The Real Comedy Controllers:  The Things That Made Us Laugh

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BBC Radio 4 Extra

The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh: Satire and Sitcoms

The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh

Satire and Sitcoms

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh, Satire and Sitcoms

Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville look at 60s and 70s sitcoms.

Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville take on the satire and sitcoms of the 60s and 70s.

Instead of guest Comedy Controllers, choosing their comedy favourites, it is now the turn of those who, in their own ways, have to take the blame for many of the shows often featured on Radio 4 Extra. Between them, Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville have well over a 150 years of gut-busting, side-aching woofers, gags and - let's be honest - the occasional horrific mistimed silence. 

In front of an audience in the iconic Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House - the home of British Radio comedy - they reveal why they do it and what it was (and is) that made them laugh. 

 The Real Comedy Controllers travel back to the 1960s and 70s to celebrate the satire boom... to trace the development of sitcoms both here and abroad... and to remember the golden years of BBC Entertainment. Featuring: 

* Round The Horne 
Kenneth Horne blasts off boldly in 'Journey to Uranus', a ditty from Rambling Sid Rumpo and 'Bona Books' with Julian and Sandy. First broadcast in April 1968.

* Steptoe & Son - Come Dancing
Albert sets out to help son Harold to conquer his fear of ballroom dancing. Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With Clifford Norgate as the Milkman. First broadcast in June 1974.

*  The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show
The duo welcome Penelope Keith, who does her own intro before performing in Ern's sketch what he wrote. From March 1978.

*  The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Primary Phase. Fit the Sixth.
Arthur and company escape from a war, but exactly when have they escaped to? By Douglas Adams. From April 1978.

Series Producers: Paul Kobrak and Dixi Stewart.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2017.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Comedy: Chat

Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville select their top comedy moments

Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville select their top comedy moments from after the Second World War

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The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh

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