The Story Of Light Entertainment...

Part of the problem is they have everything fetched and carried for them. I appreciate that they can't sneak off for refreshments, just as you can't "wander off" at school or work, but you'd think they'd have the foresight to bring any snacks/refreshments with them.


Agreed. The information I have, from someone who is regularly on set, suggests the way Emma Watson goes about her requests was anything but polite.


It's also worth remembering there is always a certain amount of the actor in the characters they play. If you've seen the Harry Potter films, Hermione comes out with some catty one-liners and some emotionally-charged stuff. Similarly, it's not unreasonable to think that Paul O'Grady is diva-like in real life given his on-screen manner.

It's just not possible, I promise you. In many cases the only opportunity to have a sip of anything is when a runner holds a bottle to you with a straw in it. The makeup and wardrobe departments can get pretty stroppy themselves if you are holding an open cup. It depends on the production and the budgets involved though.

I agree largely with your sentiments about real pain-in-the-backside performers, and there are lots of them out there; but not nearly as many as the press would have you beleive.

Fortunately, for every diva in the industry, there are a hundred sycophants who will put up with (and positively encourage) their behaviour!

Indeed, Elton could make a couple of rounds of corned beef and tomato sauce sandwiches and a can of Irn Bru and stick them in a lunchbox before he goes out in the morning...

I never know that Benny hill was such pioneer in sketches in the late 50’s and people copied his stuff,

I also the Frankie Howard going both ways will you learn something new everyday!

Stanley Baxter: that what’s missing form ITV these days, a lavish show, but ITV are to much of a cheap to pay for it

Also it also I surprised how big the comedians was back in the 70’s

I've been trying to be reasonably gentle with you of late, but I think you've actually managed a post, there, of which I do not understand ONE word.

lets try again,

After watching tonight show I found it surprising to found that Benny hill was such pioneer in sketches in the late 50’, and can not understand how he went to such low cow in his comedy, on the note of the 70’s there a notable show "The comedians", which some how got 17millions viewer but yet it seemed to be driven by Bernard manning, and his poor taste in joke.

Stanley Baxter shows, seem to be some of the most lavish show, of its time, that what’s missing form ITV these days A LAVISH show but ITV are too cheap to pay for it
Maybe if ITV brought back some lavish show there might help save ITV

Also I was surprised to learn about Frankie Howard going both ways will you learn something new everyday!

( I; am trying to keep in your good side Mr Harvey)

The show on now - "Laughter in the House", is that a repeat of the one a few years ago? Have they gone and cropped the whole show to widescreen? It looks a bit stretched.

It's a shame Benny Hill is just remembered for his sauciness because he was a very inspired comedian when it came to visual humour. One of my all time favourite sketches of his was The Halitosis Kid, absolutely hilarious. Also The Benny Hill Show won a BAFTA for it's 1971 series. Just remember that this was the year The Two Ronnies debuted along with The Goodies. And Morecambe and Wise were hitting their stride with Eddie Braben's scripts giving us Glenda Jackson in Cleopatra & their legendary 1971 Christmas Show featuring Andre Previn and Shirley Bassey. He also won an award that year for best script beating Dennis Potter and also the script for Edna The Inebriate Woman! Also incredibly that year The Comedians was nominated for a BAFTA that year too!!

As for Stanley Baxter, the man is a forgotten comedy great who won BAFTA's on several ocassions and his shows are long overdue for a repeat.

And finally I must add that the Morecambe and Wise sketch, where they make breakfast to the music of the stripper, was broadcast in 1976 not 1973. Also Benny Hill introduced Hill's Angels after the success of Hot Gossip on The Kenny Everett Video Show

Yes it is, but still very interesting.

John Birt was the kiss of death as regards Stanley Baxter's TV career, it seemed.

And the same is true of The Goodies as well, Bill Oddie goes into great detail about their LWT tenure on numerous ocassions and how John Birt ended it.

Does anyone have a good word about John Birt?

The guy seemed to be obsessed with cutbacks & saving money.