poulter Ethan Lawrence
Mitchell Harper Charlie Wernham
Leslie "Rem Dogg" Remmington Jack Binstead
Stephen Carmichael Layton Williams
Frank Grayson Jack Bence
Cleopatra Ofoedo Weruche Opia
Barbara – ITV 1995(pilot), 1999-2003
Set in Leeds, the series revolved around the sometime surreal goings on in Barbara’s family and her work as a doctor’s receptionist. She was shot in the last episode, leaving a cliffhanger ending to the series.
Barbara Liversidge Gwen Taylor
Ted Liversidge Sam Kelly
Neil Liversidge Benedict Sandiford
Jean Nesbitt Sherrie Hewson
Linda Pond Elizabeth Carling
Martin Pond Mark Benton
Doreen Madge Hindle
Queenie Liversidge Jean Alexander
Beast – BBC 2000-2001
Series created by Simon Nye.
Set in a veterinary practice where the owner Nick doesn’t actually like animals.
Nick, vet and owner of the practice Alexander Armstrong
Kirsten, receptionist Doon Mackichan
Jade, vet’s assistant Emma Pierson
Andrew, vet Steven Alvey
Briony, vet Sylvestra Le Touzel
Beggar My Neighbour – BBC 1966-1968
Class based comedy where two sisters (Rose and Lana) live next door to each other and are respectively married to an office worker and a manual worker.
Gerald Garvey (series 1) Peter Jones
Gerald Garvey (from series 2) Desmond Walter-Ellis
Rose Garvey June Whitfield
Harry Butt Reg Varney
Lana Butt Pat Coombs
Benidorm – ITV 2007-
The adventures of holiday makers and staff at the all-inclusive Solana hotel in Benidorm.
Mateo Castellanos Jake Canuso
Jacqueline Stewart Janine Duvitski
Geoff Maltby Johnny Vegas
Noreen Maltby Elsie Kelly
Les/Lesley Marshall Tim Healy
Joyce Temple-Savage Sherrie Hewson
Joan Collins Crystal Hennessy-Vass
Birds of a Feather – BBC 1989-1998 and ITV 2014-
Series created by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.
Long-running BBC sitcom revived by ITV in 2014.
Sharon moves in with her sister Tracey in her large house in Chigwell after their husbands are sent to prison for armed robbery. They are visited on a daily basis by man-mad (usually a younger man) neighbour Dorien Green.
In the revived series Dorien is rich, having written “Sixty Shades of Green” and reconnects with her daughter Naomi, whom she gave up for adoption 50 years before. Sharon, Tracey and Dorien end up living in Tracey’s house back in Chigwell.
The last two BBC series were set in Hainault but the action returned to Chigwell in the ITV revival.
Matt Willis from Busted/McBusted played Tracey’s son Garth for one series.
Sharon Theodopolopodos (1989–98, 2014–) Pauline Quirke
Tracey Stubbs (1989–98, 2014–) Linda Robson
Dorien Green (1989–98, 2014–) Lesley Joseph
Garth Stubbs (2014) Matt Willis
Garth Stubbs (2015–) Samuel James
Travis Stubbs (2014–) Charlie Quirke
Chris Theodopolopodos (1989, 1997–98, 2014) David Cardy
Chris Theodopolopodos (1990–94) Peter Polycarpou
Darryl Stubbs (1989–94) Alun Lewis
Darryl Stubbs (1997) Doug McFerran
Marcus Green (1989, 1993, 1997) Nickolas Grace
Marcus Green (1990) Stephen Greif
Black Books – Channel 4 2002-2004
The series was created by Dylan Moran and Graham Linehan.
Cynical and drunken Bernard Black runs a bookshop with the help of assistant Bianco.
Bernard Black Dylan Moran
Manny Bianco Bill Bailey
Fran Katzenjammer Tamsin Greig
Blackadder – BBC 1983-1989
The Black Adder – BBC 1983
The first series was written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson.
Set in 1485 and written as an alternate history in which Richard III wins the Battle of Bosworth Field only to be mistaken for someone else and murdered by Edmund “The Black Adder”. He is succeeded by Richard IV, one of the Princes in the Tower. Edmund begins the series as a bit of an idiot but by the end is more worldly and conniving. Miriam Margolyes makes an appearance in the series as Infanta Maria Escalosa of Spain. Rik Mayall plays Mad Gerald in the final episode.
Edmund, Duke of Edinburgh, “The Black Adder” Rowan Atkinson
King Richard IV Brian Blessed
Gertrude, Queen of Flanders Elspet Gray
Percy, Duke of Northumberland Tim McInnerny
Baldrick, son of Robin the Dung Gatherer Tony Robinson
Blackadder II – BBC 1986
The second, third and fourth series were written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton.
Set during the reign of Elizabeth I, a capricious monarch who will have you beheaded on a whim. Edmund spends the series trying to keep in her good books, often in competition with Lord Melchett.
Miriam Margolyes plays Lady Whiteadder. Rik Mayall makes an appearance as Lord Flashheart. Gabrielle Glaister makes her/his first appearance as “Bob” (or rather Kate who elopes with Flashheart).
Lord Edmund Blackadder Rowan Atkinson
Lord Percy Percy, Heir to the Duchy of Northumberland Tim McInnerny
Baldrick Tony Robinson
Queen Elizabeth I of England Miranda Richardson
Lord Melchett, the Lord Chamberlain Stephen Fry
Nursie Patsy Byrne
Blackadder the Third – BBC 1987
Set during the Regency Period with Edmund as head butler to the dim Prince Regent (George, Prince of Wales).
Edmund Blackadder Rowan Atkinson
Baldrick Tony Robinson
George, Prince Regent Hugh Laurie
Mrs Miggins Helen Atkinson-Wood
Blackadder Goes Forth - BBC 1989
Set in 1917 on the Western Front. Edmund is now captain in the British Army with Baldrick his batman. Blackadder spends most of the series trying to prevent himself and his men being sent ‘over the top’ by the incompetent High Command in the person of Lord Melchett. He ultimately fails in this endeavour.
Rik Mayall and Gabrielle Glaister reprised characters (Lord Flashheart and “Bob” respectively) they had played in earlier series.
‘Good luck everyone’ – Blackadder’s last words before going ‘over the top’ in the last episode.
Captain Edmund Blackadder Rowan Atkinson
Private Baldrick Tony Robinson
George, Prince Regent Hugh Laurie
General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmanay Melchett Stephen Fry
Captain Kevin Darling Tim McInnerny
Bless Me Father – ITV 1978-1981
A series about a Catholic priest and his young curate set in St Judes (in an unnamed London suburb).
Father Charles Clement Duddleswell Arthur Lowe
Father Neil Boyd Daniel Abineri
Bless This House – ITV 1971-1976
Generational comedy (the first episode was called “Generation Gap”) set in Birch Avenue, Putney.
Sid Abbott Sidney James
Jean Abbott Diana Coupland
Mike Abbott, son Robin Stewart
Sally Abbott, daughter Sally Geeson
Trevor Lewis, next door neighbour Anthony Jackson
Betty Lewis, next door neighbour Patsy Rowlands
Bob Martin – ITV 2000-2001
This was an attempt to replicate The Larry Sanders Show in a UK television setting. It ended with the sinking of Michael Barrymore’s career.
Bob Martin Michael Barrymore
Bottle Boys – ITV 1984-1985
Writer: Vince Powell
Apparently originally written for Jim Davidson, this morphed into an attempt to replicate Askwith’s “success” in the “Confessions of...” film series (this time as a randy milkman) It often makes it onto lists of the worst ever sitcoms.
Dave Deacon Robin Askwith
Bottom – BBC 1991-1995
“Anarchic” slapstick strewn sitcom set in a flat at 11 Mafeking Parade, Hammersmith.
Edward "Eddie" Elizabeth Hitler Adrian Edmondson
Richard "Richie" Richard Rik Mayall
Brass – ITV 1983–1984; Channel 4 1990
A satire on the then current television costume dramas set in the fictitious Northern town of Utterley in the 1930s where two rival families are constantly at loggerheads - the wealthy Hardacres and the working-class Fairchilds.
In the revived series both families had moved to London.
Bradley Hardacre Timothy West
Lady Patience Hardacre Caroline Blakiston
Isobel Hardacre Gail Harrison
Charlotte Hardacre Emily Morgan
Austin Hardacre Robert Reynolds
Morris Hardacre James Saxon
“Red” Agnes Fairchild Barbara Ewing
George Fairchild Geoffrey Hinsliff
George Fairchild (1990) Geoffrey Hutchings
Jack Fairchild Shaun Scott
Matthew Fairchild Gary Cady
Bread – BBC 1986-1991
Writer: Carla Lane.
The series followed the trials and tribulations of an extended Liverpool family during the late 1980s. There was also a Boswell family in Carla Lane’s Liver Birds.
Mrs Nellie Boswell Jean Boht
Freddie Boswell Ronald Forfar
Joey Boswell Peter Howitt
Joey Boswell Graham Bickley
Jack Boswell Victor McGuire
Adrian Boswell Jonathon Morris
Aveline Carter (née Boswell) Gilly Coman
Aveline Carter (née Boswell) Melanie Hill
Billy Boswell Nick Conway
Grandad Kenneth Waller
Shifty Bryan Murray
Lilo Lill Eileen Pollock
Reverend Oswald Carter Giles Watling
Celia Higgins Rita Tushingham
Brighton Belles – ITV 1993-1994
A British adaptation of The Golden Girls.
Frances Sheila Hancock
Annie Wendy Craig
Bridget Sheila Gish
Josephine Jean Boht
The Brittas Empire – BBC 1991-1997
The series was set in and around Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre, where Gordon Brittas is the manager.
Gordon Brittas Chris Barrie
Helen Brittas Pippa Haywood
Laura Lancing Julia St. John
Colin Weatherby Michael Burns
Carole Harriet Thorpe
Julie Judy Flynn
Linda Jill Greenacre
Gavin Tim Marriott
Tim Russell Porter
Brothers in Law – BBC 1962
Writers: Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Legal comedy based on a novel and 1956 film of the same name.
Yootha Joyce made her TV debut in this series.
Roger Thursby Richard Briers
Kendall Grimes John Glyn-Jones
The Brothers McGregor – ITV 1985-1988
A spin-off from Coronation Street.
Cyril McGregor Philip Whitchurch
Wesley McGregor Paul Barber
Brush Strokes – BBC 1986-1991
Writers: John Esmonde and Bob Larbey
The amorous adventures of housepainter Jacko.
The theme music “Because of You” was written and performed by Dexy’s Midnight Runners.
Jacko Karl Howman
Eric Mike Walling
Jean Nicky Croydon
Lionel Bainbridge Gary Waldhorn
Butterflies – BBC 1978-1983
Writer: Carla Lane
Set in Cheltenham. Housewife Ria, married to a dentist, has a mid-life crisis.
Theme music: cover by Clare Torry of Dolly Parton’s "Love Is Like a Butterfly".
Ria Parkinson Wendy Craig
Ben Parkinson Geoffrey Palmer
Russell Parkinson Andrew Hall
Adam Parkinson Nicholas Lyndhurst
Leonard Bruce Montague
Thomas Michael Ripper
Ruby Joyce Windsor
Casanova ’73 – BBC 1973
Writers: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
This series is best remembered for being the programme which was moved to another time slot and was replaced by Mastermind, which then became popular.
Henry Newhouse Leslie Phillips
Carol Newhouse Jan Holden
Catterick –BBC 2004
Creators: Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer
Surreal sitcom.
Carl Palmer Bob Mortimer
Chris Palmer and DI Keith Fowler Vic Reeves
Roy Oates and Dan, Dan the Shellfish Man Matt Lucas
Tony Reece Shearsmith
Tess Morwenna Banks
Mark Mark Benton
Ian Tim Healy
Pat the Barman Charlie Higson
Chambers – BBC 2000-2001
Legal comedy transferred from Radio 4.
John Fuller-Carp John Bird
Ruth Quirke Sarah Lancashire
Alex Kahn Nina Wadia
Hilary Tripping James Fleet
Chance in a Million – Channel 4 1984-1986
Odd ball who is always at the centre of trouble, finds love.
Tom Chance Simon Callow
Alison Little Brenda Blethyn
Mr. Little Ronnie Stevens
Mr. Little Hugh Walters
Mrs. Little Deddie Davies
Chef! – BBC 1993-1996
Chef Gareth owns and runs the financially struggling “Le Château Anglais” restaurant with his wife.
Gareth Blackstock Lenny Henry
Janice Blackstock Caroline Lee-Johnson
Everton Stonehead Roger Griffiths
Lucinda Claire Skinner
Gustave LaRoche Jeff Nuttal
Piers Gary Parker
Cyril Bryson Dave Hill
Citizen James – BBC 1960-1962
The series featured many of the cast of Hancock and was initially written by Galton and Simpson. Sid begins as a bit of a chancer but by the second series has become a campaigner.
Sidney “Balmoral” James Sid James
Bill Bill Kerr
Liz Liz Frazer
Albert and Charlie Sidney Tafler
Citizen Khan – BBC 2012-
Set in Sparkhill, Birmingham, Khan had already featured in the BBC Two comedy series Bellamy's People.
Mr Khan Adil Ray
Mrs Razia Khan Shobu Kapoor
Shazia Malik Maya Sondhi
Alia Khan Bhavna Limbachia
Amjad Malik, Shazia’s fiancé Abdullah Afzal
Dave, manager of the mosque Kris Marshall
Citizen Smith – BBC 1977-1980
Writer: John Sullivan
Unemployed Wolfie is the self-proclaimed leader of the Tooting Popular Front – catchphrases "Power to the People" and "Freedom for Tooting".
Walter Henry "Wolfie" Smith Robert Lindsay
Ken Mills Mike Grady
Shirley Johnson Cheryl Hall
Florence Johnson Hilda Braid
Charlie Johnson Peter Vaughan
Charlie Johnson Tony Steedman
Tucker Tony Millan
Anthony "Speed" King George Sweeney
Harry Fenning Stephen Greif
Clarence – BBC 1988
Writer: Bob Ferris (really Ronnie Barker – Bob Ferris is a character in The Likely Lads)
Short-sighted removal man finds love. This was Barker’s final sitcom before his retirement.
Clarence Sale Ronnie Barker
Jane Travers Josephine Tewson
Colin's Sandwich – BBC 1988-1990
British Rail complaints department clerk aspires to become a writer.
Colin Watkins Mel Smith
Jenny Anderson Louisa Rix
Come Back Mrs. Noah – BBC 1977-1978
Writers: Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft
A housewife is accidently blasted into space. Another candidate for the list of worst British sitcom.
Mrs. Gertrude Noah Mollie Sugden
Clive Cunliffe Ian Lavender
Carstairs Donald Hewlett
Fanshaw Michael Knowles
TV Presenter Gorden Kaye
Coming of Age – BBC 2007-2011
The series focuses on the lives of sixth-form students at Wooten College.
Matthew "Matt" Cobbett Tony Bignell
Darren "DK" Karrimore Joe Tracini
Jasmine "Jas" Brown Hannah Job
Oliver "Ollie" Sinclair Ceri Phillips
Chloe "Clo" Wheeler Anabel Barnston
Jane Reed Ellen Thomas
Wilberforce De Wilde Matthew Earley
Comrade Dad – BBC 1984-1986
Set in a Britain where the Soviet Union has taken over.
Reg Dudgeon George Cole
Treen Dudgeon Barbara Ewing
Gran Doris Hare
Constant Hot Water – ITV 1986
Rivalry grows between landladies in neighbouring B&Bs in Bridlington. Pat Phoenix died shortly after the only series was broadcast.
Phyllis Nugent Pat Phoenix
Miranda Thorpe Prunella Gee
Count Arthur Strong – BBC 2013-
Writers: Steve Delaney and Graham Linehan
Adapted from a radio series about an eccentric semi-retired Music Hall performer.
