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Home , Alun Cochrane, Bleak Expectations, Clare in the Community, Cleo Rocos, Denis Norden, Frank Muir

BBC Radio International Comedy Catalogue

The BBC has been making people laugh for eighty years and has a legendary reputation for developing comedy talent… so put a smile on your listeners’ faces by taking a selection from our comedy catalogue.

On Radio, and later , the BBC has dominated in the world of comedy, presenting and inventing many of the subgenres we see . It has discovered and nurtured talented writers and performers, and has not been afraid to give them creative free rein.

Take a peek through our catalogue to discover the best of BBC Comedy, from present day talent, to classics as far back as 1966, some of which proved so popular they sparked TV shows and film spin offs and took the world by storm.

From double entendre-laden Round the Horne, long running panel shows like and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, and standup comedy genius and improvisation - BBC Radio International has something for every taste to leave your audience in fits of laughter.

Have a question or want to know more about a specific genre or programme?

Contact: Larissa Abid, Ana Bastos or Laura Lawrence for more details.

Contents New this month – September 2021 ...... 2 Chat...... 3 Sitcom ...... 7 Stand up ...... 15 Comedy ...... 17 ...... 23 Sketch ...... 27 Spoof ...... 33 Famous for 15 ...... 34 Features ...... 35

*Please note that these genres offer a loose labelling system

https://wspartners.bbc.com/article/comedy w

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New this month – September 2021

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme (Series 9) CO125 6 x 30’

John Finnemore presents a new series of his award-winning sketch show. But, with no live studio audience this year, John has taken the opportunity to try something completely new, with each episode made up of scenes from person's life, played in reverse order.

Episode 1 - All about Russ, this episode takes place between a Christmas day Zoom in 2020, and a funeral he attended as a six-year-old in 1986.

Episode 2 - All about Deborah, this episode takes place between a catch-up Zoom in lockdown, and a bedtime story she was told in 1962.

Episode 3 - We follow our way back through the life of Jerry, starting earlier in 2021 and going back to a wartime poem in 1943.

Episode 4 - All about Vanessa, this episode starts with a television quiz show in 1990, and ends with a fairy-tale walk in 1921.

Episode 5 - This episode concerns Newt, following his life backwards from a funeral in 1990 to an eventful Christmas dinner in 1898.

Episode 6 - To follow.

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Chat

The Infinite Monkey Cage (Series 21) CO121 6 x 30’

Physicist and return with the show that takes an irreverent look at the world according to science.

1. Science of Laughter. Robin and Brian are joined by comedian , neuroscientist and psychologist to look at the science behind laughter and humour.

2. Conspiracy Theories. Brian and Robin are joined by comedian , science writer David Robert Grimes and psychologist Karen Douglas to looks at the weird world of conspiracy theories.

3. Coral Reefs. Brian and Robin are joined by comedian and marine biologists Callum Roberts and Heather Koldewey to look at the amazing creatures that create and colonise coral reefs.

4. Fire. Robin and Brian are joined by comedian , Niamh Nic Daeid and as they explore the science of fire and how it has impacted the of life.

5. Quantum Worlds. Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Katy Brand and physicists Sean Carroll and Jim Al-khalili as they explore our strange and bizarre Quantum world.

6. UFO Special. Brian and Robin host a close encounter of the 1st kind. They are joined by comedian , to ask if UFOs and aliens have visited Earth...

The Infinite Monkey Cage (35-39) - CO116 5 x 30’

Those infinite monkeys physicist Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince return with a new series of their science/comedy show, which takes a witty and irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.

1. Dinosaurs: Brian and Robin kick off with a look at dinosaurs, with the help of comedian , and palaeontologists Susannah Maidment and Steve Brusatte.

2. Clever Creatures: Brian and Robin are joined by author , ornithologist Professor and marine biologist Helen Scales to look at animal intelligence.

3. Science of Dreaming: Brian and Robin are joined by comedian , neuroscientist Prof Penny Lewis and psychologist Richard Wiseman, to take a sleepy look at the science of dreaming.

4. The : Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Katy Brand, Prof and Prof Andrea Sella to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev’s creation of the periodic table.

5. Brits in Space: Brian and Robin present a Brits in Space special, with the help of former and Helen Sharman and comedian .

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The Infinite Monkey Cage - Series 19 –CO112 6 x 30’

In front of a live audience, physicist Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince and guests take a witty and irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.

Microbes: Brian and Robin are joined by oceanographer Jon Copley, planetary scientist Monica Grady and comedian Ed Byrne to ask whether the real master-race on planet Earth is not human but microbe.

The Future of Humanity: Brian and Robin are joined by comedian , astronomer royal and Labour peer Cathy Ashton to discuss the future of humanity. Can science offer solutions to the problems we face?

Origin of Numbers: Robin and Brian are joined by comedian , mathematician Hannah Fry and neuroscientist Brian Butterworth to discuss the origin of numbers and examine whether counting is a uniquely human trait that started before the evolution of language.

Are Human Beings Still Evolving?: Brian and Robin are joined by comedian and author and geneticists Aoife McLysaght and Adam Rutherford to discuss whether human beings are still evolving or have reached a peak.

How to Build a Bionic Human: Robin and Brian are joined by vet Noel Fitzpatrick, physiologist Kevin Fong and comedian Lucy Beaumont for a discussion on how to build a bionic human.

How to Measure the Universe: Brian and Robin guests are the by comedian and physicists and Adam Masters, who look at how we go about measuring our universe, from the contents of atmospheres of planets and moons at the outer edges of our solar system to looking far back in to study the very earliest beginnings of the cosmos.

The Infinite Money Cage (23-28)- CO106 1 x 60’ + 5 x 30’

In front of a live audience, physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince present more episodes from the hit science/comedy show which takes a witty and irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes.

1. Monkey Cage 100! Brian and Robin celebrate their 100th episode by inviting some well-known monkey cage alumni to join them. , , , , Neil deGrasse Tyson, Fay Dowker and (to name a few) take to to consider what has been learnt since Episode 1...

2. Big Data: Brian and Robin are joined by Danny Wallace, mathematician Hannah Fry and science writer Timandra Harkness, as they go big on Big Data, and ask just how big is it?

3. Invasion: The infinite monkeys are joined by comedian , bat expert and ecologist Professor Kate Jones and forensic botanist Dr Mark Spencer to talk alien invasions – although not of the little green men kind.

4. Immune System: A look at our amazingly complex and clever immune system, with the help of guests comedian , and professors Dan Davis and 5. The Human Voice: Brian and Robin are joined by comedian and beatboxer Beardyman, acoustic engineer Trevor Cox and neuroscientist Sophie Scott to explore the amazing capabilities of the human voice.

6. GCHQ: Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Katy Brand as they transport the cage of infinite proportions to the home of modern day cryptography and codebreaking.

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The Infinite Monkey Cage –CO101 6 x 30’

Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince present more from the popular show that mixes science and comedy.

1. When Two Stars Collide. Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Dara O'Briain, and Professors and Nils Andersson to look at the spectacular discovery of gravitational waves from two colliding neutron stars.

2. The Secret Life of Birds. Brian and Robin are joined by Katy Brand, Steve Backshall and Professor Tim Birkhead to uncover some of the extraordinary and cunning behaviour exhibited by many species of birds, both male and female, in an effort to attract a mate.

3. Antibiotics. Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Chris Addison, Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies, and Professor Martha Clokie to look at the history and future for antibiotics.

4. The Teenage Brain. Brian and Robin are joined by impressionist , Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Sarah-Jayne Blakemore and Professor of Zoology to look at the working of the teenage brain, and why teenagers are so, well, teenagery.

5. How Animals Behave. Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Rufus Hound, zoologist and broadcaster Lucy Cooke and Professor Rory Wilson to discover how we learn about what animals are up to when we are not looking.

6. Volcanoes. Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Jo Brand and volcano experts Professor and Professor to look at the latest technology used to predict the next big volcanic eruption.

The Infinite Monkey Cage (5-10) CO94 6 x 30’

Before a live audience, physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince present the series which takes a witty and irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.

