"The Sketch Show Story" (2001) TV series 2001-

Director:

John Birkin

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

25 October 2001 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Documentary

Plot:

Victoria Wood looks back at the history of the British TV comedy sketch show.

Cast

Victoria Wood

...

Herself / ... (2 episodes, 2001)

Series Directed by
John Birkin		(unknown episodes)

Series Produced by
Danny Dignan	....	producer (2 episodes, 2001)
Beatrice Ballard	....	executive producer (unknown episodes)
Jeannie Clark	....	assistant producer (unknown episodes)
Amanda Lyon	....	assistant producer (unknown episodes)

Series Cinematography by
Jeremy Hewson		(unknown episodes)

Series Film Editing by
Jane Greenwood		(unknown episodes)
Nick Peto		(unknown episodes)

Series Production Design by
Humphrey Jaeger		(unknown episodes)

Series Costume Design by
Marlene Lawlor		(unknown episodes)

Series Makeup Department
Philippa Hall	....	makeup designer (unknown episodes)

Series Production Management
Paul Williams	....	production manager (unknown episodes)

Series Art Department
Bob Warans	....	props buyer (unknown episodes)

Series Sound Department
Ned Hards	....	location sound (unknown episodes)
Tony Revell	....	sound supervisor (unknown episodes)

Series Camera and Electrical Department
Dave Box	....	studio camera supervisor (unknown episodes)
Martin Kempton	....	lighting designer (unknown episodes)

Series Music Department
Matthew Strachan	....	composer: title music (unknown episodes)

Series Other crew
Penelope Chong	....	script supervisor (unknown episodes)
Jessie Davis	....	programme coordinator (unknown episodes)
Chris Greenwood	....	program consultant (unknown episodes)
Paul Houghton	....	studio resource manager (unknown episodes)
Honor Newton	....	production finance associate (unknown episodes)
Andrew Waters	....	studio resource manager (unknown episodes)

Production Companies

• British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Distributors

• British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) (original airing)

Other Companies

• Bernard Heyes Design  graphics

Also Known As:

Runtime:

60 min (2 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

An entertaining history of the comedy sketch in the UK

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Victoria Wood's 2-part documentary traces the history of the sketch from its early days as part of the variety/music hall entertainment to the TV sketch shows of the 21st century. Charting the growing sophistication of the style and its audience - from physical comedy and catchphrases to the multi-layered reference-laden sketches of today, this takes in all the classic British sketches you can think of and a few more besides (but see SPOILER alert below). It assesses how changes in attitudes within society concerning women, minority ethnic communities, and sexuality have been reflected (or more often not) by the genre. The clips and commentary are linked by Victoria Wood in new, specially-written sketches.

SPOILER: You may wish to watch this programme to see how your favourite sketch actor/writer fares in the 'place in history' status. If you were expecting the sophisticated historical and religious-based sketches of Dave Allen, prepare to be disappointed (as I was) at the programme's apparent ignorance of his talents. Although the rest of the programme is well worth watching, the exclusion of Dave Allen's work leaves the programme lacking from the 'definitive' history it seeks to be.