Episode 1

Decade by decade, Barry Cryer showcases some of the funniest and finest shows ever broadcast by the BBC.

With his hair in a quiff, our King of Skiffle rock 'n'rolls his way back to the 1950s. Barry's first comedy six-pack is plucked from the schedules of the BBC Light Programme and BBC Home Service:

* Life With The Lyons:
Series 5 (7/25) - A Crooner In the House
Daughter Barbara is in love with singer Ronnie Harris and father Ben's not happy. Stars Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon. From January 1955.

* In All Directions:
06/01/56
American President Eisenhower fields questions and life in the BBC's Public Relations Office. Sketches galore scripted by and starring Peter Ustinov and Peter Jones. From January 1956

* The Al Read Show:
Northern Variety Parade
The wonders of modern cafeterias and the cheesy chat-up lines of men with motor cars.
Starring the Salford sausage maker turned monarch of the monologue. From November 1955.

* A Life of Bliss:
Finding a Girlfriend
Matchmakers galore target shy bachelor David Bliss. Stars George Cole, Petula Clark and Percy Edwards as Pysche the dog. From October1954.

* Take It From Here:
Series 10 (8/20)
Jimmy Edwards and Dick Bentley worry over BBC cuts in sound radio - and how Ron and Eth first met in 'The Glums'. With June Whitfield. From February 1957.

* The Goon Show:
Series 8 (10/26) - King Solomon's Mines
Neddie Seagoon loses at roulette, so heads off in search of legendary African riches. Stars Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers. With Wallace Greenslade. From December 1957.

Produced and scripted by Peter Reed

Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in May 2003.