1. The Sound of Music: The cage of infinite proportions is teleported to the Glastonbury Music Festival, where Brian and Robin are joined by comedian , musicians KT Tunstall and Nitin Sawhney, and scientists Lucy Cooke and Trevor Cox to talk about music.

2. The Recipe to Build a Universe: The infinite monkeys are joined on stage by comedian Rufus Hound, chemist Andrea Sella and solar scientist Lucie Green, as they discuss the basis of all school lessons, the periodic table, in their quest to find the ingredients for building a universe.

3. The Science of Sleep: Brian and Robin attempt to get to grips with the science behind Robin's insomnia, with the help of Professor Russell Foster, Professor Richard Wiseman and comedian Katy Brand.

4. The Battle of the Sexes: Brian and Robin are joined by Professor Sophie Scott, Professor Steve Jones and comedian , to tackle the age old battle of the sexes, and whether men really are from Mars, and women from Venus. Let the battle commence…

5. 200 Years of Frankenstein: Brian and Robin mark the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with a look into its scientific relevance. Featuring evolutionary biologist Nick Lane, writer and expert in Sir Christopher Frayling, and comedian .

6. The Universe: What Remains to be Discovered? The infinite monkeys take to the stage at the home of radio astronomy, Jodrell Bank. With , Charlotte Church, Dr Paul Abel and Professor Tim O'Brien they explore the big questions that are still to be answered about our Universe.

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The Infinite Monkey Cage (11-16) CO0097 6 x 30’

Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince bring us more from the series which takes a witty and irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.

1. The Science of Everyday Life: With guests comedian , physicist and engineer Danielle George.

2. How to Beat the House and Win at Games: Brian and Robin are joined by mathematicians Hannah Fry and Alex Bellos, psychologist Richard Wiseman and games enthusiast .

3. Science's Epic Fails: With guests and comedian Rufus Hound, Professor Alice Roberts and Dr Adam Rutherford.

4. Oceans: What Remains to Be Discovered? Brian and Robin are joined by Andy Hamilton, Professor Jon Copley and marine biologist Helen Scales.

5. The Human Story: How We Got Here and Why We Survived: Brian and Robin are joined by comedian , Professor Danielle Schreve and Professor Chris Stringer.

6. Making the Invisible Visible: With the help of comedian Katy Brand, cosmologist Professor Carlos Frenk, and biologist Professor Matthew Cobb.

The Infinite Money Cage (series 10) 6 x 30’ 2014

A witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. With Brian Cox and Robin Ince.

1. Numbers Numbers Everywhere: comedian and former maths undergraduate Dave Gorman, maths enthusiast and author Alex Bellos and number theorist Dr Vicky Neale.

2. Are Humans Uniquely Unique? With human and non-human ape experts Keith Jensen, Katie Slocombe and Ross Noble.

3. Does Science Need War? With comedian Katy Brand, science writer Philip Ball and medic, author and broadcaster Kevin Fong.

4. Can science save us? With and Eric Idle.

5. Before the Big Bang: With Carlos Frenk and Faye Dowker, actor and comedian Ben Miller, and comedian and physics PhD alumnus .

6. Irrationality: With and Paul Foot, psychologist Richard Wiseman and neuroscientist Stuart Ritchie.

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Sitcom

Conversations from a Long - Series 2 CO123 6 x 30’

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as children of the 60s who have now been married for over 40 years. We follow them from café to kitchen table as they try to keep the passion alive.

1. Just the Way You Are. Roger gives Joanna a masterclass in dishwasher stacking while Joanna makes some New Year Resolutions - for Roger.

2. It's Just Work. Joanna is spending a lot of time with another man, but insists it’s just work.

3. Heartbreak Hotel. Joanna and Roger reminisce about their own wedding, as they arrive at a country hotel where Roger is best man for their friend Peter’s second wedding.

4. If You Go Away. Joanna has a health scare and then she and Roger receive sad news.

5. Should I Stay or Should I Go? Roger meets a former student with a crush on him and Joanna makes a confession.

6. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long to Stop Now. When Joanna tells Roger that they’re ‘in a rut’ he plans a spontaneous day out - but there are rather more surprises than he anticipated.

Conversations from a Long Marriage CO122 4 x 30’

Comedy by Jan Etherington, starring and Roger Allam as a long-married couple who are trying to keep the passion alive in their relationship, their many conversations taking in resentment of new glasses, fury at being lectured by the dental hygienist, and the break-up of their closest friends.

1. Why Didn't You Ask Me to Dance? The couple find themselves invited to a party with old friends and return home with a burning question.

2. Sally’s Your Friend. The couple’s time together is severely hampered by their broken-hearted house guest and her dog.

3. Lean on Me. Joanna’s nursing skills are found wanting after Roger’s knee operation.

4. Let's Spend the Night Together. On a long car journey, the couple reminisce about their first meeting and a long-held secret is revealed.

Claire in the Community (67-72) - CO117 6 x 30’

More from the popular comedy series written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden and starring as Clare Barker, the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.

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1. Heartbroken: Brian falls seriously ill, but Clare has little sympathy – she is more concerned with delivering a show-stopping palliative care package.

2. I Predict a Riot: Clare finds herself at the centre of a riot during a prison visit, and has to prove that she is not the ringleader. Back in the Sparrowhawk office, Joan suspects something strange.

3. Questions, Questions: Clare has tickets to Any Questions? but may end up having to take Ms Singh with her. Meanwhile Brian discovers some new developments at the men’s group. With guest star Jenni Murray.

4. Unlucky Louis: Clare visits a client who is believed to bring bad luck to everyone who sees him, while Brian and Thomas are barred from a street party..

5. Ray of Sunshine: The Sparrowhawk office has a visit from an old team member with a proposition for them – and Brian is becoming suspicious of Clare's behaviour.

6. Killing Clare: Nali is leaving the Barker household to go home to her village - but she's got some 'tidying up' to do first.

Ed Reardon’s Week CO115 6 x 30’

Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email, returns in a new series – and whatever happens you can guarantee he'll be scrimping, scraping and ranting in order to keep mind, soul and cat together.

1. The Wooden Spoon. Now homeless, Ed and Elgar the cat are on the lookout for a new roof over their heads. Could a carrier bag filled with wooden spoons be the answer to all their problems?

2. The Ed Talk. Ed bumps into Geoff Datona, a rich entrepreneur and motivational speaker who he was at school with, and is commissioned to write his self-help book.

3. Bezzies. Ed collides with the world of reality television. Could his expert carpentry skills lead to him being the next reality star?

4. Planned Parenthood. Ed gets a surprising offer of work in the world of “new mum-lit” – writing a series of modern parenting baby books.

5. Punk Rock Vampires. A British horror film Ed wrote in the 1970s comes back to haunt him, presenting the opportunity to make a few quid.

6. The Bed Blocker.

Life on Egg - Series 2 CO111 6 x 15’

More madcap adventures from the prison-based sitcom written by Dan Maier and starring as the governor of Britain’s remotest prison.

Episode 1 - An oil field is discovered near The Egg.

Episode 2 - Prisoner Brandreth invents a clever new device, and the team pitch the invention to Dragon’s Den.

Episode 3 - Peter’s brother arrives on The Egg.

Episode 4 - Harry makes a call to customer services.

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Episode 5 - A heavy storm leaves The Egg short of food.

Episode 6 - A self-destruct button is found on The Egg.

Life on Egg – Series 1 CO110 6 x 15’

Madcap adventures from the sitcom written by Dan Maier and starring Harry Hill as the governor of Britain’s remotest prison.

Episode 1 - Harry has his work cut out when Inspectors arrive to rate his prison, The Egg.

Episode 2 - Harry receives new CCTV cameras for The Egg, but they soon malfunction... or do they?

Episode 3 - Harry and the team must find an escaped prisoner. But what does she look like?

Episode 4 - Harry and the team are excited when a movie star comes to The Egg to research a movie role.

Episode 5 - When Peter goes on training, Harry has to contend with a brutally efficient replacement.

Episode 6 - Crisis comes to The Egg when the prison is attacked by a pair of mating whales.