Count Arthur Strong Steve Delaney
Michael Baker Rory Kinnear
Bulent Chris Ryman
Sinem Zahra Ahmadi
John the Watch Andy Linden
Coupling – BBC 2000-2004
Writer: Stephen Moffat
The various couplings, de-couplings and re-couplings of six friends.
It won "Best TV Comedy" at the 2003 British Comedy Awards.
Theme music: "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" performed by Mari Wilson.
Steve Taylor Jack Davenport
Susan Walker Sarah Alexander
Jeff Murdock Richard Coyle
Sally Harper Kate Isitt
Patrick Maitland Ben Miles
Jane Christie Gina Bellman
Oliver Morris Richard Mylan
Cuckoo – BBC 2012-
Set in Lichfield. Unbeknown to her parents, Rachel Thompson has married Cuckoo whilst on her gap year.
Ken Thompson Greg Davies
Lorna Thompson Helen Baxendale
Rachel Thompson (series 1) Tamla Kari
Rachel Thompson (series 2) Esther Smith
Dylan Thompson Tyger Drew-Honey
Dale "Cuckoo" Ashbrick Andy Samberg
Dale Jr. Taylor Lautner
The Cuckoo Waltz – ITV 1975-1980
The newlywed Hawthornes are struggling financially so take in a lodger.
Fliss Hawthorne Diane Keen
Chris Hawthorne David Roper
Gavin Rumsey Lewis Collins
Adrian Lockett Ian Saynor
Curry and Chips – ITV 1969
Writer: Johnny Speight
Spike Milligan blacked-up as Asian immigrant Kevin O'Grady who worked at Lillicrap Ltd. Considered racist even in the late 1960s it was dropped after 6 episodes.
Kevin O’Grady Spike Milligan
The Foreman Eric Sykes
Shop Steward Norman Rossington
Dad – BBC 1997-1999
Writer: Andrew Marshall
Generational comedy.
Alan Hook Kevin McNally
Brian Hook George Cole
Vincent Hook Toby Ross-Bryant
Beryl Hook Julia Hills
Dad's Army – BBC 1968-1977 (80 episodes)
Writers: Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
First episode: The Man and the Hour
Last episode: Never Too Old. Corporal Jones marries Mrs. Fox.
The squad meetings were held at St. Aldhelm’s Church Hall, Walmington on Sea.
Captain Mainwaring was the manager of Swallow’s Bank. His wife Elizabeth is never seen.
Godfrey was a conscientious objector in WWI but was awarded the Military Medal for bravery as a combat medic.
Catchphrases: "Don't panic!"; "You stupid boy!"; “They don’t like it up ‘em”; “We’re doomed”.
Theme tune: "Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Hitler?" sung by Bud Flanagan.
Captain George Mainwaring Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Arthur Wilson John Le Mesurier
Lance-Corporal Jack Jones Clive Dunn
Private James Frazer John Laurie
Private Joe Walker James Beck
Private Charles Godfrey Arnold Ridley
Private Frank Pike Ian Lavender
ARP Warden William Hodges Bill Pertwee
The Reverend Timothy Farthing Frank Williams
Maurice Yeatman Edward Sinclair
Mrs. Mavis Pike Janet Davies
Mrs. Fox Pamela Cundell
Private Sponge Colin Bean
Private Cheeseman Talfryn Thomas
Dear John – BBC 1986-1987
Writer: John Sullivan
A series based around the 1-2-1 Singles Club.
John Lacey Ralph Bates
Kate Belinda Lang
Ralph Peter Denyer
Kirk St Moritz/Eric Morris Peter Blake
Dear Ladies – BBC 1983-1984
Hinge and Bracket live in the quiet village of Stackton Tressel.
Doctor Evadne Hinge George Logan
Dame Hilda Bracket Patrick Fyffe
Desmond’s – Channel 4 1989-1994 (71 episodes)
Set around a barber’s shop in Peckham.
Spin-off: Porkpie – Channel 4 1995-1996
Desmond Ambrose Norman Beaton
Shirley Ambrose Carmen Munroe
Michael Ambrose Geff Francis
Gloria Ambrose Kimberley Walker
Sean Ambrose Justin Pickett
Augustus Neapolitan Cleveland "Porkpie" Grant Ram John Holder
The Detectives – BBC 1993-1997
Creator: Jasper Carrott
A spoof of police dramas which originated from a five-minute sketch on Jasper Carrott's sketch/stand-up show Canned Carrott.
David Briggs is the name of one of the creators of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”.
David Briggs Robert Powell
Bob Louis Jasper Carrott
Superintendent Cottam George Sewell]
Nozzer Tony Selby
Dinnerladies – BBC 1998-2000
Creator: Victoria Wood
Set entirely in the canteen of HWD Components.
Brenda Furlong Victoria Wood
Tony Martin Andrew Dunn
Dolly Bellfield Thelma Barlow
Jean Anne Reid
Twinkle Maxine Peake
Anita Shobna Gulati
Stan Meadowcroft Duncan Preston
Philippa Moorcroft Celia Imrie
Petula Gordino, Brenda’s mother Julie Walters
Doctor in the House – ITV 1969-1970
Based on the books and a film of the same name by Richard Gordon.
The adventures of medical students at St Swithin's hospital.
It was followed by Doctor at Large, Doctor in Charge, Doctor at Sea, Doctor on the Go, Doctor Down Under (for Australian Television) and Doctor at the Top.
Michael A. Upton Barry Evans
Duncan Waring Robin Nedwell
Dick Stuart-Clark Geoffrey Davies
Paul Collier George Layton
Helga Yutte Stensgaard
Huw Evans Martin Shaw
Daniel Hooley Jonathan Lynn
Professor Geoffrey Loftus Ernest Clark
Doctor at Large - ITV 1971
Duncan Waring Robin Nedwell
Dick Stuart-Clark Geoffrey Davies
Paul Collier George Layton
Professor Geoffrey Loftus Ernest Clark
Dr Lawrence Bingham Richard O'Sullivan
Dr Maxwell Arthur Lowe
Sue Maxwell Madeline Smith
Dr Whiteland Fabia Drake
Doctor in Charge - ITV 1972-1973
Duncan Waring Robin Nedwell
Dick Stuart-Clark Geoffrey Davies
Paul Collier George Layton
Professor Geoffrey Loftus Ernest Clark
Dr Lawrence Bingham Richard O'Sullivan
Doctor at Sea - ITV 1974
Duncan Waring Robin Nedwell
Dick Stuart-Clark Geoffrey Davies
Captain Norman Loftus Ernest Clark
Doctor on the Go - ITV 1975-1977
Duncan Waring Robin Nedwell
Dick Stuart-Clark Geoffrey Davies
Professor Geoffrey Loftus Ernest Clark
Doctor at the Top - BBC 1991
Duncan Waring Robin Nedwell
Dick Stuart-Clark Geoffrey Davies
Paul Collier George Layton
Professor Geoffrey Loftus Ernest Clark
Dr Lionel Snell Roger Sloman
Geraldine Waring Georgina Melville
Rebecca Stuart-Clark Chloë Annett
Don’t Forget to Write! – BBC 1977-1979
A successful playwright suffers from “writers block”.
George Maple George Cole
Mabel Maple Gwen Watford
Wilfred Maple Ron Emslie
Kate Maple Claire Walker
Tom Lawrence Francis Matthews
Don't Wait Up – BBC 1983-1990
Writer: George Layton
Father and son doctors move in together after their relationships end.
Dr. Toby Latimer Tony Britton
Dr. Tom Latimer Nigel Havers
Angela Latimer Dinah Sheridan
Dressing for Breakfast – Channel 4 1995-1998
Louise is looking for the perfect man.
Louise Beatie Edney
Carla Holly Aird
Liz Charlotte Cornwell
Dave Nigel Lindsay
Drop the Dead Donkey – Channel 4 1990-1998 (65 episodes)
Writers: Andy Hamilton and Gary Jenkins.
Set in the offices of "GlobeLink News" TV news company
Gus Hedges Robert Duncan
George Dent Jeff Rawle
Alex Pates Haydn Gwynne
Helen Cooper Ingrid Lacey
Henry Davenport David Swift
Sally Smedley Victoria Wicks
Damien Day Stephen Tompkinson
Dave Charnley Neil Pearson
Joy Merryweather Susannah Doyle
Duck Patrol – ITV 1998
A series about the River Thames police.
PC Roland "Prof" Rose Richard Wilson
Simon "Darwin" Brown David Tennant
Gillian "Marilyn" Monroe Samantha Beckinsale
Malcolm "Sarge" White Geoffrey Hutchings
Hero Craig Fairbrass
Val Rutland Sue Johnston
Angie Tennant Jan Ravens
The Dustbinmen – ITV 1969-1970
The adventures of the crew of dustcart 'Thunderbird 3'.
Winston Platt Graham Haberfield
Cheese and Egg Bryan Pringle
Heavy Breathing Trevor Bannister
Eric Tim Wylton
Smellie Ibbotson John Barrett
Bloody Delilah Brian Wilde then John Woodvine
Duty Free – ITV 1984-1986
Set in Marbella, filmed in Leeds.
David Pearce Keith Barron
Amy Pearce Gwen Taylor
Linda Cochran Joanna Van Gyseghem
Robert Cochran Neil Stacy
Carlos the Waiter Carlos Douglas
Early Doors – BBC 2003-2004
Writers: Craig Cash and Phil Mealey.
The setting is The Grapes, a pub in Stockport.
Ken Dixon John Henshaw
Joe Craig Cash
Duffy Phil Mealey
Janice Maxine Peake
Eddie Bell Mark Benton
Joan Bell Lorraine Cheshire
Tommy Rodney Litchfield
Tanya Susan Cookson
Jean Dixon Rita May
Winnie Cooper Joan Kempson
Melanie Dixon Christine Bottomley
Liam James McAvoy
Dean Lee Ingleby
Debbie Lisa Millett
Phil James Quinn
Nige Peter Wight
Keith Braithwaite Eamon Boland
Episodes – BBC 2011-
Matt LeBlanc plays a fictional version of himself about a British television series that is remade for an American audience. LeBlanc won the 2012 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Series Comedy for his performance.
Matt LeBlanc Matt LeBlanc
Beverly Lincoln Tamsin Greig
Sean Lincoln Stephen Mangan
Merc Lapidus John Pankow
Carol Rance Kathleen Rose Perkins
Morning Randolph Mircea Monroe
Ever Decreasing Circles – BBC 1984-1989
Writers: John Esmonde and Bob Larbey.
Martin’s world is upset by the arrival of the handsome and charming Paul as his new next-door neighbour.
The title music was Shostakovich's Prelude No. 15.
Martin Bryce Richard Briers
Ann Bryce Penelope Wilton
Paul Ryman Peter Egan
Howard Hughes Stanley Lebor
Hilda Hughes Geraldine Newman
Executive Stress – ITV 1986-1988
Writer: George Layton.
An office based sitcom where Penelope Keith plays a middle-aged woman who decides to return to work.
Theme tune: "Why We Fell in Love" was a Rice and Lloyd Webber composition sung by Julie Covington.
Caroline Fairchild (née Fielding) Penelope Keith
Donald Fairchild Geoffrey Palmer then Peter Bowles
Edgar Frankland Jr Harry Ditson
Anthea Duxbury Elizabeth Counsell
Sylvia Wanda Ventham
Extras – BBC 2005-2007
Writers: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
A sitcom about extras working in television, film, and theatre.
Sitcom within a sitcom: When the Whistle Blows.
Andy Millman Ricky Gervais
Maggie Jacobs Ashley Jensen
Darren Lamb Stephen Merchant
Barry from EastEnders Shaun Williamson
Greg Lindley-Jones Shaun Pye
Fairly Secret Army – Channel 4 1984-1986
Harry Truscott decides to organise a paramilitary organization.
Harry is possibly the same character as Reginald Perrin’s brother-in-law Jimmy (see The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin immediately below).
Major Harry Kitchener Wellington Truscott Geoffrey Palmer
Sgt. Major Throttle Michael Robbins
Doris Entwisle Liz Fraser
Beamish Jeremy Child
Nancy Diane Fletcher
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin – BBC 1976-1979
Creator: David Nobbs.
Reggie Perrin lives at 12 Coleridge Close on the "Poets Estate" in Climthorpe, a London suburb. He works as a sales executive at Sunshine Desserts.
Reggie fantasises about having an affair with his secretary Joan and always pictures his mother-in-law as a hippo.
He fakes suicide, comes back and opens a shop called “Grot” which sells useless products.
He then begins a community called Perrins for the middle-aged middle class. When that fails he joins Amalgamated Aerosols.
Catchphrases: “I didn’t get where I am today” (CJ); “Great” (Tony Webster); “Super” (David Harris-Jones); "Bit of a cock up on the catering front." (Jimmy).
Reginald Iolanthe Perrin Leonard Rossiter
Elizabeth Perrin Pauline Yates
Mark Perrin David Warwick
Linda Patterson Sally-Jane Spencer
Tom Patterson Tim Preece the Leslie Schofield
Joan Greengross Sue Nicholls
CJ (Charles Jefferson) John Barron
Tony Webster Trevor Adams
David Harris-Jones Bruce Bould
Jimmy Anderson Geoffrey Palmer
Doc Morrissey John Horsley
A series called The Legacy of Reginald Perrin aired in 1996, 12 years after the death of Leonard Rossiter.
The series was revived in an “updated” version as Reggie Perrin (BBC 2009-2010).
This time Reggie’s wife is called Nicola and he works for Groomtech.
Reginald "Reggie" Perrin Martin Clunes
Nicola Perrin Fay Ripley
William Geoffrey Whitehead
Marion Perrin Wendy Craig
Chris Jackson Neil Stuke
Jasmine Strauss Lucy Liemann
Vicki Kerry Howard
Sue Susan Earl
Anthony Jim Howick
Steve Nick Mohammed
David Alexander Armstrong
Father, Dear Father – ITV 1968-1973
Divorced father lives with his two teenage daughters, nanny and St Bernard dog named H G Wells. Set in Hampstead.
Patrick Glover Patrick Cargill
Karen Glover Ann Holloway
Anna Glover Natasha Pyne
Nanny Noel Dyson
Barbara Glover, Patrick’s ex-wife Ursula Howells
Father Ted – Channel 4 1995-1998
Writers: Arthur Mathews and Graham Linehan.
Catholic Priest Father Ted Crilly lives on Craggy Island with the dense young priest Father Dougal and foul-mouthed ("FECK!", "ARSE!", "DRINK!", "GIRLS!") Father Jack. They are looked after by the housekeeper, the refreshment-obsessed Mrs Doyle.
Father Dougal has a pet rabbit called Sampras.
Father Ted Crilly Dermot Morgan
Father Dougal McGuire Ardal O'Hanlon
Father Jack Hackett Frank Kelly
Mrs Doyle Pauline McLynn
Fawlty Towers – BBC 1975-1979 (12 episodes)
Writers: John Cleese and Connie Booth.
The hotel experience is based on Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay, owned by Donald Sinclair.
The US version was called Whispering Pines. In the Spanish version, Manuel is Italian.
The street address of Fawlty Towers is 16 Elwood Avenue.
The paperboy rearranges the letters on the "Fawlty Towers" sign to read various phrases - “Fawlty Towers”, "Fawlty Tower”, "Fawty Tower"; "Fawty Toer"; "Warty Towels"; "Watery Fowls"; "Flay Otters"; “Fatty Owls"; "Flowery Twats"; "Farty Towels".
Basil Fawlty John Cleese
Sybil Fawlty Prunella Scales
Polly Sherman Connie Booth
Manuel Andrew Sachs
Terry Hugh Brian Hall
Major Gowen Ballard Berkeley
Miss Tibbs Gilly Flower
Miss Gatsby Renee Roberts
Mr. O'Reilly David Kelly
A Fine Romance – ITV 1981-1984
Creator: Bob Larbey.
An awkward romance develops after Helen sets up her sister Laura with landscape gardener Mike. Real-life husband and wife Williams and Dench play the couple.
