Everyone’s a comedian
There were punchlines galore as ITV show The Comedians hit TV screens 50 years ago
HEARD the one about the TV show that turned comics into stars?
The Comedians began on ITV 50 years ago and quickly proved overwhelmingly popular with viewers.
The half-hour shows were packed with gags from start to finish and boosted the careers of many entertainers who had been touring the circuit of working mens’ clubs.
Many became household names with Jim Bowen going on to present TV darts-based game show Bullseye, Roy Walker hosting Catchphrase and Mike Reid moving into Albert Square to play EastEnders regular Frank Butcher.
Mother-in-law and doctor jokes abounded along with stories of men who walked into bars. And, although non-PC humour was the order of the day, if you did not like one joke you could be assured another one would be along very quickly.
The slice of weekly comedy proved such a hit that it led to tours and a season at the London Palladium.
The Comedians began on ITV on June 12, 1971, and ran for 11 series showcasing the likes of Jimmy Cricket, Stan Boardman, Russ Abbot, Tom O’Connor, Mick Miller, Les Dennis, Bernard Manning, Stu Francis and former footballer-turned-comic Charlie Williams.
Most favoured suits and bow ties, while perms were a popular hairstyle.
Shows were edited together so you could have a constant stream of one-liners, from Bernard Manning’s classic: “A man walked into a psychiatrist and said ‘I can’t stop telling lies.’ He said ‘I don’t believe you” to Stu Francis sadly revealing “We couldn’t afford a turkey at Christmas. My dad used to go out and buy the budgie some chest expanders”.