The best of Britcom
The BBC is planning a celebration of the British sitcom next year. So to get in the spirit, we’ve decided to look at 10 of the best British sitcoms of all time – with a nod to the writers. Hancock’s Half Hour (1956, BBC) The BBC’s sitcom celebration will mark the 60th anniversary of Hancock’s Half Hour’s transition from a radio programme to a TV sitcom. A groundbreaking show, it featured the comic genius of Tony Hancock and Sid James, supported by the likes of Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams. The writers of the show, which ran for seven seasons on TV, were Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, with Johnny Speight credited on one early episode. Galton and Simpson, both still alive, rank as one of the most important of the many writing partnerships to have emerged on the British comedy scene. Aside from their work with Tony Hancock, they created Steptoe and Son, another iconic British sitcom. Other highlights in their joint writing career include a series of projects with Frankie Howerd and The Galton & Simpson Playhouse (1977). Dad’s Army (1968, BBC) The tale of Warminster Home Guard is arguably the greatest ensemble comedy to have come out of the UK, featuring the likes of Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn and Ian Lavender. This probably explains why it has just been remade as a feature film. The writing talents behind the show were creator Jimmy Perry and co-writer David Croft. Perry went on to enjoy success … Continue reading The best of Britcom