Judi Dench sings the theme tune (from the musical Swing Time)
Laura Dalton Judi Dench
Mike Selway Michael Williams
Helen, Laura’s sister Susan Penhaligon
Phil, Helen’s husband Richard Warwick
Filthy Rich & Catflap – BBC 1987
Creator: Ben Elton
A series featuring theatrical agent Filthy, a resting actor Rich and his bodyguard Catflap.
Ralph Filthy Nigel Planer
Richard Rich Rik Mayall
Edward Didgeridoo Catflap Adrian Edmondson
For the Love of Ada – ITV 1970-1971
Creators: Vince Powell and Harry Driver.
The series charts the burgeoning romance between two pensioners.
Ada Cresswell Irene Handl
Walter Bingley Wilfred Pickles
Ruth Pollitt Barbara Mitchell
Leslie Pollitt Jack Smethurst
The Fosters – ITV 1976-1977
This series was adapted from the US series Good Times and was the first British sitcom to have an entirely black cast.
Samuel Foster Norman Beaton
Pearl Foster Isabelle Lucas
Vilma Carmen Munroe
Sonny Foster Lenny Henry
Shirley Foster Sharon Rosita
Benjamin Foster Lawrie Mark
Fresh Fields – ITV 1984-1986 French Fields – ITV 1989-1991
Writer: John Chapman
Hester takes up various new hobbies whilst her husband William is trying to have a quiet life. Set in Barnes
In French Fields, William and Hester relocate to France.
Hester Fields Julia McKenzie
William Fields Anton Rodgers
Nancy, Hester’s mother Fanny Rowe
Guy, Hester’s father Ballard Berkeley
The Gaffer – ITV 1981-1983
Fred Moffatt runs a small and struggling engineering firm.
Bill Maynard Fred Moffatt
Russell Hunter Harry
Game On – BBC 1983-1985
Creators: Andrew Davies and Bernadette Davis.
Three childhood friends, agoraphobic Matt, wimp Martin and man-mad Mandy share a flat in Battersea.
Theme tune: "Where I Find My Heaven" by the Gigolo Aunts.
Matthew Norman Malone Ben Chaplin (series 1)
Matthew Norman Malone Neil Stuke (series 2 & 3)
Martin Henson Matthew Cottle
Amanda "Mandy" Wilkins Samantha Womack (nee Janus)
Clare Monahan Tracy Keating
Archie Glenister Crispin Bonham-Carter
Gavin & Stacey – BBC 2007-2010
Writers: James Corden and Ruth Jones.
This sitcom followed the, initially, long-distance relationship between Gavin, who is from Billericay in Essex, and Stacey who lives in Barry, Glamorgan. A sub-plot concentrated on the even more tempestuous relationship between Gavin’s friend Smithy and Stacey’s friend Nessa.
A short-lived US remake was titled Us & Them.
Gavin Shipman Mathew Horne
Stacey Shipman (née West) Joanna Page
Neil "Smithy" Smith James Corden
Vanessa Shanessa "Nessa" Jenkins Ruth Jones
Michael "Mick" Shipman Larry Lamb
Pamela Andrea "Pam" Shipman (née Gryglaszewska) Alison Steadman
Bryn West Rob Brydon
Gwen West Melanie Walters
George and Mildred – ITV 1976-1979
Spin-off from Man About the House in which the Ropers were the landlords.
They received a compulsory purchase order from the Council and move to 46 Peacock Crescent in Hampton Wick. The Fourmile family lives next door.
The Roper’s Yorkshire Terrier is called Truffles (Truffles duBorbon Fitzwilliam III).
Mildred Roper Yootha Joyce
George Roper Brian Murphy
Tristram Fourmile Nicholas Bond-Owen
Jeffrey Fourmile Norman Eshley
Ann Fourmile Sheila Fearn
George and the Dragon – ITV 1966-1968
Writers: Harry Driver and Vince Powell.
Chauffeur George crosses swords with “battleaxe” housekeeper” Gabrielle.
George Russell Sid James
Gabrielle Dragon Peggy Mount
Colonel Maynard John le Mesurier
Get Back – ITV 1992-1993
Writers: Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.
The series features an early TV appearance by Kate Winslet as one of Ray Winstone’s daughters.
Prudence Sweet Jane Booker
Martin Sweet Ray Winstone
Loretta Sweet Carol Harrison
Albert Sweet Larry Lamb
Bernie Sweet John Bardon
Eleanor Sweet Kate Winslet
Joanna Sweet Michelle Cattini
Get Some In! – ITV 1975-1978
Writers: John Esmonde and Bob Larbey
A sitcom about National Service in the Royal Air Force.
Ken Richardson David Janson
Jakey Smith Robert Lindsay then Karl Howman
Matthew Lilley Gerard Ryder
Bruce Leckie Brian Pettifer
Corporal Percy Marsh Tony Selby
Mrs Fairfax Angela Thorne
Gimme Gimme Gimme – BBC 1999-2001
Loudmouthed Linda and gay Tom share a flat.
Linda La Hughes Kathy Burke
Tom Farrell James Dreyfus
Suze Littlewood Beth Goddard
Jez Littlewood Brian Bovell
Girls on Top – ITV 1995-1996
Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Ruby Wax and Tracey Ullman share a flat. This was a failed attempt to create a female version of The Young Ones.
Amanda Ripley Dawn French
Jennifer Marsh Jennifer Saunders
Shelley DuPont Ruby Wax
Candice Valentine Tracey Ullman
Lady Chloe Carlton Joan Greenwood
The Gnomes of Dulwich – BBC 1969
Writer: Jimmy Perry
The escapades of garden gnomes living at 25 Telegraph Road, Dulwich.
Big Terry Scott
Small Hugh Lloyd
Going Straight – BBC 1978
Writers: Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Sequel to Porridge (see below). Fletch tries to go straight after leaving prison. His erstwhile cell-mate is now his daughter’s boyfriend.
Ronnie Barker sang the theme tune.
Norman Stanley Fletcher Ronnie Barker
Lennie Godber Richard Beckinsale
Ingrid Fletcher Patricia Brake
Raymond Fletcher Nicholas Lyndhurst
The Good Life – BBC 1975-1978 (30 episodes)
Writers: Bob Larbey and John Esmonde.
Plastics designer Tom Good decides to quit the “rat race” and live a sustainable existence along with his wife Barbara. This leads to several adventures which also feature their good friends and neighbours the Leadbetters.
‘Plough your own Furrow’ – first episode
‘The Anniversary’ – last episode
They had pigs (Pinky and Perky), a goat (Geraldine) and a cockerel named Lenin.
The series was set in Surbiton but filmed in Northwood.
Esmonde and Larbey chose Felicity Kendal and Penelope Keith for the parts of Barbara and Margot after seeing them on stage together in The Norman Conquests.
Tom Good Richard Briers
Barbara Good Felicity Kendal
Margo Leadbetter (née Sturgess) Penelope Keith
Jeremy "Jerry" Leadbetter Paul Eddington
Andrew/Sir Reginald Marsh
Goodnight Sweetheart – BBC 1993-1998 (58 episodes)
Series created by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.
In 1993 television repair man Gary Sparrow walks down Duckett’s Passage and finds himself back in 1940s London during the Blitz. Keeping this time portal secret from his 1990s wife Yvonne, he strikes up a relationship with Phoebe, the barmaid (and later manager) of the “Royal Oak”. He eventually marries Phoebe and they have a son, Michael, who Gary later meets in the present day. Meanwhile Yvonne becomes a high-powered millionaire businesswoman.
During the series Gary crosses paths with George Formby, Clement Atlee, Noel Coward (played by David Benson) and Jack the Ripper (when Gary goes back in time by mistake).
It ran for 6 series and after series 3 both the actresses playing Yvonne and Phoebe (Holmes and Kirwan) moved on and were replaced (by Amos and Carling).
The vocal talents of Amos and Carling were both shown off in the series with Amos playing Marie Lloyd in the Jack the Ripper episode and Carling later releasing an album of wartime songs.
In the 1940s Gary plays many more contemporary songs on the piano and claims they are his own compositions (including a few Beatles numbers).
Gary Sparrow Nicholas Lyndhurst
Yvonne Sparrow Michelle Holmes then Emma Amos
Phoebe Bamford Dervla Kirwan then Elizabeth Carling
Ron Wheatcroft Victor McGuire
Reg Deadman Christopher Ettridge
Michael Sparrow Ian Lavender
Grandma’s House – BBC 2010-2012
Creators: Simon Amstell and Dan Swimer
Amstell plays a version of himself with each episode set at his grandmother’s house.
Simon Simon Amstell
Grandma (Lily) Linda Bassett
Grandpa (Bernie) Geoffrey Hutchings
Tanya Rebecca Front
Green Green Grass – BBC 2005-2009
Creator: John Sullivan.
This was a spin-off from Only Fools and Horses. Boycie testifies against the Driscoll brothers but they go free so Boycie, Marlene and son Tyler have to leave Peckham in order to escape retribution.
They end up on Winterdown Farm, Oakam, Shropshire.
Terrence Aubrey Boyce (Boycie) John Challis
Marlene Boyce Sue Holderness
Tyler Boyce Jack Doolan
Elgin Sparrowhawk David Ross
Bryan Ivan Kaye
Imelda Cakeworthy Ella Kenion
Green Wing – Channel 4 2004-2007
Set in the fictional East Hampton Hospital where some of the staff are eccentric whereas others are surreal.
Angela Hunter Sarah Alexander
Kim Alabaster Sally Bretton
Boyce Oliver Chris
Harriet Schulenburg Olivia Colman
Caroline Todd Tamsin Greig
Sue White Michelle Gomez
Joanna Clore Pippa Haywood
Alan Statham Mark Heap
Naughty Rachel Katie Lyons
Guy Secretan Stephen Mangan
Karen Ball Lucinda Raikes
"Mac" Macartney Julian Rhind-Tutt
The Grimleys ITV 1999-2001
The trials and tribulations of a working-class family in the Midlands.
Narrated by Darren Grimley.
Set on a council estate in Dudley in the mid-1970s.
Baz Grimley Nigel Planer
Gordon Grimley James Bradshaw
Geraldine Titley Amanda Holden
Darren Grimley Ryan Cartwright
Janet Grimley Jan Ravens
Lisa Grimley Corrieann Fletcher
Nan Grimley Barbara Keogh
Doug "Dynamo" Digby Brian Conley
Neville Holder Noddy Holder
Grownups – BBC 2006-2009
Writer: Susan Nickson.
Twenty-somethings in Manchester consider their futures.
Michelle Booth Sheridan Smith
Claire Finnerty Fiona Wass
Grant Grant Steven Meo
Alex Salade Warren Brown
Hancock's Half Hour (series 1-5)/Hancock (series 6) – BBC 1956-1961
Writers: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
Based on the radio series but with the “action” moved from 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam to Earl’s Court.
The final series included the classic episodes The Blood Donor, The Radio Ham and The Bowmans.
Anthony Aloysius Hancock Tony Hancock
Sidney Balmoral James Sid James
Happiness – BBC 2001-2003
Writers: Paul Whitehouse and David Cummings
Danny Spencer is a successful voice artist for a popular cartoon bear called Dexter.
Danny Spencer Paul Whitehouse
Terry Mark Heap
Rachel Fiona Allen
Charlie Johnny Vegas
Sid Pearce Quigley
Angus Clive Russell
Happy Ever After – BBC 1974-1979
After five series this sitcom became Terry and June (see below), with the Fletchers becoming the Medfords. The location also shifted from Ealing to Purley.
Terry Fletcher Terry Scott
June Fletcher June Whitfield
Aunt Lucy Beryl Cooke
Hardware – BBC 2003-2004
Creator: Simon Nye
The series focuses on the staff of "Hamway's Hardware Store".
Mike Martin Freeman
Kenny Peter Serafinowicz
Rex Ken Morley
Steve Ryan Cartwright
Hark at Barker – ITV 1969-1971
A combination of sitcom and sketch show set in Chrome Hall, a stately home where Lord Rustless gives a lecture every week on different topics.
Ronnie Corbett appeared in some of the sketches.
Announcer/Lord Rustless Ronnie Barker
Dithers David Jason
Badger Frank Gatliff
Mildred Bates Josephine Tewson
Effie the maid Moira Foot
Heartburn Hotel – BBC 1998-2000
Writers: John Sullivan and Steve Glover
The series focuses on the owner and the regular occupants of the Olympic Hotel, owned by ex-serviceman Harry.
Harry Springer Tim Healy
Duggie Strachen Clive Russell
Simon Thorpe Peter Gunn
Hi-de-Hi! – BBC 1980-1988 (58 episodes)
Writers: Jimmy Perry and David Croft
Set in Maplins Holiday Camp in Crimpton-on-Sea from 1959 through to the early 1960s.
Jeffrey Fairbrother, Entertainment Manager (Series 1–5) Simon Cadell
Clive Dempster, Entertainment Manager (Series 6–9) David Griffin
Gladys Pugh, Chief Yellowcoat Ruth Madoc
Ted Bovis, Camp Host Paul Shane
Spike Dixon, camp comic Jeffrey Holland
Peggy Ollerenshaw, chalet maid Su Pollard
Fred Quilley, riding instructor Felix Bowness
Yvonne Stuart-Hargreaves, dancing instructress Diane Holland
Barry Stuart-Hargreaves, dancing instructor Barry Howard
William Partridge, children's entertainer (Series 1–7) Leslie Dwyer
Uncle Sammy Morris, children's entertainer (Series 7-9) Kenneth Connor
Sylvia Garnsey Nikki Kelly
The High Life – BBC 1994-1995
The antics of the crew on Air Scotia flights from Prestwick.
Sebastian Flight Alan Cumming
Steve McCracken Forbes Masson
Shona Spurtle Siobhan Redmond
Captain Hilary Duff Patrick Ryecart
Hilary – BBC 1984-1986
Hilary is a researcher for Eagle TV.
Hilary Myers Marti Caine
George Philip Madoc
Lyn Carolyn Moody
Kimberley Jack Smethurst
The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – BBC 1981
Writer: Douglas Adams
An adaptation of the original BBC Radio 4 radio series.
Arthur Dent escapes from earth with the help of Ford Prefect, just before it is destroyed by a Vogon Constructor Fleet.
Theme music: "Journey of the Sorcerer" by The Eagles.
The Book (narrator) Peter Jones
Arthur Dent Simon Jones
Ford Prefect David Dixon
Trillian Sandra Dickinson
Zaphod Beeblebrox Mark Wing-Davey
Marvin (voice) Stephen Moore
Slartibartfast Richard Vernon
Deep Thought Valentine Dyall
Bodyguard Dave Prowse
Dish of the Day Peter Davison
Holding the Fort – ITV 1980-1982
Writers: Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.
Russell becomes a “house-husband” whilst his wife serves in the WRAC.
Russell Milburn Peter Davison
Penny Milburn Patricia Hodge
Fitzroy, or "Fitz" Matthew Kelly
Home James! – ITV 1987-1990
Jim works as a chauffeur to Robert Palmer. Sequel to Up the Elephant and Round the Castle (see below)
Jim London Jim Davidson
Robert Palmer George Sewell
Henry Compton Harry Towb
Home to Roost – ITV 1985-1990
Creator: Eric Chappell
This is an age gap comedy where divorced Henry has his peace and quiet disturbed by the arrival of his eldest son to live with him.
Henry Willows John Thaw
Matthew Willows Reece Dinsdale
Enid Thompson Elizabeth Bennett
Fiona Fennell Joan Blackham
Julie Willows Rebecca Lacey
Hot Metal – ITV 1986-1989
Writers: Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
The Daily Crucible is acquired by a new owner.
Terence "Twiggy" Rathbone/Russell Spam Robert Hardy
Harry Stringer Geoffrey Palmer
Greg Kettle Richard Kane
Bill Tytla John Gordon Sinclair
Maggie Troon Caroline Milmoe
How Do You Want Me? – BBC 1998-1999
Creator: Simon Nye
Ian elopes with Lisa but later moves to the country near her family. He becomes the village photographer.