Clare in the Community (61-66) CO0096 6 x 30’

Sally Phillips returns as Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.

1. Fight Them On The Beaches: Clare is in charge of organising a day out at the seaside for some elderly Sparrowhawk residents, while back at home, Brian is coaching Nali for a musical audition.

2. Hell On Wheels: It's Disability Awareness Day, so Clare has taken it upon herself to raise awareness. Meanwhile, back at home Nali has plans to become an internet sensation.

3. Unfaithful: Clare and Brian are having some couples counselling, although Clare isn't taking proceedings entirely seriously.

4. Momento: Clare has lost her memory and is roaming the Sparrowhawk estate trying to remember who she is. But she is still positive she is right - all of the time.

5. Joan Alone: It is Joan’s birthday, but Clare won’t be guilt-tripped into attending the party. With added Morris dancing.

6. You Take the High Road: Clare and Libby find themselves stranded a long way from an important speaking engagement. Meanwhile Brian and Nali have been taken in by Ray after a barbecue got out of hand.

Clare in the Community (55-60) CO87 6 x 30’ 2016

Sally Phillips returns as Clare Barker, the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.

1. My Kinda Town: Clare gets involved with a devious TV producer who's making a documentary about the Sparrowhawk estate.

2. Family Values: A family funeral reveals some uncomfortable home truths for the Barker family. Brian 9 | Page meanwhile has enthusiastically embraced a new fitness regime.

3. Sisters: Clare and her estranged sister are forced to co-operate with one another, in between some Sparrowhawk team self-defence training.

4. Things That Go Bump in the Day: The Sparrowhawk team are forced to work together to overcome a little problem they discover in the office. Lead by Clare, they're thinking outside the box...

5. This is a Man’s World: Nali's ex-husband arrives unexpectedly and Clare takes it upon herself to intervene, and Simon has some bad news about Brian's vitamin supplements.

6. Party On: The Sparrowhawk team hold a leaving do, and take the opportunity to reminisce.

Clare in the Community (43-48) CO80 6 x 30’ 2013

Sally Phillips stars as Clare Barker, the social worker with all the jargon but none of the solutions.

1. Hot Desk: Clare and her colleagues embrace hot desking, Clare has a new student to wet nurse, and Brian is struggling to keep control in the classroom.

2. On Expenses: With society collapsing all around Clare is appalled to be stuck indoors bean counting. But the Sparrowhawk Family Centre's expenses don't add up.

3. Fifty Shades of Ray: The Sparrowhawk Family Centre team's anxiety over redundan-cies is overshadowed by some shattering news concerning Ray.

4. Nanny State: Brian and Clare struggle to find childcare for their son Thomas, and Clare bumps into their ex-nanny Nali – whom they sacked.

5. The Scapegoat: Clare is in deep water at work after an unprofessional mishap.

6. The Parent Trap: Clare takes joy in her role of acting team leader at the Family Centre, but at home she is left cold by a visit from Brian’s mother.

Clare in the Community (37-42) CO73 6 x 30’ 2012

Sally Phillips stars as Clare Barker, the social worker with all the jargon but none of the solutions. *For earlier series please see CO 73, CO 63, CO55 & CO49

1. The Prisoner: Clare faces new challenges in the Big Society, and her relationship with Brian is jeopardised by his infidelity.

2. To Kill a Mocking Bird: Clare ends her relationship with Brian and is surprised by her colleagues’ reactions to the news.

3. Rude Girl: Clare fears she is out of touch with the language used by today’s youths, Brian fails to impress with romantic gestures, and a heating engineer causes a fuss in the Family Centre.

4. Debt of Honour: Clare is being plagued by Brian’s marriage proposals. Her driving lessons lead to an unexpected encounter, and a piece of public art is unveiled at the Sparrowhawk Family Centre.

5. Heroes: Clare meets Bradley Bigg, a pop star who made an impression on her as a teenager. Brian breaks 10 | Page some bad news to Nali, and Helen adopts the role of health and safety officer.

6. Basic Attraction: Brian and Clare enjoy stag and hen parties before their wedding day.

Ed Reardon’s Week (31-36) CO61 6 x 30’ 2010

Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email fights against a world run by idiots and lying charlatans.

1. The Charterhouse Redemption: Ed is now a happily retired author. Not only that but he's well fed, warm and happily ensconced in Berkhamstead's premier accommodation of choice for the financially distressed.

2. Charity Begins Next Door: Ed has a new member in his writing class, and unlike Stan, Olive and Pearl, Clive is actually impressed by Ed's writing portfolio.

3. The Cruise: Ed, surprisingly, has had a brilliant idea for a book and, even more surprisingly, Ping agrees.

4. Cheese Cricket: Ed finds himself a surprise hit when he takes part in a new radio 'topical quiz with a tasty twist'.

5. A Bottle of Ulterio Motivo: Ed finds himself in the money when he sells most of his possess-ions to a themed wine bar owned by the lovely Violet Carson.

6. Elgar Writes: Elgar finds fame when he becomes an internet hit with his blog. Could Elgar be a more successful writer than Ed? Quite probably.

At Home With The Snails CO0015 4 x 30’ 2001

Geoffrey Palmer plays a Professor of Symbolics at Oxford, desperately trying to write a book. His son, Alex, is clearly depressed and has done nothing since university. Then he finds himself a hobby, slowly he becomes more and more obsessed... with snails... “hilarious… one of the most original comedies to be aired for a long time” The Stage

At Home with the Snails (5-8) CO0020 4 X 30’ 2002

Alex has shaken off his obsession wth snails, moved to and now has a job and a girlfriend. Meanwhile, his parents have feigned their own deaths - George intends that Alex's grief will furnish material for his new book and Beverly hopes their ruse will ultimately reunite her family. But even the best-laid plans can go awry...

Dad’s Army 1-13 CN2072, 14-33 CN2457, 34-52 CN2025 52 x 30' 1974-1975

"Don't panic!" Walmington-on-Sea is lucky in the dark days of World War Two to be defended by a crack Home Guard platoon led by the town's bank manager, Captain Mainwaring. These gentle and wonderfully observed comedies of derring-do and incompetence are adapted from the successful television series. is Captain Mainwaring, with a platoon of John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn, John Laurie, Arnold Ridley and . 11 | Page

Ed Reardon's Week (1-6) CO0033 6 x 30’ 2006

Does it seem that the media is run by idiots, lying charlatans and moronic 12-year- olds? Welcome to the world of Ed Reardon, author, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email.

Ed Reardon's Week (7-12) CO0034 6 x 30’ 2006

Welcome back to the world of Ed Reardon. Despite a lifetime of failure, Ed still believes he's about to win the literary success that is his due.

Flywheel, Shyster And Flywheel 1-6 CD0155, 7-12 CD0504, 13-18 CD0821 18 x 30' 1991, 1993, 1994

The original Marx Brothers radio shows were broadcast in 1932 on Five Star Theatre. The lost scripts were recently found in the U.S.A.'s Library of Congress and lovingly recreated by the BBC. Groucho's outrageous one-liners and Chico's inventive and zany language is brought to life as the usual crises are continually averted. With Michael Roberts as Groucho as "Waldorf T. Flywheel" and Frank Lazarus as Chico as "Emmanuel Ravelli".

The Men From The Ministry CN4581, CN4768 26 x 30' 1973-1975 1977,1978

No branch of official activity is safe from the optimistic bungling of Lamb and Lennox-Brown, executives in the ubiquitous General Assistance Department of the Civil Service. Supporting them is a vast army of government officials for whom no problem is so bad that they can't make it worse! This enduring and influential Whitehall spoof ran for fifteen confusion-filled years. Starring Derek Guyler as Lennox-Brown and Richard Murdoch as Richard Lamb, with Norma Ronald as Mildred.

The Navy Lark CN3805 13 x 30' 1981

Everything is all at sea in the most accident-prone ship in the navy - H.M.S Troutbridge. With a crew led by Stephan Murray as the constantly bemused "Number One", the conniving Petty Officer Jon Pertwee, silly-ass Sub-Lieutenant and an Able Seaman played by the young , The Navy Lark ran for eighteen years on British radio.

