THAT WAS THE SHOW THAT WAS
MARION MCMULLEN looks back at the launch of one of the BBC’S most groundbreaking satirical shows 60 years ago
BEFORE Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week, the news headlines were providing ample material for political comedy in That Was The Week That Was.
The satirical TV favourite launched on the BBC on November 24, 1962.
It was introduced by newcomer David Frost and featured material written by everyone from John Cleese and Peter Cook, to Bill Oddie and Dennis Potter.
The late-night show took aim at the establishment in a way that had never been seen on the BBC before, and was inspired by the success of the stage revue Beyond the Fringe.
It quickly became known as TW3 and was produced and directed by Ned Sherrin and broadcast live on a Saturday night.
Lance Percival would sing a calypso each week inspired by what was happening in the world, and the team also included Millicent Martin, Roy Kinnear, Kenneth Cope, William Rushton Bernard Levin and David Kernan.
They offered a mix of sketches and songs, while Carry On star Hattie Jacques, Frankie Howerd and Eleanor Bron were among those who made guest appearances. TW3 only ran for 37 episodes over two series, and was cancelled before the 1964 election year because BBC governors were worried about the possible impact of the show.
It was being watched by up to 12 million viewers at its peak and paved the way for future political comedies.
However, the show also tapped into the mood of the nation and got serious with a TV special following the assassination of John F Kennedy.
The tribute was broadcast the day after the American president’s death and featured Millicent Martin singing poignant number, In The Summer Of His Years.