Round the Horne
Round the Horne

Round the Horne

1968TV ShowEnded5 SeasonsEnglish

A radio comedy sketch show, presented as a local variety show with Kenneth Horne as the host.

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Insights

Director: VariousGenres: Comedy, Radio

Plot Summary

Round the Horne was a hugely popular BBC radio comedy show that ran from 1965 to 1968. Written by Barry Took and Marty Feldman, it featured a cast of impressionists and comedians performing sketches, often with double entendres and witty wordplay. The show was renowned for its innovative use of language and its ability to push the boundaries of radio censorship at the time.

Critical Reception

Round the Horne is widely regarded as a landmark in British radio comedy, celebrated for its sharp wit, satirical edge, and groundbreaking humor. It garnered a massive and loyal following during its run and remains a beloved classic, frequently cited for its influence on subsequent comedy programming.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sophisticated wordplay and satirical humor.
  • Commended for its brave exploration of taboo subjects through innuendo.
  • Remembered fondly for its iconic characters and memorable catchphrases.

Google audience: Audience appreciation centers on the show's clever writing, hilarious performances, and enduringly funny sketches. Many listeners recall it as a highlight of their radio listening experience, appreciating its unique blend of adult humor and British charm.

Fun Fact

The show's pervasive use of double entendre and its exploration of gay themes, though never explicit, were so daring for the time that it often attracted the attention of the BBC's censors, leading to frequent edits and a constant game of cat-and-mouse between the writers and the corporation.

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