People Like Us 1-6 TCD1212, 7-12 CO0001, 13-16 CO0004 16 x 30' 1995-1997

A delightful spoof of the fly-on-the-wall documentary. Chris Langham is the hapless Roy Mallard, the world's worst radio reporter, always in the way as he tries to illuminate and probe people's professional working lives. Mallard is the master of the mixed metaphor and the non-sequitur, it's such a shame that he always seems to antagonise his subjects so much!

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Think The Unthinkable CO0017 4 x 30’ 2001

A timely on that modern bane or blessing: the management consultant. Fresh from college, Unthinkable Solutions are confident, ambitious, full of personal rivalries and completely devoid of any common sense. No organisation that elicits and survives their ‘help’ will ever be the same again…

Think the Unthinkable CO0031 6 x 30’ 2005

John Weak puts the man into management. He's randy, devious, sexist and drink-sodden; a work-shy marketing director with the morals of a skunk, the skin of a rhino and the brain of a one-celled organism

Weak at the Top (1- 4) CO0030 4 x 30’ 2005

John Weak puts the man into management. He's randy, devious, sexist and drink-sodden; a work-shy marketing director with the morals of a skunk, the skin of a rhino and the brain of a one-celled organism.

Weak at the Top (5- 8) CO0036 4 x 30’ 2006

Listen and learn as the Marketing Maestro and Turbo-Charged Totty Magnet manages his way round, over and through some serious challenges to his long lunches and horizontal management style. Ignoring the failing liver of his guru, the sharp tongue of his PA and the double vision of his boss, Weak shows the rest of us how work really works.

One Foot in the Grave TCD0931 4 x 30' 1995

"I don't believe it". Victor Meldrew is made redundant and replaced by a recorded telephone message. In enforced retirement he constantly battles against domestic technology and the absurdities of modern life and his exasperation reigns supreme. Richard Wilson is Victor and Annette Crosbie his long-suffering wife.

Steptoe and Son CN3644 14 x 30' 1966, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976

A comic masterpiece from the writers of Hancock. The Steptoes are rag and bone men but Harold, the son, yearns for the good life, away from the horse and cart and dad. Albert stands in his way, with a combination of low cunning and emotional blackmail, and somehow things always go wrong for Harold. Adapted from a television series which regularly attracted audiences of 20 million viewers. Harry H Corbett is Harold and Wilfred Bramble is Albert.

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Yes Minister 1-8 CN4332, 9-14 CN4530 – 14 x 30' 1984-1985

Mrs. Thatcher's favourite sit-com. The constant battle between the politician and the civil service is brought wonderfully to life by the sustained, dry of the dialogue and the interplay between the three main characters. Paul Eddington as the Rt Hon. James Hacker M.P., as Sir Humphrey Appleby, and Derek Fowlds as Bernard Woolley, circle warily around each other in the corridors of power.

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Stand up

Susan Calman – Keep Calman, (Series 2) –CO108 4 x 30’

Susan Calman tries to unwind by attempting four more pursuits her friends find relaxing. But will she find her inner Zen and outer tranquillity? She follows each attempt she makes with an audience stand up show in which she reports on how successful she's been.

1. Gardening. Susan takes a trip to ’s Royal Botanic Gardens to learn about gardening with crime writer Val McDermid.

2. Festivals. Susan visits a music festival with the comedian Robin Ince (The Infinite Monkey Cage) to see if it will help her unwind.

3. Baking. Susan tries to relax by learning to bake with “Great British Bake Off” star Selasi Gbormittah.

4. Birdwatching. Susan goes birdwatching with the writer and comedian .

Susan Calman - Keep Calman, Carry On CO103 4 x 30’

Susan Calman is the least relaxed person she knows, so she is trying to immerse herself in the pursuits that her friends find relaxing. But will she find her inner Zen and outer tranquillity? She follows each attempt she makes with an audience stand up show in which she reports on how successful she's been.

1. Cricket. Susan goes to a cricket match with .

2. Hillwalking. Susan tries to learn how to unwind by going hillwalking with Muriel Gray.

3. Holiday. John Finnemore takes Susan on a spontaneous holiday to help her unwind.

4. Art. Susan visits an art gallery with Phill Jupitus

Alun Cochrane's Fun House –CO90 4 x 30’

Comedian has a 25 year mortgage which he can only pay off by being funny. In this series he takes us on a hilarious room by room, stand-up tour of his house.

Episode 1 - Alun starts his tour in The Kitchen Episode 2 - Alun invites us into The Living Room Episode 3 - Alun pays a visit to The Bathroom Episode 4 - See how Alun performs in The Bedroom

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The Hannibal Lecture CO0012 1 x 30' 2000

Comedian examines our lurid obsession with the world of mass murder - from Cluedo to Tarantino - as he asks questions like "Was God the first detective?"

The Mark Steel Revolution CO0008 5 x 30' 1998

Comedian and journalist Mark Steel takes a fresh and wry look at some historical events. In the "Revolution" he ranges over the French, Russian and Industrial and just for good measure throws in Evolution and the American Civil War. With sketches and readings he examines key players, motives and the bizarre of these great moments in history.

The Mark Steel Lectures CO0011 4 x 30' 1999

In the "Lectures" he looks at some great historical figures - the loveable tramp, the cheating cricketer, the corset maker and the man who tried to abolish Christmas. In other words, and in no particular order, Oliver Cromwell, , W.G. Grace and Thomas Paine.

The Mark Steel Lectures (5-10) CO0021 6 X 30’ 2002

Another six comic takes on men whose passions and endearing idiosyncrasies shaped their times. Presented by stand-up comedian and newspaper columnist Mark Steel.

Ian D Montfort Is: Unbelievable CO79 5 x 30’ 2013

Tom Binns stars as spirit medium and mind reader, Ian D Montfort, who channels conversations from ‘the other side’ to reveal the deepest and darkest secrets of the audience.

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Comedy

Mitchell on Meetings CO124 3 x 30’

David Mitchell investigates meetings, from the ancient “thing” to Zoom. Also on the agenda: executive coach Sophie Bryan teaches David to chair a meeting; fellow comedian Russell Kane explores how different personality types behave in meetings; and Dutch sociologist Wilbert van Vree sums up several millennia of meetings history.

Episode 1 - The Thing Episode 2 - Double Zoom Episode 3 - The Brainstorm

The Museum of Curiosity (Series 14) CO120 6 x 30’

Professor of Ignorance returns with new co-curator Bridget Christie for another series of the panel show in which three distinguished guests are invited to donate fascinating exhibits to a vast virtual museum.

Episode 1 - The comedian Jessica Fostekew, engineer Shini Somara and TV producer Linda Agran make their donations, which include a sign telling people to “Live, Love, Laugh”.

Episode 2 - Guests the comedian , botanist James Wong and bioscience entrepreneur donate, among other things, a terrarium and a cabbage.

Episode 3 - The comedian Ahir Shah, historian Fern Riddell and physicist Bobby Acharya’s donations to the museum include an intergalactic space observatory...

Episode 4 - Comedian Jen Brister, writer Jason Hazeley, and map expert Edward Brooke-Hiching offer donations which include a certificate for 60 acres of the fictional Central American territory of Poyais.

Episode 5 - Guests the comedian , medical historian Lindsey Fitzharris and actress Celie Imrie donate, among other things, a piece of kit to ward off would-be body-snatchers.

Episode 6 - The psychotherapist , architect and inventor Carlo Ratti and underwater cameraman Doug Allan’s donations include a bionic arm...

Paul Sinha’s History Revision - CO113 12 x 30’ (Comedy)

Comedian and quizzer presents his unique and humorous view of the lesser-known stories from human history.

Series 1 1. Football. Paul regales us with stories that lie behind our football fascination.

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2. Food. Paul finds out how his high street became dominated by Chinese and Indian restaurants.

3. Music. Paul looks at how music came to be where it is.

4. Communication. Paul’s story of the telephone takes in electro-shock therapy and an exploding boat.

Series 2 1. Women. Paul looks at the forgotten women in history, whose stories were not told at school.

