2. Steptoe and Son

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.

From London's iconic BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House - the home of British Radio comedy.

In the second 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:

* STEPTOE AND SON
Series 5 (2/6) Come Dancing

Albert helps son Harold to conquer the ballroom. From 1974.
Adapted from TV.

Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.

* THE ERIC MORECAMBE AND ERNIE WISE SHOW
From 25/03/1978

Eric and Ernie welcome Penelope Keith who does her own intro - before performing in Ern's sketch what he wrote.

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.