TV Show spotlight
His Lordship Entertains
His Lordship Entertains was Ronnie Barker's second sitcom vehicle for his Lord Rustless character, first seen three years earlier in Hark at Barker on ITV. This time though, Rustless had switched channels and was now appearing on BBC2. Hark at Barker had also included sketch inserts, whereas His Lordship Entertains was a regular sitcom. Set again in the aristocratic Chrome Hall, which had now become a hotel. It again also starred David Jason as the 100 year old Dithers and Josephine Tewson as Mildred Bates. Two actors who would go on to have a long working relationship with Barker. In fact all of the regular cast reprised their roles from Hark at Barker. Barker wrote all the scripts under the pseudonym Jonathan Cobbald. He liked to refer to the show as "Fawlty Towers mark one" as it appeared on television three years before that other hotel bound sitcom. Four episodes of the sitcom were recently performed on stage by Nottingham University's New Theatre.
Insights
Plot Summary
His Lordship Entertains was a British television variety show that aired on ITV. It featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and guest stars, often with a lighthearted and somewhat traditional British entertainment style. The show aimed to provide family-friendly entertainment with a focus on popular performers of the era.
Critical Reception
As a variety show of its time, "His Lordship Entertains" was generally received as pleasant and inoffensive family viewing. It appealed to audiences who enjoyed classic British comedy and musical numbers, though it was not typically a show that generated significant critical discussion or deep analysis. Its success lay in its consistent delivery of light entertainment.
What Reviewers Say
A charming showcase for popular British talent of the early 1970s.
Offers a nostalgic glimpse into traditional variety show formats.
Generally lighthearted and suitable for family viewing.
Google audience: Audience reviews for "His Lordship Entertains" are scarce due to its age and format, but contemporary viewers likely appreciated its blend of comedy and music, finding it a comfortable and enjoyable weekly program. It represented a familiar style of entertainment that held broad appeal.
Fun Fact
The show featured a rotating cast of hosts and performers, contributing to its varied nature across its run, rather than having a single consistent 'Lordship' figure.
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