2. Exploration and Death. Paul looks at the heroic field of exploration, and the subsequent stupid deaths.

3. Sex and Sexuality. Paul looks at the role lust has played in driving history.

4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Paul looks at the history of transport, asking ‘How did we get here?’

Series 3 Episode 1 - Paul looks at the contribution of immigrants to American history.

Episode 2 - Paul looks at some unheralded gay figures from history.

Episode 3 - Paul examines what someone has to do to earn the epithet ‘the Great’.

Episode 4 - Paul looks at cinema’s track record of portraying historical events.

Alex Edelman's Peer Group –CO107 4 x 30’

The American comedian Alex Edelman takes a sideways, comic look at what it’s like being a millennial today.

1. Materialism. Alex looks at how millennials view materialism

2. Political. Alex takes a personal look at politics

3. Social. Alex takes a look at in a millennial world

4. Personal. Alex takes a look at what it means to be an adult

Boswell’s Lives –CO104 4 x 30’

More award-winning comedy starring as James Boswell, Dr Johnson's celebrated time- travelling biographer, as he pursues four more legends to immortalise. Written by Jon Canter

1. Boswell’s Life of Byron: Boswell meets Lord Byron at the beginning of his career, and is sure he can help the young man become a celebrated poet. But does Byron really need his help? Starring Freddie Fox as Byron.

2. Boswell’s Life of de Beauvoir: Boswell meets Simone de Beauvoir and gains several lessons in equality as he helps clean her apartment. Would radical modern feminism have existed without him? With Amelia Bullmore as de Beauvoir.

3. Boswell’s Life of Christie: Boswell meets and soon becomes involved in deception, disappearances and an unnatural death. Starring as Christie.

4. Boswell’s Life of Gandhi: Boswell meets Gandhi, and attempts, for not entirely selfless reasons, to become a better man under his guidance. But abstinence drives Boswell to distraction and worse. With Phaldut Sharma as Gandhi. 18 | Page

The Museum of Curiosity- CO102 6 x 30’

Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his new curator Sally Phillips (of Clare in the Community fame) host the panel show in which guests donate exhibits to a vast imaginary museum. Donations see the Steering Committee getting in a spin at the Large Hadron Collider and ending up dizzy with a choice collection of saucy limericks. They also celebrate some choice bits of Australian slang, and ponder why all of life might actually be a simulation in a future game of Football Manager.

Episode 1 - The Museum's Guest Committee welcome donations from satirical comedy impressionist Rory Bremner, radio presenter Nikki Bedi and the award-winning writer who makes you thirsty for beer, Pete Brown.

Episode 2 - With donations from the acerbically charming comedian , 's great great great great great great great 16th cousin twice removed sociologist Professor Tom Shakespeare, and Blue Peter's longest-serving female presenter .

Episode 3 - The Committee are joined by the exuberant comedian Stephen K Amos, the small but perfectly informed ano-chemist Dr Suze Kundu, and author of The Island Victoria Hislop.

Episode 4 - Featuring donations from the former merchant banker-turned-stand-up , Nobel Prizewinning geneticist Sir and the editor of The Amorist magazine Rowan Pelling.

Episode 5 - The satirical comedy songstress Dillie Keane, intrepid Neanderthal expert Ella Al-Shamahi, and writer of Notting Hill, Blackadder and The Vicar of Dibley bring their donations for the museum.

Episode 6 - The Museum's Guest Committee contemplate donations from Britain's Got Talent runner-up , hostage negotiator Suzanne Williams, and the traveller with big ideas about mastering little things, Robert Twigger.

The Museum of Curiosity –CO98 6 x 30’

Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd opens the doors once again to his enormous virtual museum that records and stores every vital advance in the history of human culture from the dawn of humanity - to the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. And his new curator for this series is Jo Brand.

Episode 1 - With donations from comedian Helen Arney, ‘speculative’ designer Thomas Thwaites, and Captain of the Queen Elizabeth Aseem Hashmi, who, among other things, flip through a history book from the future - which is all about now…

Episode 2 - With donations from the writer and comedian , etymologist Mark Forsyth and advertising creative legend Dave Trott, who among other things, stretch their minds over the subject of Lycra.

Episode 3 - With donations from the fashion historian Amber Butchart, polymath entrepreneur Jack Waley- Cohen and Australian comedian Jimeoin, who among other things investigate a new unit of velocity for compressed curd.

Episode 4 - With guests the Danish comedian , mollusc and cephalopod expert Jon Ablett and anthropologist Kate Fox, who ruminate on the Paleolithic origins of the selfie, among other things.

Episode 5 - With donations from the writer and comedian Deborah Frances-White, bumble-bee expert Professor Dave Goulson and man with a ‘Cunning Plan’, . They speculate on the strategies of virgin death watch beetles… among other things.

Episode 6 - Comedy writer Michelle Wolf, food journalist and author Bee Wilson, and ‘writer who walks’ Henry Eliot are welcomed to the museum, and consider a 1,000 year long piece of music, amongst other donations. 19 | Page

Boswell's Lives –CO92 5 x 30’

Award-winning comedy starring Miles Jupp as James Boswell, Dr Johnson's celebrated time- travelling biographer, as he pursues five more legends to immortalise.

1. Boswell’s Life of Marx: Boswell attempts to write a biography of but before he can start must help him pen his masterwork Das Kapital. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Marx.

2. Boswell’s Life of Madonna: Boswell meets Madonna and lives to tell the tale. Starring Debra Stephenson as Madonna.

3. Boswell’s Life of Johnson: Boswell attempts to write a biography of another famous Johnson - Boris - but finds him a fiendish opponent, especially on the ‘whiff-whaff’ table. Starring Alistair McGowan as Boris.

4. Boswell’s Life of Callas: Boswell meets the legendary soprano, and her poodle, and finds himself in an opera of his own making. Starring as Callas.

5. Boswell’s Life of Freud: Boswell attempts to write a biography of Sigmund Freud but finds it is Freud who is asking all the questions. Starring as Freud.

The Museum of Curiosity (6-9) CO82 4 x 30’ 2014

John Lloyd, Professor of Ignorance at Southampton Solent University, and his new curator, comedian , host the panel show in which guests donate exhibits to an imaginary museum. *For earlier series please see CO 71

Episode 1 - With Egyptologist professor Joann Fletcher, explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell, and comedian .

Episode 2 - Featuring anthropologist professor Volker Sommer, rock star Amanda Palmer, and comedian Andrew O'Neill.

Episode 3 - With comedian , art historian and ‘Queen of Time’ Kristin Lippincott, and animal locomotion expert Dr Christofer Clemente.

Episode 4 - With author and presenter , comedian and tequilera , and cybernetics professor .

Meet David Sedaris (5-16) CO77 12 x 30’ 2013

The New York-born humorist reads comedy essays and short stories to a live audience. *For earlier series please see CO 62

Episode 1 - David’s memoir of a nefarious summer while studying at college, and a modern take on the anthropomorphic fable.

Episode 2 - The perils of an American learning French in Paris, and a friend's concern for cleanliness.

Episode 3 - What not to do with a mouse in front of strangers, and the ups and downs of a long term relationship.

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Episode 4 - How no two families are ever alike, and a peep into the caustic mind of the author.

Episode 5 - The consequences of buying your partner an antique skeleton, and a dark fable about mourning.

Episode 6 - Serious thought is put into buying a holiday home, and the complexities of gender assignment when learning French.

Episode 7 - Childhood discipline in the Sedaris household, and the perils of agreeing without understanding in a foreign country.

Episode 8 - Observations on life as an author on tour, a satirical swipe at critics and some extracts from David’s diaries.

Episode 9 - Childhood memories of competitive parenting, and a tale parodying religious fundamentalism.

Episode 10 - A visit to the home of David’s sister Tiffany, and further extracts from his diaries.

Episode 11 - The perils of learning a foreign language by audio tape, and crossing the line with regards to property .

Episode 12 - Moving to the English countryside, and the eye-opening experience of learning French at a Paris language school.

The Bob Servant Emails CO67 6 x 15’ 2011

Bob Servant is retired and a little bit bored. When he starts getting spam emails, he decides to play the fraudsters at their own game ... and soon has them in the palm of his hand.

