Denis Norden hosts a one-off special celebrating three decades of comedy from the archives of London Weekend Television.
To mark the 30th anniversary of LWT’s first broadcast, veteran presenter Denis Norden guides viewers through a selection of clips from the company’s light entertainment library. The programme features stand-up routines, sketches, and highlights from variety shows and sitcoms. Key moments include magic tricks from Tommy Cooper and Eric Sykes, a musical number from Michael Barrymore, and Freddie Starr setting himself alight. The special also revisits the popular An Audience With… format, with memorable contributions from Warren Mitchell (as Alf Garnett), Joan Rivers, and Shirley Bassey.
Produced as an anniversary celebration, this special is a work of television archaeology curated by one of the medium’s most trusted figures. LWT built its reputation on big, mainstream Saturday night entertainment, and the programme serves as a time capsule of that specific brand of comedy. The structure is simple: Norden, from his familiar presenter’s desk, provides the avuncular links between clips drawn from thirty years of programming. The selection heavily favours the popular An Audience With… specials, a format that became an LWT signature and a cornerstone of its contribution to British light entertainment.
Broadcast: ITV – LWT, 1 Episode, 7 August 1999
Written by: Denis Norden
Produced and Directed by: Paul Lewis
Main Cast: Denis Norden (Host)
With Appearances by: Tommy Cooper, Eric Sykes, Michael Barrymore, Freddie Starr, Warren Mitchell, Joan Rivers, Shirley Bassey, Barbara Knox, Mel Brooks, Billy Connolly, Ken Dodd, Peter Ustinov, Ronnie Corbett
