During second half of 20th century, our screens were inundated with beautiful comedy programs appreciated world-wide. They were well written, witty, providing memorable roles to some wonderful actors like Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn (Dad’s Army), Richard Brier, Penelope Keith, Felicity Kindle (Good Life, Manor Born)) Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Courbet, David Jason (Open All Hours, Two Ronnies, Darling Buds of may) Derick Nemo (Oh Brother) Rudolf Walker, Jack Smethurst and Nina Baden-Semper (Love Thy Neighbour) that helped to break-down race barrier, Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derick Fowlds (Yes Minister) to name but a few.
Other famous comedy actors were Harry Corbett, Mike Yarwood, Eric Sikes, Harry Worth, Frank Thornton, list is endless. One can easily add fifty names and as many programmes to this list. I was a great fan of small screen British comedies that provided light relief, break down prejudices and provided roles to ethnic minority actors like Lenny Henry, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Nina Wadia, Rudolf Walker and many more.
Yet today, comedy programmes are bare of talent and the likes of “All Round to Mrs Brown’s” depend on four letter words to provide cheap, tasteless humour, insult to one’s intelligence! How come we lost so much talent in such a short time?
Kumudini Valambia
By email