Ian Lyons Dylan Moran
Lisa Lyons Charlotte Coleman
Astley Yardley Frank Finlay
Helen Yardley Emma Chambers
Dean Yardley Peter Serafinowicz
Pam Yardley Diana Fairfax
Warren Yardley Simon Bateson
How Not to Live Your Life – BBC 2007-2011
Writer: Dan Clark
Dan is neurotic and continually makes poor life decisions.
Donald "Don" Danbury Dan Clark
Samantha Parker Laura Haddock
Abby Jones Sinéad Moynihan
Hugh and I – BBC 1962-1967
Terry and Hugh live with Terry’s mother at 33 Lobelia Avenue, Tooting. In series 5, Hugh wins £5000 on the Premium Bonds and series 6 took place on a cruise.
Sequel Hugh and I Spy (BBC 1968) saw the pair enter the world of espionage.
Himself Terry Scott
Himself Hugh Lloyd
Mrs Scott Vi Stevens
Arthur Crispin Wallas Eaton
Ethel Crispin Mollie Sugden
Cecil Wormold Jack Haig
Griselda Wormold Patricia Hayes
Hyperdrive – BBC 2006-2007
The crew of spaceship “HMS Camden Lock” try very hard to protect British interests in the galaxy.
Space Commander Michael Henderson Nick Frost
First Officer Eduardo Pauline York Kevin Eldon
Diplomatic Officer Chloe Alice Teal Miranda Hart
Navigator Dave Vine Stephen Evans
Technical Officer Karl Jeffers Dan Antopolski
Sandstrom Petra Massey
I Didn't Know You Cared – BBC 1975-1979
Creator: Peter Tinniswood.
The series was based on Tinniswood’s books about a family in South Yorkshire.
Uncle Staveley had the ashes of Corporal Parkinson in a box around his neck. His catchphrase was "I heard that! Pardon?".
Carter Brandon Stephen Rea then Keith Drinkel
Uncle Mort Robin Bailey
Annie Liz Smith
Les John Comer
Pat Partington Anita Carey then Liz Goulding
Uncle Staveley Bert Palmer then Leslie Sarony
Auntie Lil Gretchen Franklin
I'm Alan Partridge – BBC 1997 & 2002
Alan Partridge has failed as a TV presenter and is now a DJ for Radio Norwich. In series one he is living at the Linton Travel Tavern and in the second he is in a static caravan next to the house he is having built.
TV formats Alan puts forward which are rejected by Tony Hayers, BBC commissioning editor: "Swallow", "Alan Attack!”, “Arm Wrestling with Chas and Dave”, "Knowing M.E., Knowing You", "Inner-City Sumo", “Cooking in prison”, "A Partridge Amongst the Pigeons", “Youth Hostelling with Chris Eubank" (which was used in an advert in 2015) and "Monkey Tennis".
The title of every episode contains the word "Alan".
A mockumentary sitcom, Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, aired on the web and Sky TV in 2012.
Alan Partridge Steve Coogan
Lynn Benfield Felicity Montagu
Michael Simon Greenall
Dave Clifton Phil Cornwell
Susan Foley Barbara Durkin
Sophie Sally Phillips
Ben James Lance
Sonja Amelia Bullmore
Tony Hayers David Schneider
In Sickness and in Health – BBC 1985-1992 (47 episodes)
Writer: Johnny Speight
A sequel to Till Death Us Do Part (see below).
Dandy Nichols died in February 1986 and her place as a permanent cast member was taken by Carmel McSharry.
Alfred 'Alf' Garnett (Series 1-6) Warren Mitchell
Elsie 'Else' Garnett (Series 1) Dandy Nichols
Rita Rawlins (Series 1-2) Una Stubbs
Arthur (Series 1-5) Arthur English
Winston ('Marigold') (Series 1-3) Eamonn Walker
Mrs. Camille Hollingbery (Series 2-6) Carmel McSharry
Min Reed (Series 2-5) Patricia Hayes
Gwenneth (Series 2-3) Irene Handl
Fred Johnson (Series 1-6) Ken Campbell
Harry the milkman (Series 1-6) Harry Fowler
Harry Carey (Series 4-6) Hugh Lloyd
Mrs. Carey (Series 4-6) Pat Coombs
In Loving Memory – ITV 1979-1986
Set in 1930s Yorkshire about an undertaking business run by widow Ivy and her nephew Billy.
Ivy Unsworth Thora Hird
Billy Henshaw Christopher Beeny
Amy Jenkinson Avis Bunnage
Ernie Hadfield Colin Farrell
Mary Braithwaite/Henshaw Sherrie Hewson
The Inbetweeners – E4 2008-2010
Writers: Damon Beesley and Iain Morris
A series following the lives of four teenage boys who go to Rudge Park Comprehensive.
Big screen versions: The Inbetweeners Movie (2011) and The Inbetweeners 2 (2014).
Will McKenzie Simon Bird
Simon Cooper Joe Thomas
Neil Sutherland Blake Harrison
Jay Cartwright James Buckley
Carli D'Amato Emily Head
Charlotte Hinchcliffe Emily Atack
Polly McKenzie Belinda Stewart-Wilson
Mark Donovan Henry Lloyd-Hughes
Mr. Gilbert Greg Davies
Is it Legal? – ITV 1995-1996 (series 1-2); Channel 4 1998 (series 3)
Writer: Simon Nye
Legal sitcom set in a solicitor’s office in Hounslow.
Colin Lotus Richard Lumsden
Dick Spackman (Series 1-2) Jeremy Clyde
Stella Phelps Imelda Staunton
Bob Birch Patrick Barlow
Alison Kate Isitt
Darren Matthew Ashforde
Sarah Chivers Nicole Arumugam
It Ain't Half Hot Mum – BBC 1974-1981 (56 episodes)
Writers: Jimmy Perry & David Croft.
Set in India and Burma between May and September 1945 and focuses on a Royal Artillery concert party based at Deolali.
There was some controversy as the Indian born British actor Michael Bates (who died in 1978) was cast as Indian Rangi Ram – he was “blacked-up” for the part.
Don Estelle and Windsor Davies reached #1 in the UK charts with Whispering Grass in 1975
Bearer Rangi Ram Michael Bates
Colonel Charles Reynolds Donald Hewlett
Captain Ashwood Michael Knowles
Sergeant Major 'Shut Up' Williams Windsor Davies
Bombardier 'Solly' Solomons George Layton
Gunner 'Gloria' Beaumont Melvyn Hayes
Gunner 'Lofty' Harold Sugden Don Estelle
Gunner 'Parky' Nigel Parkin Christopher Mitchell
Gunner ‘La-di-da’ 'Paderewski' Graham John Clegg
Gunner 'Atlas' Mackintosh Stuart McGugan
Gunner 'Nobby' Clark Kenneth MacDonald
Gunner 'Nosher' Evans Mike Kinsey
Char Wallah Muhammad Dino Shafeek
Punkah Wallah Rumzan Babar Bhatti
The IT Crowd – Channel 4 2006-2013
Writer: Graham Linehan
Set in the I.T. department of Reynholm Industries. Roy and Maurice are I.T. technicians, and Jen is their manager.
Roy Trenneman Chris O'Dowd
Maurice Moss Richard Ayoade
Jen Barber Katherine Parkinson
Douglas Reynholm Matt Berry
Denholm Reynholm Chris Morris
Richmond Avenal Noel Fielding
It Takes a Worried Man – ITV 1981-1982; Channel 4 1983
Philip is suffering a mid-life crisis.
Philip Roath Peter Tilbury
Liz Sue Holderness
Jam & Jerusalem – BBC 2006-2009
Creator: Jennifer Saunders
The series focuses on a Women's Guild in Clatterford St. Mary and in particular Sal and Tip.
The theme song was Kate Rusby’s cover of the Kinks’ "The Village Green Preservation Society".
Sal Vine Sue Johnston
Tip Haddem Pauline McLynn
Caroline Martin Jennifer Saunders
Rosie Bales Dawn French
Delilah Stagg Joanna Lumley
Eileen Pike Maggie Steed
Dr. James Vine David Mitchell
Natasha 'Tash' Vine Sally Phillips
Just Good Friends – BBC 1983-1986
Writer: John Sullivan.
The series follows the on-off relationship between Vince and Penny who bump into each other 5 years after he left her at the altar.
There is also a class clash between the working-class Pinner family, who have money thanks to a successful scrap metal business and the middle-class Warrender family who suffer when Norman is made redundant.
Vincent Pinner Paul Nicholas
Penny Warrender Jan Francis
Daphne Warrender Sylvia Kay
Norman Warrender John Ringham
Rita Pinner (Series 2 onwards) Ann Lynn
Les Pinner Shaun Curry
Clifford Pinner Adam French
Lennie James Lister
Keeping Up Appearances – BBC 1990-1995
Writer: Roy Clarke
Snob Hyacinth Bucket’s (which she insists is pronounced like Bouquet) attempts at climbing the social ladder are hindered by her sisters Daisy and Rose and Daisy’s husband Onslow.
Hyacinth lives at The Residence, Blossom Avenue, Binley Woods, Coventry. Her son Sheridan is never seen.
Hyacinth Bucket Patricia Routledge
Richard Bucket Clive Swift
Elizabeth 'Liz' Warden Josephine Tewson
Daisy Judy Cornwell
Onslow Geoffrey Hughes
Rose Shirley Stelfox then Mary Millar
Violet Anna Dawson
A Kind of Living – ITV 1988-1990
Schoolteacher Trevor moves to London from Bolton but eventually returns north when his wife leaves him.
Trevor Beasley Richard Griffiths
Carol Beasley Frances de la Tour
Brian Thompson Tim Healy
Linda Anita Carey
Kiss Me Kate – BBC 1998-2000
Counsellor Kate has enough problems of her own without having to deal with those of her clients and colleagues as well.
Kate Salinger Caroline Quentin
Douglas Fielding/Cameron Chris Langham
Mel Amanda Holden
Craig Chapman Darren Boyd
The Lady is a Tramp – Channel 4 1983-1984
Writer: Johnny Speight
A series about two “bag ladies”.
Old Pat Patricia Hayes
Lanky Pat Pat Coombs
The Larkins – ITV 1958-1964
The Larkins live at 66 Sycamore Street but run a café in later series.
Ada Larkin Peggy Mount
Alf David Kossoff
Eddie Shaun O'Riordan
Joyce Ruth Trouncer
Jeff Ronan O'Casey
Hetty Prout Barbara Mitchell
Major Osbert Rigby-Soames Hugh Paddick
Last of the Summer Wine – BBC 1972-2010 (295 episodes)
Writer: Roy Clarke
The seemingly endless adventures of 3 old blokes in rural Yorkshire (although the line-up changes rivaled those of the Sugababes).
Compo – short for ‘compensation’.
Pilot episode: Of Funerals and Fish
Final episode: How Not to Cry at Weddings.
Compo Simmonite Bill Owen
Norman Clegg Peter Sallis
Cyril Blamire Michael Bates
Walter "Foggy" Dewhurst Brian Wilde
Seymour Utterthwaite Michael Aldridge
Herbert "Truly of the Yard" Truelove Frank Thornton
Tom Owen Tom Simmonite
Nora Batty Kathy Staff
Walter 'Wally' Batty Joe Gladwin
Ivy Jane Freeman
Sid John Comer
Milburn, aka "Crusher" Jonathan Linsley
Wesley Pegden Gordon Wharmby
Edith "Edie" Pegden Dame Thora Hird
Glenda Wilkinson Sarah Thomas
Barry Wilkinson Mike Grady
Ros Utterthwaite Dora Bryan
Howard Sibshaw Robert Fyfe
Pearl Sibshaw Juliette Kaplan
Marina Jean Fergusson
Auntie Wainwright Jean Alexander
Clem "Smiler" Hemmingway Stephen Lewis
Lucinda Davenport Josephine Tewson
Elijah "Eli" Duckett Danny O'Dea
Nelly June Whitfield
Morton Beemish Christopher Beeny
Toby Mulberry Smith Trevor Bannister
Billy Ingleton Sir Norman Wisdom
Law and Disorder – ITV 1994
A legal comedy in which barrister Philippa often crosses swords in court with rival Gerald.
Philippa Troy Penelope Keith
Gerald Triggs Simon Williams
Lead Balloon – BBC 2006-2011
Creator: Jack Dee and Pete Sinclair
Jack Dee plays a stand-up comedian. Theme tune: Paul Weller singing One Way Road.
Rick Spleen/Richard Shaw Jack Dee
Mel, agent and partner Raquel Cassidy
Marty, co-writer Sean Power
Michael, café owner Tony Gardner
Sam, daughter Antonia Campbell-Hughes
Ben, Sam’s boyfriend Rasmus Hardiker
Magda, cleaner Anna Crilly
Clive, neighbour John Biggins
The League of Gentlemen – BBC 1999-2002
Creators: Jeremy Dyson, Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith.
A sketch show cum sitcom set in Royston Vasey (the real name of Roy 'Chubby' Brown, who played the mayor in one episode).
Catchphrases: “Hello Dave” and “You're my wife now!" (Papa Lazarou); “This is a local shop for local people” (Tubbs); “We'll have no trouble here” (Edward); “Hokey-cokey-pig-in-a-pokey” (Pauline);
Amongst others:
Reece Shearsmith plays: Edward, Ross, Geoff, Samuel, Stella and Papa Lazarou.
Steve Pemberton plays: Tubbs, Harvey, Pauline, Mike, Maurice, Dave and Herr Lipp.
Mark Gatiss plays: David, Val, Mickey, Hilary, Les McQueen, Sheila and Mama Lazarou.
Let them Eat Cake – BBC 1999
Set in 1792 in pre-Revolution France.
Colombine, Comtesse de Vache Jennifer Saunders
Lisette Dawn French
Bouffant Adrian Scarborough
Madame de Plonge Alison Steadman
Eveline de Plonge Lucy Punch
Marie Antoinette Elizabeth Berrington
Marie Antoinette's Adviser Julian Rhind-Tutt
Life of Riley – BBC 2009-2011
Maddy and Jim marry and form a family with their children from previous marriages.
Maddy Riley Caroline Quentin
Jim Riley Neil Dudgeon
Alison Weaver Heather Craney
Katy Riley Lucinda Dryzek
Danny Riley Taylor Fawcett
Life with the Lyons – BBC 1955, ITV 1956-1960
This was an early TV sitcom which was also a radio series 1950-1961. It featured a real-life family.
Himself Ben Lyon
Herself Bebe Daniels
Herself Barbara Lyon
Himself Richard Lyon
Aggie MacDonald Molly Weir
Doris Rogers Florrie Wainwright
Life without George – BBC 1987-1989
Jenny must come to terms with her husband (George) leaving her.
Larry Wade Simon Cadell
Jenny Russell Carol Royle
Mr Chambers Ronald Fraser
Amanda Rosalind March then Elizabeth Estensen
Ben Michael Thomas
Sammy Kenny Ireland then Campbell Morrison
Carol Cheryl Maiker
Josephine Selina Cadell
The Likely Lads – BBC 1964-1966
Writers: Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Set in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Two childhood friends begin life as twenty-somethings. Terry is working-class, proud of it and considered a “canny lad”, whilst Bob is looking to “improve” his lot. They work at Ellison's Electrical. In the final episode Bob tries to join the army but fails (flat feet) but Terry, who only applied to keep Bob company, joins up.
Terry Collier James Bolam
Bob Ferris Rodney Bewes
Audrey Collier, Terry’s sister Sheila Fearn
Cloughie Bartlett Mullins
Jack Don McKillop
Mrs Collier, Terry’s mum Olive Milbourn
Mr Collier, Terry’s dad Alex McDonald
The sequel Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads (BBC 1973-1974) took place after Terry’s demob from the army and return home. Bob marries librarian Thelma.
Features the episode No Hiding Place where The Lads try to avoid learning the result of an England football match before the TV highlights are shown that evening.
