In this late-night revue, ex-Goon Michael Bentine presides over a chaotic mixture of surreal sketches, music, and eccentric monologues.
Hosted by the inventive comedian Michael Bentine (Michael Bentine), this series was a free-form variety showcase built around his unique talents. Each edition presented a rapid-fire succession of surreal sketches, monologues to camera, and musical numbers. Bentine was supported by a regular team of players that included future stars Dick Emery (Dick Emery) and Clive Dunn (Clive Dunn), alongside character actor Benny Lee (Benny Lee). The programme also featured a house band led by Reg Owen and attracted an eclectic roster of high-profile guests, ranging from comedians Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd to musicians Cleo Laine and Lonnie Donegan.
A vehicle for Michael Bentine following his departure from The Goon Show, After Hours was a crucial stepping stone in translating radio surrealism to television. Its late-night slot and alternative title, Eleven Plus, signalled a more adventurous and anarchic style than was common in primetime.
The production was an early and formative collaboration for Bentine and director Richard Lester, whose inventive, fast-paced visual style would later define his work on films with The Beatles. Shot for the ABC weekend franchise, the programme had a freewheeling, anything-goes atmosphere, mixing slapstick with sophisticated satire and attracting an impressive array of guests from sport, theatre, and pop music.
Broadcast: ITV – ABC, 28 Episodes, 5 October 1958 – 19 December 1959
Written by: Michael Bentine, Richard Lester
Producer: Richard Lester
Director: Richard Lester
Design: Robert Fuest
Music: Reg Owen
Main Cast: Michael Bentine, Dick Emery, Clive Dunn, Benny Lee
Guest Cast included: Shirley Bassey, Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howerd, Lonnie Donegan, Cleo Laine, Dora Bryan, Sir Donald Wolfit, Sabrina, Jimmy Greaves, Jack Brabham