Episode 1 - Olga, Sasha and the Jamaica Lakers: Bob is approached by a scintillating Russian woman and fearlessly launches a new business.

Episode 2 - Lions, gold and confusion: Bob receives a Royal Appointment and recruits some wild animals for a private zoo.

Episode 3 - Bob and the postie: Bob gets himself into terrible trouble with the postie. Luckily help is at hand.

Episode 4 - Bob's Granny Surprise: Bob's going great guns with an internet bride until her grand-mother makes an appearance.

Episode 5 - The Hunt for Jerren Jimjams: From his comfortable home in Broughty Ferry, , Bob sparks off a manhunt in deepest Africa.

Episode 6 - Willy's Indian Palace: Bob gets a job offer from India and organises a huge launch party for his new employers.

iGod CO66 6 x 15’ 2011

Economists and environmentalists use apocalyptic language all the time but trying to predict the end of the world is as as moisturising an elephant's elbow. iGod’s all-seeing narrator (David Soul – Starsky and Hutch) looks at how apocalypses were triggered in parallel universes by such seemingly harmless acts as telling a lie, being lazy and cooking lamb shanks.

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Hancock's Half Hour CN4471 Comedy 41 x 30' 1983

"Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear". The voice of , one of the finest British radio comedians, creating a delightfully pretentious and insecure character, Anthony Aloysius Hancock, of 23, Railway Cuttings, East Cheam. Supported by superb scripts by , and a cast of , , , and Bill Kerr, Hancock's Half Hour sounds as fresh and hilarious now as it ever did.

The Masterson Inheritance TCD0769 18 x 30' 1994

A steamy bodice-ripping saga of the Mastersons, a family at war with itself, made all the more comic because the plots depend on suggestions from the audience. This explains the peculiar importance of blancmange and a tumble drier to the French Revolution. , Lee Simpson, , , Phelim McDermott and are open to suggestion against a background of moody music and bizarre sound effects.

Time Spanner –CO109 2 x 30’

A mind-bending, time-travelling comic adventure written by and starring Simon Kane as Martin Gay; narrated by John Finnemore as Laika the space dog; and featuring David Mitchell as billionaire occultist Daniel Kraken.

Martin Gay's 40th birthday is disrupted by two important events: he meets the girl of his dreams, and is forced at gunpoint through a supernatural into a world of angels, robots and the most powerful tool in the universe, the Time Spanner. But will he use it to save humanity – or just as a way to spend more time with Gabbie?

Simon Kane returns as Martin Gay, the man with the most powerful object in the universe stuck up his nose. Daniel Kraken and other sinister forces in Heaven will stop at nothing to get their hands on the Time Spanner – but Martin just gets more and more pre-occupied with Gabbie.

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Panel Show

I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue (85-90) – CO105 6 x 30’

The multi award-winning ‘antidote to panel games’ returns, promising yet more quality, desk-based entertainment for all the family. With as the programme's reluctant chairman, and regular panellists including Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor and . Listeners will know to expect inspired nonsense, pointless revelry... and Colin Sell at the piano.

Just a Minute (412-419) – CO99 6 x 30’

Nicholas Parsons chairs the iconic panel game in which guests are challenged to speak for 60 seconds without hesitation, repetition or deviation on any given subject.

Episode 1 - Regular guest Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, and are Nicholas’s first guests to speak on a variety of topics.

Episode 2 - Shappi Khorsandi, , and Paul Merton are challenged to speak on topics including Chicken Nuggets, Cowboys and The Grand Canyon.

Episode 3 - Stephen Fry, , and Paul Merton are invited to speak on subjects such as Broccoli, Conkers and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Episode 4 - Paul Merton is joined by Josie Lawrence, Jenny Eclair and Tony Hawks to speak for a minute on such diverse topics as Zombies, Pi and Audrey Hepburn.

Episode 5 - invites Shappi Khorsandi, Jo Caulfield, Julian Clary and Paul Merton to speak on the subjects including Superfoods, Cairo and Hercule Poirot.

Episode 6 - Stephen Fry, Jan Ravens, Gyles Brandreth and Paul Merton are challenged to talkon the subject of Elephants and Office Politics, among others.

Just a Minute (404-411) – CO91 8 x 30’

More from the comedy panel show chaired by Nicholas Parsons in which guests are challenged to speak for 60 seconds without hesitation, repetition or deviation. Guests include Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Julian Clary, Josie Lawrence, Andy Hamilton, , Tony Hawks, , Jenny Éclair and . Including two special episodes recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Edinburgh Festival.

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (79-84) –CO89 6 x 30’

The multi-award-winning ‘antidote to panel games’ returns with Jack Dee in the chair. Regular listeners will know

23 | Page to expect: inspired nonsense, pointless revelry - and Colin Sell at the piano. Panellists include regulars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden, with guests , , Miles Jupp, , Tony Hawks, Omid Djalili and Susan Calman.

The Unbelievable Truth (41-52) CO76 12 x 30’ 2013

David Mitchell hosts the panel game about lying. Comedians talk with flamboyant inaccuracy and compete to see how many items of truth they can smuggle past their opponents.

The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith, the team behind I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue. *For more episodes please see CO45, 53, 57, 60, 64 & 70

Just a Minute (398-403) CO75 6 x 30’ 2012

The comedy panel show chaired by Nicholas Parsons in which guests are challenged to speak for 60 seconds without hesitation, repetition or deviation. Including two special episodes recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience in Mumbai to celebrate the programme’s 45th anniversary. *For more episodes please see CO28

I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue (79-84) CO89 6 x 30’ 2016

The multi-award-winning ‘antidote to panel games’ returns with Jack Dee in the chair. Regular listeners will know to expect: inspired nonsense, pointless revelry… and Colin Sell at the piano.

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (73-78) CO74 6 x 30’ 2012

The multi-award-winning antidote to panel game returns with Jack Dee in the chair. Regular listeners will know to expect: inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and Colin Sell at the piano. *For more episodes please see CO48, 38 & 35

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue - CO0007, CO0013, CO0016 17 x 30' 1996, 1998, 1999

Often called the antidote to panel games; in some primitive cultures this programme is worshipped as a god. , the world-weary Chairman, gives panellists ridiculous things to do in a series of hare- brained games, including the legendary but inscrutable "Mornington Crescent". Those taking part include Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, Barry Cryer and Paul Merton.

I’m Sorry I Haven’t Got a Clue (18-25) CO0018 8 X 30’ 2002

Another potent batch of the antidote to panel games - for the young at heart and broad of mind. Four panellists 24 | Page provide homespun wireless entertainment as they run the gamut of the reluctant chairman's silly suggestions and the pianist's bold attempt at musical accompaniment.

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (26-33) CO0022 8 X 30’ 2002

Another intoxicating round of the antidote to panel games in which four of radio's most clueless panellists are given silly and unusual things to do by their hapless chairman. Musical accompaniment in keys known and unknown is provided by the show's resident pianist and, as usual, sitting on the chairman's right hand is the delightful Samantha who "never fails to score"…

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (34-39) CO0025 6 X 30’ 2003

The famous antidote to panel games, hosted by Humphrey Lyttelton.

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (34-39) CO0029 6 X 30’ 2005

The godfather of panel shows returns with a generous dose of inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and musical discord. Organising the chaos is the reluctant chairman Humphrey Lyttelton and sitting on his right hand, keeping a firm grip on the teams' points, is the ever-delightful Samantha.

I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue (46-53) CO0035 8 x 30’ 2006

The godfather of panel shows returns with a generous dose of inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and musical discord. Organising the chaos is the reluctant chairman Humphrey Lyttelton and sitting on his right hand, keeping a firm grip on the teams' points, is the ever-delightful Samantha.

Just a Minute CD125, CD597, CD941, CD1179 52 x 30' 1991, 1994-1996

This is easily the longest-running comedy panel game on British radio. Competitors speak for one minute on a set subject, without repetition, hesitation or deviation. It’s a lot more difficult than it sounds. Interruptions by the other panellists make life difficult, and it's really an excuse for tall stories, jokes, gamesmanship and repartee. The resident team is Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams, Peter Jones and , plus many guest stars. The chairman is Nicholas Parsons.