Cast (not in The Likely Lads, above):
Thelma Chambers Brigit Forsyth
George Chambers, Thelma's dad Bill Owen
Mrs Chambers: Thelma's mum Joan Hickson then Noel Dyson
Susan Chambers: Thelma's sister Anita Carey
A big screen version was released in 1976.
The Liver Birds – BBC 1969-1979 and 1996 (86 episodes)
Creators: Carla Lane and Myra Taylor.
Two “dolly birds” share a flat on Huskisson Street in Liverpool.
Dawn left after the first series (just 4 episodes) to be replaced by Sandra. Beryl left after series 4.
A revival series in 1996 reunited Beryl and Sandra.
The title song was sung by The Scaffold.
Sandra Hutchinson Nerys Hughes
Beryl Hennessey Polly James
Carol Boswell Elizabeth Estensen
Dawn Pauline Collins
Mrs Hennesey Sheila Fay
Mrs Hutchinson Mollie Sugden
Lucien Boswell Michael Angelis
Lollipop Loves Mr Mole – ITV 1971-1972
Writer: Jimmy Perry.
Married late in life, Maggie and Reg must cope with the arrival of Reg’s brother Bruce and his wife Violet.
Maggie Robinson “Lollipop” Peggy Mount
Reg Robinson “Mr. Mole” Hugh Lloyd
Bruce Robinson Rex Garner
Violet Robinson Pat Coombs
Love thy Neighbour – ITV 1972-1976 (54 episodes)
Creators: Vince Powell and Harry Driver.
A distinctly non-politically correct sitcom in which the Reynolds (black, Conservative) move in next door to the Booths (white, working class). The terms used by the men-folk to address each other will not be repeated here.
Eddie Booth Jack Smethurst
Joan Booth Kate Williams
Bill Reynolds Rudolph Walker
Barbie Reynolds Nina Baden-Semper
The Lovers – ITV 1970-1971
Creator: Jack Rosenthal.
In this series Geoffrey (aka Geoffrey, bubbles bon bon to Beryl) spent most of his time unsuccessfully trying to get Beryl into bed (for a bit of Percy Filth).
Geoffrey Scrimshaw Richard Beckinsale
Beryl Battersby Paula Wilcox
Mrs Battersby Joan Scott
Roland Lomax Robin Nedwell
The Magnificent Evans – BBC 1984
Writer: Roy Clarke
Evans is a Welsh photographer.
Plantagenet Evans Ronnie Barker
Rachel Harris, Evans's fiancée Sharon Morgan
Bron Myfanwy Talog
Man about the House – ITV 1973-1976
Creators: Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer.
Robin is asleep in the bath after a farewell party for Chrissy and Jo’s flatmate Eleanor. The girls then insist he moves in on a strictly platonic basis. George Roper is the landlord, and is married to Mildred
Two spin-off series: George and Mildred (see above) and Robin's Nest (see below).
The US version was known as Three’s Company.
Robin Oswald Tripp Richard O'Sullivan
Chrissy Plummer Paula Wilcox
Jo Sally Thomsett
Mildred Roper Yootha Joyce
George Roper Brian Murphy
Larry Simmonds Doug Fisher
The Many Wives of Patrick – ITV 1976-1978
Writer: Richard Waring.
Much married Patrick Woodford is contemplating divorcing his sixth wife.
Patrick Woodford Patrick Cargill
Harold Randall Robin Parkinson
David Woodford Patrick Ryecart
Elizabeth Woodford Ursula Howells
Helen Woodford Elizabeth Counsell
Nancy Grenville Elspet Gray
Madeline Woodford Julie Dawn Cole
Amanda Woodford Wendy Padbury
The Marriage Lines – BBC 1961-1966
Writer: Richard Waring.
Newly married George and Kate approach married life with some trepidation.
George Starling Richard Briers
Kate Starling Prunella Scales
May to December – BBC 1989-1994
Widowed solicitor Alec handles gym-mistress Zoë’s divorce and romance blossoms between them, despite the age gap. Set in Pinner.
The lyrics of the Anderson-Weill song "September Song", which is sung over the end credits, contain the title of the show.
Alec Callender Anton Rodgers
Zoë Eve Matheson (series 1-2)
Zoë Lesley Dunlop (series 3-6)
Miles Henty Clive Francis
Jamie Callender Paul Venables
Simone Callender Carolyn Pickles
Vera Flood Frances White
Hillary Rebecca Lacey
Debbie Chrissie Cotterill
Dot Kate Williams
Rosie Ashley Jensen
Me and My Girl – ITV 1984-1988
Widower Simon, who runs an advertising agency called Eyecatchers, faces up to raising his adolescent daughter Samantha.
The theme song was written and performed by Peter Skellern.
Simon Harrap Richard O'Sullivan
Derek Yates Tim Brooke-Taylor
Nell Cresset Joan Sanderson
Samantha Harrap Joanne Ridley
Me Mammy – BBC 1968-1971
Bachelor Bunjy’s problems with his mother and girlfriend.
Benjamin "Bunjy" Kennefick Milo O'Shea
Mrs Kennefick Anna Manahan
Miss Argyll Yootha Joyce
Meet the Wife – BBC 1963-1966
Freddie is a plumber who likes to be sociable. Thora is hoping that a working class life can be improved upon.
Freddie Blacklock Freddie Frinton
Thora Blacklock Thora Hird
The Melting Pot – BBC 1975
Writer: Spike Milligan and Neil Shand
Bird and Milligan play father and son Pakistani illegal immigrants who end up in a multi-racial boarding house with stereotypical characters. It was cancelled after one episode.
Mr. Van Gogh Spike Milligan
Mr Rembrandt John Bird
Men Behaving Badly – ITV 1992-1994, BBC 1994-1998
Writer: Simon Nye.
Gary and Dermot (series 1)/Tony (series 2-6) share a flat. Dermot/Tony fancy neighbour Deborah. Gary is seeing Dorothy. Neither is really boyfriend material.
Gary Strang Martin Clunes
Tony Smart Neil Morrissey
Dermot Povey Harry Enfield
Deborah Burton Leslie Ash
Dorothy Caroline Quentin
George Ian Lindsay
Anthea Valerie Minifie
Les Dave Atkins
Ken John Thomson
Mind Your Language – ITV 1977-1986
Creator: Vince Powell
Jeremy teaches English as a foreign language to students who are cartoonish stereotypes of the various nationalities.
Mr Jeremy Brown Barry Evans
Miss Dolores Courtney Zara Nutley
Giovanni Capello George Camiller
Anna Schmidt Jacki Harding
Juan Cervantes Ricardo Montez
Ranjeet Singh Albert Moses
Chung Su-Lee Pik-Sen Lim
Tarō Nagazumi Robert Lee
Maximillian Andrea Archimedes Papandrious Kevork Malikyan
Danielle Favre Françoise Pascal
Ali Nadim Dino Shafeek
Jameela Ranjhat Jamila Massey
Ingrid Svenson Anna Bergman
Zoltán Szabó Gabor Vernon
Miranda – BBC 2009-2015
Writer: Miranda Hart
Socially awkward Miranda, who runs a joke shop with her friend Stevie, spends a lot of time trying to romance Gary.
Miranda Miranda Hart
Gary Preston Tom Ellis
Stevie Sutton Sarah Hadland
Penny, Miranda's mother Patricia Hodge
Tilly Sally Phillips
Clive Evans James Holmes
Michael Jackford Bo Poraj
Miss Jones and Son – ITV 1977-1978
Creator: Richard Waring
A daring, for the time, sitcom about a single mother. A US made version was Miss Winslow and Son.
Paula Wilcox Elizabeth Jones
Christopher Beeny Geoffrey
Mrs. Brown's Boys – BBC 2011-
Writer: Brendan O'Carroll
Based on O’Carroll’s character which he has developed through stage and radio work.
Agnes Brown Brendan O'Carroll
Cathy Brown Jennifer Gibney
Grandad Brown Dermot O'Neill
Dermot Brown Paddy Houlihan
Winnie McGoogan Eilish O'Carroll
Betty Brown Amanda Woods
Rory Brown Rory Cowan
Maria Brown Fiona O'Carroll
Mark Brown Pat Shields
Mr Digby, Darling – ITV 1969-1971
Thelma looks after her boss Mr Digby at Rid-O-Rat pest exterminators very well.
Roland Digby Peter Jones
Thelma Teesdale Sheila Hancock
Mixed Blessings – ITV 1978-1980
Creator: Sid Green
An inter-racial marriage faces disapproval.
Thomas Simpson Christopher Blake
Susan Lambert Muriel Odunton
Edward Simpson George Waring
Annie Simpson Sylvia Kay
William Lambert Stefan Kalipha
Matilda Lambert Carmen Munroe
Aunt Dorothy Joan Sanderson
Moone Boy – Sky 2012-
Martin Moone is the only son of a family living in Boyle, County Roscommon. He has an imaginary friend, Seán who helps him get through life’s little problems.
The song over the opening credits is Where's Me Jumper by The Sultans of Ping FC.
Seán Murphy Chris O'Dowd
Martin Paul Kenny Dalglish Moone David Rawle
Debra Moone Deirdre O'Kane
Liam Moone Peter McDonald
Trisha Moone Aoife Duffin
Fidelma Moone Clare Monnelly
Sinéad Moone Sarah White
Francie "Touchy" Fehily Steve Coogan
Crunchie Haystacks Johnny Vegas
Mountain Goats – BBC 2015-
A sitcom following the adventures of a group of mountain rescue volunteers in the Scottish Highlands. The original title was Miller’s Mountain.
Jimmy Miller Jimmy Chisholm
Bernie Kathryn Howden
Bill David Ireland
Conor Kevin Mains
Jules Sharon Rooney
Moving – ITV 1985
Frank and Sarah Gladwyn decide to move once the children have flown the nest but things do not go to plan.
The series was adapted from a stage play of the same name.
Sarah Gladwyn Penelope Keith
Frank Gladwyn Ronald Pickup
Liz Ford Prunella Gee
Jimmy Ryan Roger Lloyd-Pack
Jane Gladwyn Barbara Wilshere
My Family – BBC 2000-2011
A sitcom about dentist Ben, tour guide Susan and their dysfunctional family who live at 78 Lancaster Road, Chiswick.
Ben Harper Robert Lindsay
Susan Harper Zoë Wanamaker
Michael Harper Gabriel Thomson
Janey Harper Daniela Denby-Ashe
Roger Bailey Keiron Self
Abi Harper Siobhan Hayes
Nick Harper Kris Marshall
My Good Friend – ITV 1995-1996
Writer: Bob Larbey
Pensioner Peter moves out of his daughter’s home and moves into the same lodgings as fellow pensioner Harry.
Peter Banks George Cole
Harry King Richard Pearson
Ellie Minnie Driver then Lesley Vickerage
Betty Matilda Ziegler then Annabelle Apsion
Miss Byron Joan Sims
My Good Woman – ITV 1972-1974
Clive is married to a charity junkie who is constantly doing-good, possibly to the detriment of her marriage.
Clive Gibbons Leslie Crowther
Sylvia Gibbons Sylvia Syms
Reverend Martin Hooper Richard Wilson
Philip Broadmore Keith Barron
Bob Berris Glyn Houston
My Hero – BBC 2000-2006 (51 episodes)
Creator: Paul Mendelson
A sci-fi sitcom which sees superhero Thermoman from the planet Ultron marry mortal Janet Dawkins. They have two super-powered children Ollie and Cassie.
George Eamonn Sunday/Thermoman Ardal O'Hanlon
Dr George Monday/Thermoman James Dreyfus (final series)
Janet Charlotte Sunday/Dawkins Emily Joyce
Apollo "Ollie" Sunday Finlay Stroud (voice)
Cassandra "Cassie" Sunday Madeline Mortimer (voice)
Dr Piers Crispin Hugh Dennis
Arnie Kowalski Lou Hirsch
Mrs Raven Geraldine McNulty
Stanley Dawkins Tim Wylton
Ella Dawkins Lill Roughley
Tyler Philip Whitchurch
My Husband and I – ITV 1987-1988
Nora’s husband George becomes commissionaire at the firm where she works.
Nora Powers Mollie Sugden
George Powers William Moore
Bambi Bamber Deddie Davies
Tracy Cosgrove Carol Hawkins
My Wife Next Door – BBC 1972
Writer: Richard Waring
George and Suzie divorce and make separate moves to the country only to find themselves in neighbouring cottages.
George Basset John Alderton
Suzie Basset Hannah Gordon
Nearest and Dearest – ITV 1968-1973
Brother and sister Eli and Nellie share control of the Pledge’s Purer Pickles factory
Nellie Pledge Hylda Baker
Eli Baker Jimmy Jewel
Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width – ITV 1967-1971 (41 episodes)
Jewish and Catholic tailors share a business.
Manny Cohen John Bluthal
Patrick Kelly Joe Lynch
Rabbi Levy Cyril Shaps
Father Ryan Eamon Kelly
The New Statesman – ITV 1987, 1989-1992; BBC 1988 and 1994
Alan B’Stard is a scheming Conservative backbencher, and MP for Haltemprice in North Yorkshire. He was the youngest MP at the age of 31, and has a 27,000 vote majority. Piers Fletcher-Dervish is B’Stard’s parliamentary scapegoat.
The show's theme tune is an arrangement of part of the Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky
Alan Beresford B’Stard Rik Mayall
Sarah B’Stard Marsha Fitzalan
Piers Fletcher-Dervish Michael Troughton
Next of Kin – BBC 1995-1997
Retired Maggie and Andrew become legal guardians of their three grandchildren after their son and daughter-in-law are killed in a car crash.
Maggie Prentice Penelope Keith
Andrew Prentice William Gaunt
Georgia Prentice Ann Gosling
Philip Prentice Matthew Clarke
Jake Prentice Jamie Lucraft
Liz Tracie Bennett
Tom Mark Powley
Rosie Buckingham Wanda Ventham
Hugh Buckingham Timothy Carlton
Nighty Night – BBC 2004-2005
Writer: Julia Davis
The show follows Jill Tyrell, who manages a beauty parlour alongside her assistant Linda, as she learns that her husband Terry has cancer.
Jill Tyrell Julia Davis
Terry Kevin Eldon
Linda Ruth Jones
Cathy Cole, Jill’s neighbour who has multiple sclerosis Rebecca Front
Don Cole, Cathy’s husband Angus Deayton.
No, Honestly – ITV 1974-1975
The show featured the real-life married couple of John Alderton and Pauline Collins, who look back to the early days of their courtship and marriage. CD is a comic actor. Clara is a children’s novelist and author of the Ollie the Otter books.
The theme song was written and performed by Lynsey De Paul.
Charles ‘CD’ Danby John Alderton
Clara Danby Pauline Collins
No Job for a Lady – ITV 1990-1992
Newly elected Labour MP Jean has to balance her new job with her home life.
Jean Price MP Penelope Keith
Geoff Price Mark Kingston
Norman, whip Garfield Morgan
Ken Miller Paul Young
Sir Godfrey Eagan MP George Baker
Freddy Brogden Miller
No Place Like Home – BBC 1983-1987
The four children (Lorraine, Nigel, Paul and Tracy) of Arthur and Beryl Crabtree all leave home, then return. Their neighbours are Trevor and Vera Botting
Arthur Crabtree William Gaunt
Beryl Crabtree Patricia Garwood
Nigel Crabtree Martin Clunes
No Problem! – Channel 4 1983-1985
Channel 4’s first sitcom focused on a family of Jamaican heritage, the Powells, living in a council house in Willesden Green.
Directed by Micky Dolenz of The Monkees
Bellamy Victor Romero Evans
Beast Malcolm Frederick
Sensimilia Judith Jacob
Angel Janet Kay
No – That’s Me Over Here – ITV 1967-1970
Creators: Barry Cryer, Graham Chapman and Eric Idle
Ronnie Corbett's first acting starring role.
Ronnie, married to Laura, is a suburban commuter who works in an insurance company with his snooty neighbour Cyril.
