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Has broadcast comedy run out of ideas? Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville pool experience to find out.

Â鶹Éç Comedy Controllers from across the decades look back at radio shows from the past.

Clocking up over 150 years on the job between them, Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville reveal what they do, why they do it and what makes them laugh.

From London's iconic Â鶹Éç Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House - the home of British Radio comedy.

In the first of two programmes, the controllers argue over whether broadcast comedy has run out of ideas

And they wonder where do we go for laughs today?

Featuring:

‘OVER THE GARDEN WALL’ - from 7th October 1948 - Â鶹Éç Light Programme

‘MRS BROWN'S BOYS’ [losing virginity sketch] - Â鶹Éç TV

‘QI’ [Brendan O’Carroll appearance] Â鶹Éç TV

‘YES, MINISTER’ [Jim Hacker’s first day] - 1983 - Â鶹Éç Radio 4

‘NO SUCH THING AS THE NEWS’ - 20th May 2016 - Â鶹Éç TV

Series Producers: Paul Kobrak and Dixi Stewart.

Made for Â鶹Éç Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in April 2017.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 16 Nov 2023 20:00

Broadcasts

  • Wed 25 May 2022 11:00
  • Wed 25 May 2022 21:00
  • Sat 11 Nov 2023 10:00
  • Sat 11 Nov 2023 15:00
  • Sat 11 Nov 2023 21:00
  • Sun 12 Nov 2023 05:00
  • Thu 16 Nov 2023 20:00