Just a Minute CO0028 8 x 30’ 2005

Eight more episodes of the much loved panel game. The task facing the panellists is deceptively simple: take your given subject and talk - without hesitation, deviation or repetition - for just one minute. You'd be amazed how difficult it is! Particularly when your rivals are creating mayhem with their own jokes, gamesmanship and repartee. 25 | Page

Jazz Score CD552, CD834 18 x 30' 1993-1994

A quiz programme for jazz lovers, often recorded in Ronnie Scott's club in the heart of London's . Anecdotes and much laughter accompanies this light- hearted game as chairman Benny Green asks the questions of many of the top names in jazz today.

My Music CD277, CD467, CD723 52 x 30' 1992-1994

Frank Muir and John Amis compete with Ian Wallace and in answering a series of questions on all kinds of music. A delightful atmosphere amongst witty friends, in front of an appreciative audience. Steve Race is the question master.

My Word! CN205, CN324, CN395, CN599, CN736, CN882, CN1046, CN1170, CN1398, CN1606, CN1861, CN1892, CN2034, CN2323, CN2589, CN2852, CN3075, CN3827, CN4366, CN4591, CN4862, CN5305 52 x 30' 1964-1987

A panel game about words, poems, plays, catch-phrases and literary allusions of all kinds. Denis Norden, , Dilys Powell, Anne Scott-James and Antonia Fraser are the experts. Highlights of the programmes are the closing anecdotes told by Frank and Denis, often based on wild distortions of popular sayings or quotations.

Quote... Unquote - CN4653, CN4937, CN5202 39 x 30' 1985-1988

The sayings of the famous as well as the obscure are recalled and celebrated in a panel game about quotations, including Eavesdropping, Graffiti and the occasional outbreak of Foot in Mouth. Devised and presented by Nigel Rees.

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Sketch

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme (Series 8) - CO114 6 x 30’ (Sketch)

John Finnemore presents more from his multi-award-winning sketch show, featuring his regular ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan.

Episode 1 - John cooks a particularly good lasagne, and we hear a legendary swansong and, well, since you ask him for a ghost story...

Episode 2 - We don't know much about this episode, but it contains some merry names, an epiphany, and, well, since you ask him for a story of the biter bit...

Episode 3 - Featuring some handy mnemonics, an illuminating interview and a de-illuminating editor’s note.

Episode 4 - This episode will make you feel like a princess, whether you want it to or not, and, well, since you ask him for another tale of crossing the ocean by horseback...

Episode 5 - Featuring guidance on the etiquette of “thank-yous”, and the devastating consequences of World Peace.

Episode 6 - This clinically efficient episode features a song John “could have” written for the show, and, well, since you ask him for a story of a breakneck race against time...

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (28-33) - CO100 6 x 30’

John Finnemore is joined by his regular ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan, for another series of his zany multi-award-winning sketch show.

Episode 1 - We hear a very awkward phone call, and a poem from a world-famous polymath, and, well, since you ask him for a story about the importance of good manners...

Episode 2 - We hear about the world's least popular invention and an exciting – perhaps too exciting – new wedding venue, and, well, since you ask him for a tale of a mission set against almost insurmountable odds...

Episode 3 - We hear the best sound in all of music, and someone asking for a massive favour. There's also an inaccurate sketch, and, well, since you ask him a very direct question...

Episode 4 - We get a tutorial on the world's most complicated game, and Patsy Straightwoman asks someone very old to tell her more and, well... since you ask John for a 'howdy, partner'...

Episode 5 - We hear from several different animals, a couple of types of King, and witness a majestic sunset and, well, since you ask him for some audience participation...

Episode 6 - Whether you're listening accidentally or not, you'll learn about the downsides of adopting animals,

27 | Page and hear a modern shanty that anyone who works in an office will identify with.

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme (22-27) – CO0095 6 x 30’

John Finnemore returns with a new series of his multi-award-winning sketch show.

Episode 1 – A seasonal special, including TV adverts, woodland talent contests, a song about the best day of Christmas, and what is almost certainly the greatest story a Finnemore has ever told.

Episode 2 - John makes a decision on behalf of the nation, delivers an unusual rhythm, and has a bright idea about money. And, well... since you ask him for a tale of strange transformations...

Episode 3 - Including the worst of the bad coppers, a frustrated one hit-wonder, and the return of Patsy Straightwoman. And since you ask John for a haiku…

Episode 4 - John meets a man on the way to St Ives, and we hear from a couple who get on like a house on fire. And, well... since you ask him for a tale of love...

Episode 5 - A famous author takes drastic measures to improve his sales, and we find out what a certain celebrity is really like. And since you ask John for a story of a fortune-teller…

Episode 6 - John lets Lawry take over, with inevitable reactions from Carrie, Margaret and Simon. And, well... since you ask him for a musical finale...

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme (16-21) CO88 6 x 30’ 2016

More hilarious sketches from the award-winning show written by and starring John Finnemore.

Episode 1 - Including an unlikely wager, a troubled bluesman, and, well, since you ask him for a rip-roaring adventure on the high seas...

Episode 2 - The voice in John's head pushes him to tipping point; a new approach to the News; and, well, since you ask him for a tale of espionage...

Episode 3 - A look back at a career in accounting, an over-rated experience and, we're sorry to say, Patsy Straightwoman returns with an interview sketch.

Episode 4 - A sketch that couldn't catch a cold in Coventry, if you know what we mean; a train passenger who really doesn't over think things; and, well, since you ask him for a tale of a haunted mansion...

Episode 5 - John makes a heartfelt serving suggestion and Lawry tries to keep himself busy. And, well, since you ask him for a curious tale of murder...

Episode 6 - John apologises for a delay, and wonders what his hobbies are. And, well, since you ask him for a tale of national mourning and robots...

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John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme (Series 4) 6 x 30’ 2014

More from the hit sketch show written by and starring John Finnemore.

Episode 1 - John creates an innovative teaching aid and eavesdrops on two guards.

Episode 2 - The rudest of awakenings for one particular pet and the positive side of stereotyping.

Episode 3 - Featuring an awkward encounter at an interfaith conference.

Episode 4 - John tries to present a classic sketch, but the others are not going to help him.

Episode 5 - Featuring the only detectives who have not had their own TV show yet.

Episode 6 - A pure moment of happiness and a song for a season that does not usually get sung about.

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme (5-9) CO78 5 x 30’ 2013

The return of the sketch show written by and starring John Finnemore.

Episode 1 - Featuring an awkward celestial relationship, surprisingly easy contract negotiations, and a trailer for a film about the only mode of transport that hasn't had a film made about it yet.

Episode 2 - How sounds to people who don’t listen to The Archers, and winning compensation for ‘bad things’ at work.

Episode 3 - Including a sketch about messengers, a sketch about the history of alchemy, and a sketch about the word sketch.

Episode 4 - Finding jobs for sitcom characters, pointless security codes and how the goldfish invented computer programming.

Episode 5 - Some moth-based lunacy, and a heart-warming tale of the days before health and safety. All of which is, as you'll see, "awesome". *For earlier series please see CO 78 & CO 69

What to Do If You’re Not Like Everybody Else CO72 8 x 15’ 2012

Stand-up comedian Andrew Lawrence examines the difficulties we face in fitting in and finding our place in the world.

Episode 1 - The effort we put into our personal appearance and the pressure we all feel to look good.

Episode 2 - The difficulties of human interaction and communication.

Episode 3 - The pressures faced by people to have a full-time job and earn enough money to lead a respectable life.

Episode 4 - The expectation upon us all that we should settle down, get married and have children.

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Episode 5 - The peculiar ways people celebrate occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.

Episode 6 - Leisure pursuits and the strange things people do to have fun.

Episode 7 - The perils and frustrations of decorating and furnishing homes and inviting people round.

Episode 8 - The various journeys people take in everyday life, including travelling to work, taking holidays and going to the shops.