Ronnie Ronnie Corbett
Laura Rosemary Leach
Cyril Henry McGee
Not Going Out – BBC 2006-
Writer: Lee Mack
In the first series Lee became the lodger of Tim’s ex-girlfriend Kate. After Kate returns to America, from the second series onwards his landlady became Tim’s sister Lucy.
The driving force behind the series is the unspoken attraction between Lee and Lucy.
Miranda Hart played an accident prone cleaner who encourages Lee in his pursuit of Lucy.
Lee Lee Mack
Lucy Adams Sally Bretton
Timothy Gladstone Adams Tim Vine
Barbara Miranda Hart
Daisy Katy Wix
Geoffrey Adams Timothy West, then Geoffrey Whitehead
Wendy Adams Deborah Grant
Frank Bobby Ball
Toby Hugh Dennis
Anna Abigail Cruttenden
Guy Simon Dutton
Kate Megan Dodds
Not in Front of the Children – BBC 1967-1970
Creator: Richard Waring
This was Wendy Craig’s first role as a harassed middle class housewife. Her husband Henry was an art teacher, and they had three children (Robin, Trudi and Amanda). Set in Battersea.
The series started as a one-off Comedy Playhouse pilot House in a Tree.
Jennifer Corner Wendy Craig
Henry Corner Paul Daneman, then Ronald Hines
Not with a Bang – ITV 1990
The series followed the fortunes of the only four human survivors of a deadly chemical agent which was released by accident a year earlier. One of the survivors was in a soundproof booth at a pub quiz (!) when the chemical reached his local.
Graham Wilkins Mike Grady
Janet Wilkins Josie Lawrence
Brian Appleyard Ronald Pickup
Colin Garrity Stephen Rea
The Office – BBC 2001-2003 (12 episodes + 2 Christmas specials)
Created, written, and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
The series explores the lives of office employees in the Slough branch of the Wernham Hogg Paper Company.
The theme song is Handbags and Gladrags, arranged by Big George and originally written by Mike D'Abo of Manfred Mann.
David Brent, Office manager Ricky Gervais.
Tim Canterbury, sales rep Martin Freeman
Gareth Keenan, Assistant to the Regional Manager Mackenzie Crook
Dawn Tinsley, receptionist Lucy Davis
Keith Bishop, accountant Ewan Macintosh
Chris Finch, salesman Ralph Ineson
Jennifer Taylor-Clarke, supervisor Stirling Gallagher
Lee, Dawn’s fiancé Joel Beckett
Oh Brother! – BBC 1968-1970
The series was set in Mountacres Priory, with Derek Nimmo cast as the well-meaning but inept novice Brother Dominic. It was basically a successor to All Gas and Gaiters (see above).
Oh, Brother! was followed by a sequel Oh, Father! (BBC 1973), starring Derek Nimmo as Father Dominic.
Brother Dominic Derek Nimmo
Father Anselm Felix Aylmer
Father Matthew Derek Francis
Oh No, It’s Selwyn Froggitt! – ITV 1974-1978
Creator: Roy Clarke.
Selwyn Froggitt was a council labourer, Scarsdale Working Men’s Club secretary, and hapless handyman. He lived with his mother and brother Maurice. Vera Parkinson was Maurice’s girlfriend.
Catchphrases: Selwyn's "Magic!" accompanied by two thumbs up; and his usual order at the club was, "A pint of cooking and a bag of nuts"
Spin-off series: Selwyn.
Selwyn Froggitt Bill Maynard
Mrs Froggitt Megs Jenkins
Maurice Froggitt Robert Keegan
Vera Parkinson Rosemary Davies then Lynda Baron
On the Buses – ITV 1969-1973 (74 episodes)
Creators: Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney.
Stan Butler was a driver for Luxton Bus Company, working with Jack the conductor on the No. 11 route to the cemetery gates
Inspector Blake (known as Blakey) catchphrase – "I ‘ate you, Butler"
It spawned three feature spin off films.
Spin-off series – Don’t Drink the Water. Blakey moves to a retirement home in Spain.
Stan Butler Reg Varney
Jack Harper Bob Grant
Inspector Cyril Blake Stephen Lewis
Olive Rudge, Stan’s sister Anna Karen
Arthur Rudge, Olive’s husband Michael Robbins
Mabel Butler, Stan’s mother Cicely Courtneidge then Doris Hare
On The Up – BBC 1990-1992
Writer: Bob Larbey.
Tony Carpenter is a self-made millionaire who owns a car hire company (TC Luxury Cars) in Esher. His wife Ruth is upper class and hates Tony’s down-market behaviour. He has three domestic staff: Sam (butler and chauffeur), Maggie (Secretary), and Mrs Wembley (cook).
Catchphrase: "Just the one", Mrs Wembley when offered a sherry.
Dennis Waterman wrote and sang the closing theme song.
Tony Carpenter Dennis Waterman
Ruth Carpenter Judy Buxton
Sam Sam Kelly
Maggie Lomax Jenna Russell
Mrs Fiona Wembley Joan Sims
One Foot in the Grave – BBC 1990-2000 (42 episodes)
Writer: David Renwick.
Victor Meldrew is an irascible pensioner who retired from his job as a security guard. He was killed by a car driven by Hannah Gordon in the final episode.
The series was filmed in Christchurch.
Theme tune written and sung by Eric Idle.
Victor’s catchphrase – "I don't believe it!"
Victor Meldrew Richard Wilson
Margaret Meldrew, Victor’s wife Annette Crosby
Jean Warboys, Margaret’s friend Doreen Mantle
Patrick Trench, neighbour Angus Deayton
Pippa Trench, Patrick’s wife Janine Diuvitski
Nick Swainey, neighbour Owen Brenman
Only Fools and Horses – BBC 1981-2003 (64 episodes)
Writer: John Sullivan.
Original title: Readies.
Song over closing credits: Hooky Street. Original theme music written by Ronnie Hazlehurst.
The 1996 episode Time On Our Hands holds the record for the highest UK audience for a sitcom episode, with 24 million viewers. A Harrison "lesser watch" is sold at auction at Sotheby’s for £6 million.
The Trotter family live at 386 Nelson Mandela House on the Nyerere estate in Peckham.
Trigger’s real name is Colin Ball. He calls Rodney "Dave". Trigger’s broom paradox – Trigger declares he has won an award for keeping the same broom for 20 years – "17 new heads and 14 new handles".
A spin-off series, The Green Green Grass, ran for four series in the UK from 2005 to 2009 (see above). A prequel, Rock & Chips, ran for three specials in 2010 and 2011.
Derek Trotter David Jason
Rodney Trotter Nicholas Lyndhurst
Grandad Lennard Pearce (died in 1984)
Uncle Albert Buster Merryfield (died in 1999)
Raquel Tessa Peake-Jones
Cassandra Gwyneth Strong
Trigger Roger Lloyd-Pack
Boycie John Challis
Marlene Boyce Sue Holderness
Denzil Tulser Paul Barber
Mickey Pearce Patrick Murray
Mike Fisher, Landlord of the Nag’s Head Kenneth MacDonald
Only When I Laugh – ITV 1979-1982
Writer: Eric Chapple
The squabbles of three long-stay hospital patients.
Theme song: H.A.P.P.Y.
Roy Figgis James Bolam
Archie Glover Peter Bowles
Norman Binns Christopher Strauli
Dr Gordon Thorpe Richard Wilson
Nurse Gupte Derrick Branche
Open All Hours – BBC 1976-1985
Writer: Roy Clarke
Set in a grocer's shop in Balby, a suburb of Doncaster.
Arkwright is a miserly shopkeeper who lusts after Nurse Gladys Emmanuel. Granville is his nephew and put-upon errand boy.
Developed from a pilot broadcast in Ronnie Barker's comedy series Seven of One (1973).
Sequel: Still Open All Hours (BBC 2013-) with Granville and his son Leroy running the shop he inherited from Arkwright.
Albert Arkwright Ronnie Barker
Granville David Jason
Nurse Gladys Emmanuel Lynda Baron
Delphine Featherstone Stephanie Cole
Mrs. Blewett Kathy Staff
Milk woman Barbara Flynn
The Other ‘Arf – ITV 1980-1984
Upper class Conservative MP Charles Latimer begins a relationship with working class cockney Lorraine Watts.
Charles Latimer John Standing
Lorraine Watts Lorraine Chase
Our House – ITV 1960-1962
Based on the premise of nine people of differing backgrounds sharing a house together
The main writer of the programme was Norman Hudis, who wrote the first six Carry On films
Georgina Ruddy Hattie Jacques
Simon Willow Charles Hawtrey
Daisy Burke Joan Sims
Outnumbered – BBC 2007-2014
Creators: Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin.
Centred on the Brockmans, a middle-class family living in Chiswick. Pete is a history teacher at an inner city school and Sue is a part-time personal assistant. It is shot on location in Wandsworth.
Pete Hugh Dennis
Sue Claire Skinner
Jake Tyger Drew-Honey
Ben Daniel Roche
Karen Ramona Marquez
Angela, Sue’s sister Samantha Bond
Outside Edge – ITV 1994-1996
Set at Brent Park Cricket Club. The real focus was on class, sex, and marital harmony. Spin-off from a stage play
Roger Dervish, Club captain Robert Daws
Miriam Dervish, Roger’s wife Brenda Blethyn
Kevin Costello, spin bowler Timothy Spall
Maggie Costello, Kevin’s wife Josie Lawrence
Pardon the Expression – ITV 1965-1966
A spin-off from Coronation Street. Formerly the manager of the fashion retail store Gamma Garments in Coronation Street, in this series Leonard Swindley is the deputy manager of the department store Dobson and Hawks. His boss was Ernest Parbold.
Leonard Swinley Arthur Lowe
Ernest Parbold Paul Dawkins then Robert Dorning
Canteen lady Betty Driver
Spin-off (of a spin-off): Turn out the Lights (ITV 1967) – Swindley and Hunt have been sacked from Dobson and Hawks and now they study supernatural events around the country.
Wally Hunt Robert Dorning
Peep Show – Channel 4 2003- (48 episodes to date)
The series follows the lives of two men from their twenties to thirties.
Mark marries Sophie. His flatmate in Croydon is Jez. Mark is initially a loan manager at the fictional JLB Credit, later becoming a waiter and then a bathroom supplies salesman. Jez is an unemployed would-be musician.
Sophie Winkleman, the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor, plays Big Suze.
Mark Corrigan David Mitchell
Jeremy 'Jez' Usborne Robert Webb
Sophie Chapman Olivia Colman
Super Hans, Jeremy's band-mate Matt King
Alan Johnson, Mark's boss Paterson Joseph
Jeff Heaney, Mark's workmate Neil Fitzmaurice
Phoenix Nights – Channel 4 2001-2002
Sitcom about The Phoenix Club, a working men's club in Farnworth, Bolton, which is owned by Brian Potter.
Peter Kay's line – "Garlic bread, it's the future, I've tasted it" – was named the greatest one-liner in TV comedy history.
Spin-off series Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere (2004) follows the Bolton doormen/bouncers Maxwell "Max" Bygraves (Peter Kay) and Patrick "Paddy" O'Shea (Paddy McGuinness) as they travel around Britain in their campervan.
Brian Potter Peter Kay
Jerry 'St. Clair' Dignan, club compere Dave Spikey
Ray Von, club handyman and DJ Neil Fitzmaurice
Patrick "Paddy" O'Shea Paddy McGuinness
Phone Shop – Channel 4 2010-
The interactions of the staff and customers of a mobile phone shop in Sutton.
Jerwayne Javone Prince
Christopher Tom Bennett
Ashley Andrew Brooke
Janine Emma Fryer
Lance Martin Trenaman
Shelley Juliet Cowan then Susannah Wise
Razz Kayvan Novak
The Piglet Files – ITV 1990-1992
The programme follows the life of reluctant MI5 agent Peter ‘Piglet’ Chapman.
Peter Chapman Nicholas Lyndhurst
Sarah Chapman, Peter’s wife Serena Evans
Major Maurice Drummond Clive Francis
Major Andrew Maxwell John Ringham
Please Sir! – LWT 1968-1972 (55 episodes)
Creators: John Esmonde and Bob Larbey.
Bernard Hedges is a recent graduate and an English and History teacher at Fenn Street Secondary Modern, where he teaches class 5C.
Spin-off series The Fenn Street Gang featured the original pupils.
Bernard “Privet” Hedges John Alderton
Norman Potter, school caretaker Derek Guyler
Doris Ewell, deputy headmaster Joan Sanderson
Mr Cromwell, headmaster Noel Howlett
Mr Price Richard Davies
Plebs – ITV 2013-
A sitcom set in a rather stereotypical Ancient Rome which features orgies, gladiators and chariot races. Marcus and Stylax share a flat in a tenement with their lazy slave Grumio. Next door to them live an aspiring actress Cynthia and her abrasive British slave Metella.
Marcus Gallow Tom Rosenthal
Stylax Urastaques Joel Fry
Grumio Ryan Sampson
Cynthia Cogidubna Sophie Colquhoun
Metella Lydia Rose Bewley
Flavia Doon Mackichan
Aurelius Tom Basden
Landlord Karl Theobald
Porridge – BBC 1974-1977
Writers: Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Fletcher, from Muswell Hill, is sent to HMP Slade, a fictional prison in Cumberland, alongside his cellmate, Godber, from Birmingham serving his first sentence. Mr Mackay is the chief warder, from Glasgow. His subordinate, Mr Barrowclough, is more sympathetic and prone to manipulation.
Ronnie Barker recommended Paul Henry to play the part of Godber.
Going Straight: sequel to Porridge (see above)
Seven of One: first series that Norman Stanley Fletcher appeared in, in the episode Prisoner and Escort.
Opening words: "Norman Stanley Fletcher, you have pleaded guilty to the charges brought by this court, and it is now my duty to pass sentence. You are an habitual criminal, who accepts arrest as an occupational hazard, and presumably accepts imprisonment in the same casual manner. We therefore feel constrained to commit you to the maximum term allowed for these offences — you will go to prison for five years."
Norman Stanley Fletcher Ronnie Barker
Lennie Godber Richard Beckinsale
Mr Mackay Fulton Mackay
Mr Barrowclough Brian Wilde
Harry Grout Peter Vaughan
Lukewarm Christopher Biggins
McLaren Tony Osoba
Warren Sam Kelly
Blanco Webb David Jason
Ives Ken Jones
Geoffrey Venables, prison Governor Michael Barrington
Mrs Hesketh (the Governor's secretary) Madge Hindle
Ingrid Fletcher, Fletcher’s daughter Patricia Brake
Potter – BBC 1979-1983
Writer: Roy Clarke
Redvers Potter is a busybody former sweet manufacturer ("Pottermints – the hotter mints"). Following retirement, Potter tries to keep himself occupied by interfering in other people's business.
Arthur Lowe died after series 2 and was replaced by Robin Bailey.
Redvers Potter Arthur Lowe, then Robin Bailey
Aileen Potter, his wife Noel Dyson
The Vicar John Barron
Harry Tooms, ex-gangster Harry H. Corbett
Queenie's Castle – ITV 1970-1972
Writers: Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall.
Set in a tower block in Leeds.
Queenie Shepherd Diana Dors
Raymond Herbert Shepherd Freddie Fletcher
Bernard Anthony "Bunny" Shepherd Brian Marshall
Douglas Fairbanks Shepherd Barrie Rutter
Jack Henry Shepherd Tony Caunter
Mrs. Blakely Kathy Staff
Rab C. Nesbitt – BBC 1988-1999 and 2008-2014 (66 episodes in total)
Nesbitt is as an alcoholic (although not in the revival series) Glaswegian from Govan who sees unemployment as a lifestyle choice. His trademark fashion choice is a string vest and headband.
The character first appeared in the sketch show Naked Video.
