It’s Christmas on BBC2.
After a brief trailer for Lovejoy, we have At Home with Vic & Bob, a night of programmes chosen by Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.
Here’s the opening, and introduction to the first programme.
The highlight of the evening comes right at the beginning, Rutland Weekend Television, Eric Idle’s post-Python comedy show, and one which is almost never repeated. Although the Radio Times listing and the introduction here implies it’s a Best Of show, it actually appears to be the 1975 Christmas Show (original broadcast listing: BBC Two England, 26 December 1975 22.55)
Music is supplied by Neil Innes.
And special musical guest George Harrison (as “Pirate Bob”)
There’s another Vic & Bob introduction.
Followed by a special Christmas episode of Dad’s Army from 1972. This was originally broadcast as part of Christmas Night with the Stars (BBC One London, 25 December 1972 18.55). The Walmington-On-Sea Home Guard have been selected to take part in the King’s Christmas broadcast.
Back to Vic & Bob.
The next programme is Meerkats Utd, the episode of Wildlife on One which, for good or ill, introduced meerkats to the general population. BBC One London, 26 January 1987 20.00
During the next link, Vic & Bob are joined by the incomparable John Shuttleworth
Followed by a compilation of comedy moments, plus some action from the World Disco Dance Championships.
Then, Vic & Bob present Christmas with Slade, featuring Mark Willaims, Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson and Neil Morrissey.
This is followed by a special episode of Shooting Stars, featuring Ulrika Jonsson, Jonathan Ross, Wendy Richard, Noddy Holder, Martin Clunes and Danny Baker.
Then, another interlude, featuring some farting frenchmen.
Then, Mike Leigh’s classic Play for Today, Nuts in May. Roger Sloman and Alison Steadman go camping in Dorset, and even visit Corfe Castle, where my family and I went on holiday just a couple of weeks ago. BBC One London, 13 January 1976 21.25
And after this, Vic & Bob close down.
BBC Genome (for the whole evening): BBC Two England, 27 December 1993 19.00
Following this, a trailer for Born on the Fourth of July. Then the tape comes to an end during an episode of The Seven Deadly Sins, a programme looking at “the positive aspects of sin”. Featuring Simon Schama (as played by James Dreyfuss, apparently).
