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Story of Light Entertainment

Anna Gien

Andy Humphries

Story of Light Entertainment: Episode 1: Double Acts

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Episode 1

Episode 1: Double Acts

Double Acts

BBC Two - Story of Light Entertainment, Double Acts

A looks at double acts from Laurel and Hardy and Morecambe and Wise to Ant and Dec.

Series tracing the roots of light entertainment. This edition looks at double acts from Laurel and Hardy to Morecambe and Wise, from Reeves and Mortimer to Ant and Dec.

The great double acts have always been at the heart of light entertainment. They have endured through every twist and turn in the story of showbusiness, but behind the smiles, the dance routines, the jokes and the songs there is a whole other world of intense pressure and anxiety. 

This episode looks at all the double acts from Laurel and Hardy to Ant and Dec. Why do they work? Why do we love them? And why do they so often end up hating each other? It examines the comedy gold produced by legendary double acts like Morecambe and Wise and Reeves and Mortimer, as well the bitter feuds and fall-outs of Mike and Bernie Winters, Cannon and Ball and Newman and Baddiel. 

Stars featured include Mike Winters, Eddie Large, Sid Little, Vic Reeves, Cannon and Ball, David Baddiel, Hale and Pace and many more.

BBC Two

BBC Two is a TV channel that started broadcasting on the 20th April 1964.

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BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Series on the history of light entertainment, narrated by Stephen Fry.

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Story of Light Entertainment

Episode 1: Double Acts

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