Rab C. Nesbitt Gregor Fisher
Mary “Mary Doll” Nesbitt, Rab’s wife Elaine C. Smith
Gash Nesbitt, elder son Andrew Fairlie
Burney Nesbitt, younger son Eric Cullen
James Aaron “Jamesie” Cotter, longtime friend Tony Roper
Ella Cotter, Jamesie’s wife Barbara Rafferty
The Rag Trade – BBC 1961-1963 and ITV 1977-1978
Creators: Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney.
Set in the East End clothing workshop of Fenner Fashions, owned by Harold Fenner. The female workers are led by militant shop steward Paddy Fleming, ever ready to strike, with the catchphrase "Everybody out!"
The series was revived on LWT in 1977 re-using some of the earlier scripts and with a theme tune written and performed by Lynsey De Paul.
1961 cast:
Harold Fenner Peter Jones
Reg Turner, foreman Reg Varney
Paddy Fleming, shop steward Miriam Karlin
Carole Taylor Sheila Hancock
Judy Barbara Windsor
Shirley Wanda Ventham
1977 cast:
Mr. Fenner Peter Jones
Paddy Miriam Karlin
Tony Christopher Beeny
Kathy Diane Langton
Olive Rudge Anna Karen
Lyn Gillian Taylforth
Red Dwarf – BBC 1988-1999, Dave 2009 and 2012- (61 episodes in total to date)
Creators: Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.
The series is based on Dave Hollins: Space Cadet in the Radio 4 sketch show Son of Cliché.
It is the 22nd century and on mining spaceship Red Dwarf operated by the Jupiter Mining Corporation Dave Lister emerges from stasis after 3 million years only to discover that the rest of the crew had died after a radiation leak of cadmium II shortly after he went into suspended animation. His only companions are the ship’s computer, a hologram and a humanoid cat which had evolved from his pet cat Frankenstein. He is also the last human male in the universe.
Kryten (an android) first appears in series II. Kristine Kochanski was initially a Red Dwarf navigation officer whom Lister had a crush on.
For two series the crew transferred to the smaller Starbug after Red Dwarf was stolen.
Rimmer has an alter ego: Ace Rimmer (“What a guy!”). His catchphrase is “"Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!". Cat’s alter ego is dorky Dwayne Dibley.
The ship is maintained by skutters – motorized robots.
Red Dwarf Magazine is the “Smegazine”.
Dave Lister Craig Charles
Arnold Judas Rimmer, a hologram Chris Barrie
Cat Danny John-Jules
Holly, the ships' computer Norman Lovett then Hattie Hayridge
Kryten Robert Llewellyn
Kristine Kochanski Clare Grogan then Chloë Annett
Rev. – BBC 2010-2014
Anglican priest Adam Smallbone moves from a small rural Suffolk parish to St Saviour in the Marshes in Hackney. His wife, Alex, is a solicitor.
Adam Smallbone Tom Hollander
Alexandra Smallbone Olivia Colman
Colin Lambert Steve Evets
Nigel McCall Miles Jupp
Rings on Their Fingers – BBC 1978-1980
Writer: Richard Waring.
Unmarried couple Oliver and Sandy have slightly different views of the future: Sandy wants to get married whereas Oliver is happy to remain single. The woman wins in the end.
Oliver Pryde Martin Jarvis
Sandy Bennett Diane Keen
Rising Damp – ITV 1974-1978
Writer: Eric Chappell.
Chappell adapted the series from his 1971 stage play, The Banana Box. In the play the landlord was called Rooksby.
Rigsby is the seedy landlord of a rundown Victorian townhouse let out as bedsits (probably in Yorkshire).
He pursues a romantic relationship with Miss Jones.
His cat is named Vienna.
Philip is from Croydon and claims to be the son of an African Chief.
Rupert Rigsby Leonard Rossiter
Ruth Jones, spinster and college administrator Frances de la Tour
Alan Moore, medical student Richard Beckinsale
Philip Smith, planning student Don Warrington
Brenda, tenant when Miss Jones is away Gabrielle Rose
The River – BBC 1988
London-born ex-convict Davey Jackson is lock keeper on the canal near the village of Chumley-on-the-Water. He is enjoying this quiet existence until the arrival of Sarah MacDonald. The love-hate relationship between Davey and Sarah blossoms into a shaky romance, their potential happiness often spoiled by the machinations of Davey's grumpy Aunty Betty.
The series was filmed at Wootton Rivers, Wiltshire.
David Essex wrote and performed the theme song (reached #97 in the charts).
Davey Jackson David Essex
Sarah MacDonald Katy Murphy
Aunty Betty Vilma Hollingbery
Colonel Danvers David Ryall
Robin’s Nest – ITV 1977-1981 (48 episodes)
Writers: Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer.
Robin Tripp, one of the lead characters in the sitcom, Man About the House, and his girlfriend Vicky run a bistro in Fulham called Robin’s Nest. Robin is the chef, and Vicky’s father, James, is his business partner.
Robin Tripp Richard O’Sullivan
Vicky Nicholls Tessa Wyatt
James Nicholls Tony Britton
Arnold Riddle, one-armed Irish kitchen hand David Kelly
Romany Jones – ITV 1972-1975
This series focused on two work-shy families living on a caravan site.
After James Beck’s death in 1973, the Jones family was replaced by the Crichton-Jones family.
Sequel: Yus, My Dear (ITV 1976). Wally and Lily have left their caravan for a new life in a council house. It featured comedian Mike Reid as Wally’s brother Benny.
Wally Briggs Arthur Mullard
Lily Briggs Queenie Watts
Bert Jones James Beck
Betty Jones Jo Rowbottom
Jeremy Crichton-Jones Jonathan Cecil
Susan Crichton-Jones Gay Soper
Rosie – BBC 1975-1981
Writer: Roy Clarke.
Set in the fictitious Yorkshire town of Slagcaster. PC Penrose, or ‘Rosie’, is a friendly but naïve policeman who moves back to his home town of Ravens Bay where he is paired with PC Wilmot.
The first series in 1975 was called The Growing Pains of PC Penrose but the later series were re-titled.
PC Michael ‘Rosie’ Penrose Paul Greenwood
PC Wilmot Tony Haygarth
The Royle Family – BBC 1998-2000 with specials 2006-2012
Writers: Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash.
Set in the living room of the Royle family, in Manchester. Television is always switched on.
Jim’s catchphrase: "my arse!"
Barbara works part-time in a bakers.
Theme tune: Half the World Away by Oasis.
James Randolph “Jim” Royle Ricky Tomlinson
Barbara Royle, Jim’s wife Sue Johnston
Denise Royle, daughter Caroline Aherne
Dave Best, Denise’s husband Craig Cash
Antony Royle, known as ‘lurch’ Ralf Little
Norma “Nana” Speakman, Barbara’s mother Liz Smith
Twiggy, family friend, ex-convict Geoffrey Hughes
Joe Carroll, next door neighbour Peter Martin
Mary Carroll, Joe’s wife Doreen Keogh
Cheryl Carroll, daughter, always dieting Jessica Stevenson (Hynes)
Sam’s Game – ITV 2001
Sam and Alex are flatmates. Axed after one series after poor reviews
Sam Davina McCall
Alex Ed Byrne
Saxondale – BBC 2006-2007
Writers: Neil Maclennan and Steve Coogan
Tommy Saxondale is a former roadie with anger issues who now owns a pest control business. The series is set in Stevenage.
Thomas "Tommy" Gregory Saxondale Steve Coogan
Margaret "Magz" Nith, Tommy’s girlfriend Ruth Jones
Raymond, Tommy’s lodger Rasmus Hardiker
Vicky, office manager Morwenna Banks
Keanu Steve Coogan
Second Thoughts – ITV in 1991-1994 (49 episodes)
Based on a Radio 4 series, Bill and Faith are two middle-aged divorcees from very different backgrounds trying to develop a relationship, despite the pressures pulling it apart – Faith's two teenage children (Hannah and Joe) and Bill's ex-wife Liza who occasionally does work for the same style magazine for which Bill works.
Sequel: Faith in the Future (ITV 1995-1998). This series sees Bill and Faith having split up and Faith now working as an art teacher and in an on-off relationship with Paul.
Second Thoughts cast:
Bill Macgregor James Bolam
Faith Greyshott Lynda Bellingham
Hannah Grayshott Julia Sawalha
Joe Grayshott Mark Denham
Liza Macgregor, Bill’s ex-wife Belinda Lang
Faith in the Future cast:
Faith Greyshott Lynda Bellingham
Hannah Grayshott Julia Sawalha
Paul Jeff Rawle
Jools Charlie Creed-Miles then Simon Pegg
Seconds Out – BBC 1981-1982
Pete Dodds is a professional boxer managed by Tom Sprake and trained by Dave Locket. Hazel is Pete’s girlfriend.
Pete Dodds Robert Lindsay
Tom Sprake Lee Montague
Dave Locket Ken Jones
Hazel Leslie Ash
Shelley – ITV 1979-1984 (71 episodes including The Return of Shelley)
Shelley is a sardonic unemployed graduate, who shares a flat in Pangloss Road, London, with his girlfriend, Fran.
Sequel: The Return of Shelley (ITV 1988-1992). Shelley returns from Kuwait, where he taught English, to find his friends have turned into Yuppies. He now shares a house with Ted Bishop (David Ryall). Only the first series of this run was actually titled The Return of Shelley, the remaining series reverted to being called Shelley.
James Shelley Hywel Bennett
Fran Belinda Sinclair
Edna Hawkins, Shelley’s landlady Josephine Tewson
The Smoking Room – BBC 2004-2005
Set entirely in Room B209, the smoking room in the basement of an un-named company. The indoor smoking ban introduced in 2007 rather put paid to the premise.
Theme music: instrumental version of "Close to Me" by The Cure.
Annie Debbie Chazen
Barry Jeremy Swift
Clint Fraser Ayres
Gordon Mike Walling
Heidi Emma Kennedy
Janet Selina Griffiths
Len Leslie Schofield
Lilian Paula Wilcox
Robin Robert Webb
Sally Nadine Marshall
Sharon Siobhan Redmond
Monique Coyne Sunetra Sarker
Solo – BBC 1981-1982
Writer: Carla Lane
Gemma kicks her live-in boyfriend out of her flat, breaks off relations with her best friend, and resigns from her job.
Gemma Palmer Felicity Kendall
Danny Tyrrell, Gemma’s ex-boyfriend Stephen Moore
Mrs. Elizabeth Palmer, Gemma’s mother Elspet Gray
Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em – BBC (22 episodes)
Frank and his wife Betty have a daughter, Jessica.
Accident-prone Frank wears a trench coat and beret.
Frank only says "Ooh Betty" in one episode (S2 E2).
Created and written by Raymond Allen. Filmed in Bedford
The theme tune by Ronnie Hazlehurst features a piccolo spelling out the title in Morse code
Frank Spencer Michael Crawford
Betty Spencer Michele Dotrice
Mr Lewis, Frank’s neighbour Glynn Edwards
Sorry! – BBC 1981- 1988 (42 episodes)
Timothy is a librarian in his 40s who still lives at home with his domineering mother Phyllis and henpecked father Sidney.
Sidney frequently shouts "Language, Timothy!"
Timothy Lumsden Ronnie Corbett
Phyllis Lumsden Barbara Lott
Sidney Lumsden William Moore
Muriel, Timothy’s sister Marguerite Hardiman
Spaced – Channel 4 1999-2001
Writers: Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson.
Director: Edgar Wright.
Daisy and Tim meet in a café and pose as a professional couple in order to rent a flat in 23 Meteor Street, Tufnell Park, which is owned by Marsha. Tim wants to be a comic book artist and Daisy wants to be a writer.
Tim Bisley Simon Pegg
Daisy Steiner Jessica Stevenson
Marsha Klein Julia Deakin
Mike Watt, Tim’s best friend Nick Frost
Brian Topp, conceptual artist, lives downstairs Mark Heap
Twist Morgan, Daisy’s best friend Katy Carmichael
Spooner’s Patch – ITV 1979-1982
Writers: Johnny Speight and Ray Galton.
Inspector Spooner, head of Woodley police station, wants a quiet life but has to clear up the mess left by his incompetent and corrupt staff.
Inspector Spooner Ronald Fraser, then Donald Churchill
Mrs. Cantaford Patricia Hayes
Detective Con. Bulsover Peter Cleall
PC Goatman Norman Rossington
Steptoe and Son – BBC 1962-1974 (57 episodes)
Writers: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert Steptoe, a rag-and-bone man, and his son Harold (aged 37) live in Oil Drum Lane in Shepherd’s Bush. They have a horse named Hercules. Harold’s catchphrase – "You dirty old man".
Theme tune Old Ned was composed by Ron Grainer.
Albert Edward Ladysmith Steptoe Wilfred Brambell
Harold Albert Kitchener Steptoe Harry H. Corbett
Still Game – BBC 2002-2007 (45 epsiodes)
Creators: Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan.
Set in the fictional Craiglang area of Glasgow. Two mischievous pensioners Jack and Victor consider how poor life has become compared with the good old days and get up to various escapades to prove that they are “still game”. Jack and Victor's home is in Osprey Heights.
The characters previously appeared in the sketch show called Chewin' the Fat.
Jack Jarvis Ford Kiernan
Victor McDade Greg Hemphill
Winston Ingram Paul Riley
Thomas "Tam" Mullen Mark Cox
Boabby Gavin Mitchell
Isa Drennan Jane McCarry
Navid Harrid Sanjeev Kohli
Eric James Martin
Surgical Spirit – ITV 1989-1995 (50 episodes)
The series focuses on the on-off affair between Sheila Sabatini, a surgeon at Gillies Hospital, and her anaesthetist colleague Jonathan Haslam. Sheila’s best friend is theatre administrator Joyce Watson.
Sheila Sabatini Nichola McAuliffe
Jonathan Haslam Duncan Preston
Joyce Watson Marji Campi
Sweet Sixteen – BBC 1983
Forty-one year old building company boss Helen falls in love with 25 year-old Peter and becomes pregnant.
Helen Walker Penelope Keith
Peter Morgan Christopher Villiers
Jane Joan Blackham
Dr Ballentine Mike Grady
James Walker Matthew Solon
Ken Green Victor Spinetti
Sykes – BBC 1972-1979 (68 episodes)
Writer: Eric Sykes.
Unmarried twins Eric and Harriet (Hat) Sykes live at 28 Sebastopol Terrace, East Acton
The series was brought to an end by the death of Hattie Jacques of a heart attack in 1980.
Originally the series went out under the title Sykes and a... and the address was 24 Sebastopol Terrace.
Eric Sykes Himself
Harriet Sykes Hatty Jacques
Charles Fulbright-Brown, snooty neighbour Richard Wattis
PC Corky Turnbull Derek Guyler
Terry and June – BBC 1979-1987 (65 episodes)
Middle aged, middle class couple who live at 71 Poplar Avenue, Purley.
The series was essentially a reworking of Happy Ever After (see above).
Terry Medford Terry Scott
June Medford June Whitfield
Sir Dennis Hodge, Terry’s boss Reginald Marsh
That’s My Boy – ITV 1981-1986
When Ida becomes housekeeper to Dr Price she discovers he is the son she gave up for adoption. The setting moved from London to Yorkshire for the final series.
Ida Willis Mollie Sugden
Dr. Robert Price Christopher Blake
Angie Price Jennifer Lonsdale
Mrs Price Clare Richards
Wilfred Willis Harold Goodwin
Miss Parfitt Deddie Davies
Then Churchill Said to Me – UK Gold 1993 (BBC 2000)
Although made in 1982 it was not broadcast until after Howerd’s death (in 1992) because its original broadcast slot clashed with the Falklands Conflict.
Set in Churchill’s secret bunker during WWII.
Pvt. Percy Potts Frankie Howerd
Lt. Col. Robin Witherton Nicholas Courtney
Petty Officer Joan Bottomley Joanna Dunham
The Thin Blue Line – BBC 1995-1996
Writer: Ben Elton
Set in a police station in Gasforth.