That Mitchell and Webb Sound (17-22) CO58 6 x 30’ 2009

David Mitchell and invite you back to their gloriously lop-sided world of quirky characters and twisted situations, where everything echoes the familiar, pushed just a little bit farther … *For earlier series please see CO 26 & CO 40

Episode 1 - Including how to talk like a Roman emperor; a man raised by wasps; and an orthopedic supplies company with its own portal to another universe.

Episode 2 - TV show ‘Make Me a Celebrity Centaur’, and an appearance in front of the Old Lady Job Justification Tribunal.

Episode 3 - A new twelve blade razor, a horse in the kitchen, and the shepherd’s nephew who cried wolf – and meant it.

Episode 4 - A sanctuary for balloon animals, Pinocchio gets his just desserts, and say it with cheese.biz.

Episode 5 - A man who leaves his body to evil, the most confusing radio interview ever, and Doctor Doolittle’s conversation with a goldfish.

Episode 6 - The world's leading crime-fighting tortoise, a mediaeval recipe for healthy food and Superman outstays his welcome in the workplace.

Beachcomber… By The Way TCD0898 6 x 30' 1994

"Greetings Morons". The eccentric world of J.B. Morton began in the 1930s as a newspaper column in the . It has a passing connection with reality and is peopled by red-headed dwarves, Doctor Strabismus (whom God preserve) of Utrecht and the endlessly peremptory Justice Cocklecarrot amongst others. and John Wells attempt to hold it all together, with the help of , , Joan Sims and .

Goodness Gracious Me CO0009 6 x 30' 1998

Barrier-breaking satire from the hilariously irreverent team of comedians. Starring Sanjeev Bhaskar, Kulvinder Ghir, Nitin Sawhney, and Nina Wadia. Go for an "English" in Bombay - "What's the blandest thing on the menu?" - and explore the Asian mum's obsession with the aubergine in this very funny and original show.

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The Goon Show CD0314-CD0325 52 x 30' 1992

"It's all in the mind, you know." The Goon Show's team - , , and Harry Secombe - broadcast from 1951 to 1960 and are perhaps the most influential radio comedians of all time. Grytpype-Thynne, Moriarty, Henry Crun and Min, Eccles, Bluebottle and Colonel Denis Bloodnock - he of the exploding trousers - are instantly recognisable, featuring as they do in the surreal adventures of the endlessly gullible Neddie Seagoon.

I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again - CN2137, CN2138, CN2369, CN2370 52 x 30' 1966-1970

A virtual Who's Who of with Tim Brook-Taylor, , Jo Kendall, Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie, and as the stars of "Radio Prune" , a sort of radio custard pie. Thrill to a series of comic parodies, gasp at the full frontal sketches, sing along to the pastiche pop songs and groan at the awful puns.

Round The Horne CN2919 52 x 30' 1966-1968, 1976

A colourful and bizarre collection of characters and catch phrases made RoundThe Horne unique in the history of radio comedy. The urbane Kenneth Horne kept the whole thing moving at breakneck speed as the high camp of Julian and Sandy gave way to the smouldering double entendres of ageing juveniles Binkie Huckaback and Dame Celia Molestrangler. The impenetrable folk songs of Rambling Sid Rumpo introduced audiences to a world of suggestion and outrageous innuendo that still hasn't been fully explained. And also starring Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee.

Take It From Here CN982, CN1008, CN1009, CN1010 52 x 30' 1969

Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden, is one of the funniest of a very funny genre. There are skits, sketches and songs from a talented cast and the highlight is always the day-to-day life of the Glums, a gloriously dysfunctional family unit, where Eth's romantic optimism is always hampered by the speed of Ron's thought processes and Pa Glum's fondness for beer. Starring , and June Whitfield.

That Mitchell and Webb Sound (1-5) CO0023 5 x 30’ 2003

David Mitchell and Robert Webb invite listeners into their gloriously lopsided world of sketches populated by quirky characters in twisted situations.

That Mitchell Webb Sound (6-10) CO0026 5 x 30’ 2005

A return to the lop-sided world of David Mitchell and Robert Web.

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The Museum of Everything CO0027 5 x 30’ 2005

The Museum of Everything is a treasure trove of obsessive collectors, dedicated re- enactors and painstakingly inaccurate historical exhibits. Join the museum's disgruntled guides as they journey around its infinite gallery of strange displays and even stranger characters.

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Spoof

Bleak Expectations (25-30) CO81 6 x 30’ 2014

The wild Victorian comedy continues.

1. A Pleasant but Dull Life Re-Eviled: Pip Bin is beginning to miss the conflict with absent evil nemesis Mr Gently Benevolent.

2. A Re-Excited Life Made Distinctly Dangerous: Pip and his friends travel to India to thwart the evil machinations of Mr Gently Benevolent.

3. An Alrightish Life Savagely Frozen to Bits: Pip races to Antarctica to thwart another fiendish plot by the evil Mr Gently Benevolent.

4. A Writerly Life Made Dreadfully Different: Pip and engage in a novel-writing showdown to find the greatest writer.

5. A Terrifying Life Made Even Scarier a Bit Some More: Danger threatens Britain, as Harry Biscuit becomes possessed by the evil Pen of Penrith.

6. A Loved-Up Life Potentially Totally Annihilated: Mister Gently Benevolent unveils an advent calendar of evil culminating on Christmas day. *For earlier series please see CO 65, CO 59 & CO52

Paperback Hell CO0032 6 x 15’ 2005

A literary spoof series in which six imaginary yet strangely familiar authors narrate compelling extracts from their books, chapter by best-selling chapter, page by page- turning page - none of them very good.

All The World's A Globe TCD0198 8 x 15' 1991

The entire history of mankind from the first amoeba to the Second World War. Presented by the entire company of the National Theatre of Brent - Desmond Oliver Dingle and Wallace - at a crisp pace. Patrick Barlow and Jim Broadbent star in this award-winning show, with occasional guest appearances by Juliet Stevenson and Ben Kingsley

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Famous for 15

The Glums CN1660 40 x 15' 1969

The Glum family segment of Take It From Here, featuring Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley and June Whitfield in a richly comic series. Ron and Eth spend most of their lives in a pre-nuptial stupor - an inert romance on the settee - which Mr. Glum can do nothing to speed up. Occasional noises off can be heard, but not understood. That's Mrs Glum, played by Alma Cogan.

Juste Plain Madness CN5658 12 x 15' 1990

Adrian Juste plunders the world of radio comedy for a series of comic montages on everyday subjects, lovingly pieced together from the comedy of Tony Hancock, Peter Sellers, , and Dudley Moore, Emo Phillips, and many, many more...

The Life Of Jim CN4634 6 x 15' 1985

"Professor" Jimmy Edwards, one of the greats of radio comedy, looks back at forty years in show business and the ups and downs in an unique career. From fighter- pilot to comic star of radio, television and theatre, he never lost his penchant for playing large wind instruments. Recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Life With Le Derer 1-5 TCD0041, 6-10 TCD0551 10 x 15' 1990

Helen Lederer brings her own brand of comic paranoia to this guide to modern designer living. Advice on The Body Beautiful, The New Home, Relationships, Parties and Holidays and much more.

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Features

At Last The Go On Show TCD0325 1 x 60' 1992

This fascinating and hilarious Goons 40th Anniversary documentary is packed with classic clips, inside information and never-before-heard rehearsal recordings. Michael Bentine, Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers and many others recall the genesis of the surreal radio comedy.

The Days of Take It From Here CN1011 1 x 30' 1969

The story of a much-loved radio series recalled by the writers Frank Muir and Denis Norden, and the producer Charles Maxwell.

Peter Sellers: Funny That Way CN5449 1 x 30' 1989

The career of one of the most versatile British comedians, from early years as one of the stars of The Goon Show, before becoming the world's leading comic film actor.

Spike Milligan - Return To Bexhill- on-Sea CN5449 1 x 30' 1989

Spike Milligan, writer, poet and star of The Goon Show, returns to the town of Bexhill-on-Sea, where he spent the early years of the war, and meets old friends in an impromptu reunion of D battery.

END Last update 20/08/2021 (RR)

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