1. Round the Horne

BBC Comedy Controllers from across the decades look back at radio shows from the past.

Clocking up over 150 years on the job between them, Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville reveal what they do, why they do it and what makes them laugh.

Recorded before a studio audience in the iconic BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House - the home of British radio comedy.

In the first of three programmes, our foursome travel back to the golden years of 1960s and 70s to celebrate the satire boom and to trace the development of sitcoms both here and abroad.

Featuring:

* ROUND THE HORNE
Series 4 (9/16)

Kenneth Horne blasts off boldly in 'Journey to Uranus', a ditty from Rambling Sid Rumpo and 'Bona Books' with Julian and Sandy. From 1968.

Starring Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden.

Plus extracts from:

Beyond the Fringe
Aftermyth of War
Till Death Us Do Part

Sadly Beryl Vertue passed away, aged 90, in 2022.

Series Producers: Paul Kobrak and Dixi Stewart

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2017.