Inspector Raymond Fowler Rowan Atkinson
Constable Kevin Goody James Dreyfus
Constable Maggie Habib Mina Anwar
Constable Frank Gladstone Rudolph Walker
Police Sergeant Patricia Dawkins Serena Evans
Detective Inspector Derek Grim David Haig
Three Up, Two Down – BBC 1985-1989
New parents Nick and Angie decide to rent out the basement of their house in order to boost their income. Nick’s dad Sam and Angie’s mother Daphne are both widowed and both want to move in. The solution is a flat share and some class driven comedy.
Sam Tyler Michael Elphick
Daphne Trenchard Angela Thorne
Nick Tyler Ray Burdis
Angie Tyler Lysette Anthony
Till Death Us Do Part – BBC 1966-1975 (53 episodes)
Writer: Johnny Speight.
East End family – bigoted racist Alf, his long-suffering wife Else (“silly old moo”), daughter Rita, and Rita’s husband Mike who is a Liverpudlian socialist (“Scouse git”).
Alf Garnett supports West Ham.
The series caused much consternation, particularly amongst Mary Whitehouse and her supporters, for its content and swearing (especially the repeated use of “bloody”), although in general Alf was portrayed as a buffoon.
Sequel – In Sickness and in Health (see above)
An American version was called All in the Family.
Alf Garnett Warren Mitchell
Else Garnett Dandy Nichols
Rita Una Stubbs
Mike Anthony Booth
Gran Joan Sims
Bert Reed, Alf’s neighbour Alfie Bass
Min Reed, Bert’s wife Patricia Hayes
Time Gentlemen Please – Sky 2001-2002
Writers: Richard Herring and Al Murray.
A sitcom set in a pub and built around Al Murray’s persona as “The Pub Landlord”.
Guv Al Murray
Terry Phil Daniels
Steve Jason Freeman
Vicky Jackson Rebecca Front
Janet Julia Sawalha
Connie Emma Pierson
To the Manor Born – BBC 1979-1981
Writer: Peter Spence.
Recently widowed Audrey finds she has to sell-up her estate in order to pay off her late-husband’s debts. Forced to move into the “Old Lodge”, she does manage to hold on to her butler and Rolls-Royce. The manor is bought by Richard DeVere, a nouveau riche millionaire supermarket owner of Cavendish Foods and originally from Czechoslovakia. Eventually romance blooms between Audrey and Richard.
Set in the fictional village of Grantleigh, in Somerset near the fictional town of Marlbury and filmed on location in Cricket St Thomas.
The title is a pun on the phrase "to the manner born" from Hamlet.
Audrey fforbes-Hamilton Penelope Keith
Richard DeVere Peter Bowles
Marjory Frobisher, Audrey’s friend Angela Thorne
Maria Polouvicka, “Mrs Poo”, Richard’s mother Daphne Heard
Brabinger, the butler John Rudling
Ned, the odd-job man Michael Bilton
Tripper’s Day – ITV 1984
Writer: Brian Cooke
Norman Tripper is a Northern manager assigned to a London supermarket named Supafare. Leonard Rossiter died whilst the series was being broadcast in October 1984
Norman Tripper Leonard Rossitter
The series was brought back with Bruce Forsyth in the lead role as Cecil Slinger, under the new title Slinger's Day (ITV 1986-1987). This is Forsyth’s only sitcom performance.
Cecil Slinger Bruce Forsyth
Hardie Philip Bird
Fred David Kelly
Mr Christian Paul Clarkson
Trollied – Sky 2011-
The series is set in the Valco supermarket in Warrington and explores the various interactions between staff and customers.
Julie Cook, Deputy Store Manager Jane Horrocks
Andy Richmond, Head Butcher Mark Addy
Gavin Strong Jason Watkins
Katie, Checkout Supervisor Chanel Cresswell
Kieran, Butcher Nick Blood
Margaret, Assistant Rita May
Lorraine Chain, Store Manager Stephanie Beacham
Sharon, Head Baker Jo Enright
Ian, Security Guard Victor McGuire
Richard France, Director of Strategy Chris Geere
Brian, Pharmacist Stephen Tompkinson
Rose, Checkout Operator Miriam Margolyes
Daniel Wilson, Deputy Store Manager Samuel Anderson
Charlotte "Charlie" O'Connor Aisling Bea
2point4 Children – BBC 1991-1999 (56 episodes)
Writer: Andrew Marshall.
Set in 142 Chepstow Road, Chiswick. Bill is a working mother, Ben is her child-like husband, Jenny and David their teenage children
Gary Olsen’s death in 2000 ended the likelihood of more episodes.
Bill Porter Belinda Lang
Ben Porter Gary Olsen
Jenny Porter Clare Woodgate then Clare Buckfield
David Porter John Pickard
Rona Harris, Bill’s sex-mad friend Julia Hills
The Two of Us – ITV 1986-1990
Unmarried couple Ashley and Elaine have slightly different views of the future. Currently living together, Ashley wants to get married whereas Elaine is happy to remain single. The man wins in the end.
Ashley Phillips Nicholas Lyndhurst
Elaine Walker Janet Dibley
Perce, Ashley’s grandfather Patrick Troughton then Tenniel Evans
Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps – BBC 2001-2011 (80 episodes)
Writer: Susann Nickson.
The plot revolves around the lives of twenty-somethings in Runcorn. Much of the action takes place in the Archer Hotel pub. Janet and Jonny have a baby named Corinthian.
Episodes included two musical specials, a few fantasy episodes (in one of which Jonny is eaten by a giant Jamie dodger) and a live broadcast. The ending of the final episode of series 8 was determined by an online poll.
A one-off Comic Relief special combined Two Pints, Coming of Age and Grownups.
The title was inspired by the 1980 hit single “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please” by Splodgenessabounds.
Gaz Wilkinson Will Mellor
Donna Henshaw Natalie Casey
Janet Keogh Sheridan Smith
Louise Brooks Kathryn Drysdale
Jonny Keogh Ralf Little
Two’s Company – ITV 1975-1979
American thriller writer Dorothy McNab employs butler Robert Hiller to run her home in Chelsea. Culture clash comedy ensues.
A version for US television starred Peter Cook as the butler and Mimi Kennedy as a single mother.
Dorothy McNab Elaine Stritch
Robert Hiller Donald Sinden
Up Pompeii! – BBC 1969-1970
Writers: Talbot Rothwell and Sid Colin
The series began as a Comedy Playhouse pilot and was based on Frankie Howerd’s performance in the play A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Lurcio was a work-shy slave to Senator Ludicrus Sextus, the senator's promiscuous wife Ammonia, his daughter Erotica and his virginal son Nausius. Lurcio was trying to deliver The Prologue to the viewing audience when he was invariably interrupted by Senna the Soothsayer (“Woe, woe and thrice woe”). Howerd frequently broke the fourth wall and talked directly to the audience.
Nausius would prepare an ode for his latest love but could never find a rhyme with which to end it (usually a rhyme for “cities”, “trumpet”, “pass” or “ditties”)
There was a 1975 BBC special Further Up Pompeii! and a 1991 ITV special confusingly also called Further Up Pompeii (but apparently without the exclamation mark). Sequel: Whoops Baghdad (see below).
Lurcio Frankie Howerd
Ludicrus Sextus Max Adrian, then Wallas Eaton
Ammonia Elizabeth Larner
Erotica Georgina Moon
Nausius Kerry Gardner
Senna the Soothsayer Jeanne Mockford
Plautus Willie Rushton
Up the Elephant and Round the Castle – ITV 1983-1985
Jim London is a jack-the-lad about town.
Jim London Jim Davidson
Ernie "Dad" London John Bardon
Wanda Pickles Sue Nicholls
Lois Tight Anita Dobson
The Upper Hand –ITV 1990-1996 (94 episodes)
This sitcom was adapted from the American sitcom Who's the Boss?
Ex-footballer Charlie Burrows takes a job as housekeeper for advertising executive Caroline Wheatley in Henley-on-Thames. He is joined by his daughter, Joanna. Caroline’s man-eating mother Laura West lives in an annex of the house. Caroline's son Tom comes to see Charlie as a father figure. Charlie and Caroline get married at the end of Series 6.
Charlie Burrows Joe McGann
Caroline Wheatley Diana Weston
Laura West Honor Blackman
Joanna Burrows Kellie Bright
Tom Wheatley William Puttock
The Vicar of Dibley – BBC 1994-2000 plus various specials
Creator: Richard Curtis
Set in a fictional small Oxfordshire village called Dibley, which is assigned a female vicar following the 1992 changes in the Church of England that permitted the ordination of women. Geraldine Grainger becomes the vicar of St Barnabus.
Geraldine tries to explain a smutty joke to Alice at the end of each episode. Geraldine’s first name is Boadicea. She marries Harry Kennedy.
Jim Trott prefaces "no-no-no-no-no..." to almost everything he says, in particular "yes!"
The theme music was a setting of Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd) composed by Howard Goodall.
Geraldine Grainger Dawn French
David Horton, Chairman of the Parish Council Gary Waldhorn
Hugo Horton, David’s son James Fleet
Alice Tinker, Verger who marries Hugo Emma Chambers
Owen Newitt, farmer Roger Lloyd-Pack
Jim Trott, Parish Council member Trevor Peacock
Frank Pickle, Secretary of the Parish Council John Bluthall
Harry Kennedy Richard Armitage
Letitia Cropley Liz Smith
Waiting for God – BBC 1990-1994
Tom and Diana are residents of Bayview retirement home but are not going to let the greedy manager Harvey Bains get away with his constant budget slashing.
Tom Ballard Graham Crowden
Diana Trent Stephanie Cole
Harvey Bains Daniel Hill
Jane Edwards, Harvey’s assistant Janine Duvitski
Watching – ITV 1987-1993
Set in Merseyside. Brenda and her sister Pamela go in for "people watching" whilst Malcolm is a birdwatcher. Malcolm lives with his domineering mother, Marjorie, and rides a Norton motorbike and sidecar. Brenda and Malcolm get married in the final episode.
Brenda Wilson Emma Wray
Pamela Wilson Liza Tarbuck
Malcolm Stoneway Paul Bown
Marjorie Stoneway Patsy Byrne
Whack-O! – BBC 1956-1960 and 1971-1972 (60 episodes in total)
Writers: Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Professor James Edwards is the tyrannical and devious headmaster of Chiselbury public school ("for the sons of Gentlefolk"). Mr Pettigrew was his right-hand man. There was also a radio series.
Professor James Edwards Jimmy Edwards
Oliver Pettigrew Arthur Howard (1956), Julian Orchard (1971)
Whoops Baghdad – BBC 1973
This was a sequel to Up Pompeii! (see above) with the setting moved to mediaeval Baghdad.
Ali Oopla Frankie Howerd
Abu ben Ackers, the Wazir Derek Francis
Saccharine Hilary Pritchard
Boobiana Anna Brett
Derti Dhoti Larry Martyn
Wild, Wild Women – BBC 1968-1969
Writers: Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney.
Wolfe and Chesney transported this version of their own The Rag Trade back to 1902 and set it in a milliner’s shop.
Millie Barbara Windsor
Mr Harcourt Paul Whitsun-Jones
Albert Ken Platt
Daisy Pat Coombs
Ruby Toni Palmer
Maude Anna Karen
Mrs Harcourt Joan Sanderson
The Worker – ITV 1965-1970 and 1978
Worker Charlie just can’t keep a job. In fact he has been dismissed from all 980 jobs which the Weybridge Labour Exchange has found him over 20 years.
Desk clerks Mr Whittaker and later Mr Pugh try very hard to find Charlie a suitable job which he can succeed at.
Charlie Charlie Drake
Mr Whittaker Percy Herbert
Mr Pugh Henry McGee
Yes Minister - BBC 1980-1984 and Yes, Prime Minister - BBC 1986-1988 (45 episodes including the 2013 revival)
Writers: Jonathan Lynn and Anthony Jay.
Jim Hacker, MP for Birmingham East, is Minister of Administrative Affairs. Sir Humphrey Appleby is his Permanent Secretary, and Bernard Woolley is his Principal Private Secretary.
Hacker is married to Annie, and they have a daughter, Lucy, who is studying sociology at the University of Sussex.
Arnold Robinson is Cabinet Secretary in Yes Minister and later President of the Campaign for Freedom of Information.
Hacker became Prime Minister, thus the change of title.
In Yes, Prime Minister, Dorothy Wainwright is a special political adviser to the Prime Minister.
The opening titles were drawn by cartoonist Gerald Scarfe.
The theme music was composed by Ronnie Hazlehurst and is largely based on the Westminster Quarters: the chimes of Big Ben.
Yes Prime Minister –
“The Daily Mirror is read by people who think they run the country
The Guardian is read by people who think they ought to run the country
The Times is read by people who do run the country
The Daily Mail is read by wives of the people who run the country
The Financial Times is read by people who own the country
The Morning Star is read by people who think the country ought to be run by another country
The Daily Telegraph is read by people who think it already is” (Jim Hacker)
“The Sun is read by people who don’t care who runs the country as long as she’s got big tits.” (Bernard)
Jim eventually became The Lord Hacker of Islington.
Jim Hacker Paul Eddington
Humprey Appleby Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard Woolley Derek Fowlds
Annie Hacker Diana Hoddinott
Arnold Robinson John Nettleton
Dorothy Wainwright Deborah Norton
Yes Prime Minister was revived by UK TV Gold in 2013 with the following cast:
Jim Hacker David Haig
Humprey Appleby Henry Goodman
Bernard Woolley Chris Larkin
Claire Sutton Zoe Telford
You, Me & Them – UK TV Gold 2013-2015
The problems faced by new couple Ed and Lauren because of the 26 year difference in their ages.
Ed Walker Anthony Head
Lauren Grey Eve Myles
Alan Walker Nigel Betts
Debs Mason Daisy Beaumont
Keith Mason Marcus Garvey
Emma Grey Susie Blake
Clive Grey Jeff Rawle
You Rang, M’Lord? – BBC 1988-1993
Writers: Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Set in the house of an aristocratic family in the 1920s, contrasting the upper-class family and their servants in a house at 12 Park Lane, Mayfair.
The series featured many actors who had also appeared in other Croft and Perry series.
The series was the first British sitcom to feature a recurring lesbian character, in Cissy Meldrum.
Theme tune was sung by Bob Monkhouse and Paul Shane.
George, Lord Meldrum, master of the house Donald Hewlett
Teddy Meldrum, his younger brother Michael Knowles
Cissy Meldrum, his elder daughter Catherine Rabett
Poppy Meldrum, his younger daughter Susie Brann
Alf Stokes, butler Paul Shane
James Twelvetrees, footman Jeffrey Holland
Ivy Teasdale, maid Su Pollard
Mrs Blanche Lipton, cook Brenda Cowling
PC Wilson Bill Pertwee
The Young Ones – BBC 1982-1984
Writers: Ben Elton, Rik Mayall and Lise Mayer.
Four students at Scumbag College share a house:
Vyvyan Bastard, a psychopathic punk medical student
Rick, an anarchist studying sociology
Neil Pye, a hippie studying Peace Studies
Mike, “The Cool Person”
The landlord is Jerzei Balowski, who is Russian
Eleven of the twelve episodes had a musical guest performing in the house or street. This meant that the series could be classed as a variety show, thus garnering a bigger budget than a straight comedy.
In the episode "Bambi", the housemates appeared on University Challenge, where they played against Footlights College, Oxbridge, played Ben Elton, Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, and Stephen Fry. The episode title is a reference to the show's presenter, Bamber Gascoigne, impersonated by Griff Rhys Jones
The series' theme song featured the cast singing Cliff Richard and The Shadows' song The Young Ones.
In 1984 Planer (as Neil) reached #2 in the UK charts with a cover of Traffic’s Hole in my Shoe.
In 1986 Edmondson, Mayall, Planer and Ryan recorded a comic version of Living Doll with Cliff Richard for Comic Relief. It reached #1 in the UK charts.
Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights – precursor to The Young Ones
Vyvyan Adrian Edmondson
Rick Rik Mayall
Neil Nigel Planer
Mike Christopher Ryan
Balowski Family Alexei Sayle
