BBC Radio 2 - The First Year of Fun, with Ken Dodd

On 30th September 1967, the BBC Light Programme became BBC Radio 2. Primarily a music station, the network also regularly broadcast a variety of comedy series – many now regarded as classics.

The King of Knotty Ash, Ken Dodd introduces six fun-tastic gems transmitted during 2’s first 12 months on-air.

* ROUND THE HORNE * Series 4 Episode 15/16

Crofter Kenneth Horne meets Bona Prince Charlie, plus Rambling Syd Rumpo and the Bona Advertising agency run by Julian and Sandy.

Ever popular series with Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden. (2nd June 1968)

* THE CLITHEROE KID * Series 11 Episode 16/20 Have Snake Will Travel

Cheeky schoolboy Jimmy Clitheroe sparks chaos when his teacher sends him reptile hunting.

With Peter Sinclair, Patricia Burke, Danny Ross, Diana Day, Tony Melody and Derek Nimmo. (10th December 1967)

* THE NAVY LARK * Series 9 Episode 16/20 Cuthbert Joins The Navy

Mrs Povey insists her snooty nephew Cuthbert samples a career on the ocean wave aboard HMS Troutbridge.

Comedy afloat with Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Stephen Murray, Richard Caldicot, Heather Chasen, Ronnie Barker, Tenniel Evans and Michael Bates. (15th October 1967)

* THE EMBASSY LARK * Series 3 Episode 4/15 Up The Pole

The Ambassador flags up trouble in the spin-off from The Navy Lark. Set in the British Embassy in the fictional country of Tratvia.

Stars Derek Francis, Frank Thornton, Charlotte Mitchell, Francis de Wolfe, Peter Stephens and Michael Spice. (26th March 1968)

* I’M SORRY, I’LL READ THAT AGAIN * Series 6 Episode 1/13

Radio's Dave the Rave and The Legend of Bunny and Claude.

Songs and sketches with John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Bill Oddie and Jo Kendall. (14th April 1968)

* THE KEN DODD SHOW *

Doddy reveals the tale of a legendary footballer, meet the Head of the Pips and it's panto time!.

With John Laurie, Patricia Hayes, Graham Stark and Judith Chalmers. (17th December 1967)

Producer: Nick St. George

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in September 2007.