The Two Ronnies
The Two Ronnies is a British sketch show which aired on BBC1 from 1971 to 1987. It featured the double act of Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, the "Two Ronnies" of the title.
Seasons
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1971-04-10
The main sketches are the news report put together in a hurry, unable to control himself at a party, a doctor with a cure for saying things twice, Hampton Wick episode 1, sending flowers through Interpol, Paris, getting a hearing aid. Big Jim Jehosophat and Fat-Belly Jones draw the show to a conclusion with their blue-grass performance. The musical guests are Tina Charles and New World, and Alfredo does a vaudeville act.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1971-04-17
The main sketches are Ronnie B meets the bald Mr Goldy, the Hampton Wick episode is Street of Shame, we hear about a lorry driver, Tarzan visits Ronnie C., and W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan are 'In Concert'. The musical guests are New World and Tina Charles, and Jo, Jac & Joni perform a vaudeville routine.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1971-04-24
The main sketches are what can happen when you say "Hello", a beaten weatherman, the Hampton Wick episode is 'The Bare Facts', Ronnie C. relates a story about a train journey, Mr Partridge has swallowed Radio 4, Moira McKellar and Kenneth Anderson take you a roaming in the gloaming. The musical guests are New World and Tina Charles. Georges Schlick presents a ventriloquist act.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1971-05-01
The main sketches are about going to the toilet without using euphemisms, a piano-playing cat, the Hampton Wick episode is 'A Model of Virture', a very forgetful doctor, and the musical is about spoonerisms. The musical guests are New World and Tina Charles, and Chaz Chase performs a comedy routine.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1971-05-08
The main sketches are about going to the toilet without using euphemisms, a piano-playing cat, the Hampton Wick episode is 'A Model of Virture', a very forgetful doctor, and the musical is about spoonerisms. The musical guests are New World and Tina Charles, and Chaz Chase performs a comedy routine.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1971-05-15
The main sketches are about the latest fashion, an appeal for the clumsy people, the Hampton Wick episode is 'The Chambers of Horror', we hear about Ronnie C's early career, the musical is the 'Elizabeth R-Ha'. The musical guests are New World and Tina Charles, and Wasta performs a comedy routine.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1971-05-22
The main sketches are about Hendon, an interesting father-of-the-bride speech, the Hampton Wick episode is 'Queen-of the Silver Screen', we find out value of prayer, approaching a job interview, the musical is the 'The Short and Fat Minstrel Show'. The musical guests are New World and Tina Charles.
8. Episode 8
Air Date: 1971-05-29
The main sketches are feeling feint at the doctors, a talk about statistics, the Hampton Wick episode is 'A Voice from Heaven', about Ronnie's holiday in Spain, a baptism that went wrong, the music is by Big Jim Jehosophat and Fat-Belly Jones. The musical guests are Tina Charles and New World.
9. Christmas Night with the Stars: Special Short
Air Date: 1971-12-25
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett star in a special Christmas programme of sketches, jokes and songs with special guest Cilla Black featuring The Young Generation, Lulu, Mike Yarwood, Adrienne Posta, The Liver Birds, The Goodies and Dad's Army.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1972-09-16
There's a mishap at a wedding ceremony and Ronnie Corbett weaves a story about a neighbour. Spoof gumshoe serial Done to Death kicks off with Piggy Malone and Charlie Farley investigating a wealthy woman's murder. Georgie Fame, Alan Price and Elaine Delmar provide the music.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1972-09-23
Sketches include a man taking his driving test and a parody of traditional Welsh tunes. Ronnie Corbett makes an astonishing claim in his monologue. Georgie Fame, Alan Price and Friday Brown provide the music.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1972-09-30
The duo put a comedic spin on Bizet's Carmen and two party guests try to ignore idle gossip. Meanwhile, in Done to Death, there's another dead body to confuse Piggy and Charlie. Chelsea Brown joins musical regulars Georgie Fame and Alan Price.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1972-10-07
Two men change into some unexpected items of clothing once the working day is over. Plus the two Ronnies poke fun at Russian folk songs. Thelma Houston joins Georgie Fame and Alan Price in the musical line-up.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1972-10-14
Old friends reminisce at a school reunion, a newsreader has to fill time when there are no stories to report - and the duo decide Strauss waltzes are ripe for a little parody. Georgie Fame, Alan Price and Lynsey De Paul provide the songs.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1972-10-21
A man's attempt to buy a pet is harder than it should be. In the musical finale some historical figures, including Queen Victoria and John Brown, burst into song.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1972-10-28
Big Jim Jehosophat and Fat-Belly Jones return to sing in the musical finale. In the penultimate episode of Done to Death, Blanche becomes the prime suspect in the murder case. Samantha Jones joins Georgie Fame and Alan Price in the musical line-up.
8. Episode 8
Air Date: 1972-11-04
Sketches include Post-hypnotic Suggestion and Vicar Heckler. In the last instalment of Done to Death, Piggy and Charlie lay a trap for the killer. The musical finale sees the duo pay tribute to ballroom dancing. Georgie Fame, Alan Price and Salena Jones provide the music.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1973-09-27
Sketches include about shouting in a library, going for a driving test, we find out how to care for the sick, Ronnie tells us how things are going on the home front, and we see the main production, which is called Colditz. The performances in this episode are by Pan's People, who perform a dance routine, and the singer Dana.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1973-10-11
Sketches are a visit to the doctor where you get more than you expect, we see a magic ring, there is a routine set in a pub, we find out hot to get married, two old men from the services reminisce, Ronnie gives us some parish news, and the main production this week is Star Trek. The performances in this episode are by Pan's People, who perform a dance routine, and the group Design.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1973-10-25
Sketches include a visit to the tourist office of a country behind the iron curtain, there is an explanation about symbols used on television, there is a visit to the Limerick Clinic for a bad back, there is performance by a guitar duo, we hear that Ronnie's wife has won two competitions, and the main production this week is The Regiment, which is set in Rawlpore, India. The performances in this episode are by Pan's People, who perform a dance routine to "Yesterday", and the singer Elaine Delmar.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1973-11-08
Sketches include a visit to the psychiatrist, we have Consumer's Corner with Boffo products, there is a home visit by the police, there are the tryouts to be a news reader, Ronnie tells us about last night's producer's party, and the main production this week is The Onedin Line. The performances in this episode are by Pan's People, who perform a dance routine to "Johnny B Goode", and the group Blue Mink.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1973-11-22
Sketches include a visit to a pub where jealousy is a problem, we learn how to build a garden shed, there's an attempt at a protection racket that doesn't quite go as planned, the au pair returns, there is a problem in business, Ronnie tells us about a date, a man tries to get through customs, and the main production this week is Jason King. The performances in this episode are by Pan's People, who perform a dance routine, and the The New Seekers sing "We've Got to Do it Now".
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1973-12-06
Sketches include a rather interesting job interview, a visit to the cinema, a psychological experiment, we see an episode of Owen M.D., we learn a bit about mind reading, Ronnie tells us a bit more about his life and we hear some songs from Big Jim Jehosophat and Fat-Belly Jones. The performance in this episode is by magician Finn Jon.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1973-12-20
Sketches include a party with a practical joke, there is message from the government about the water shortage, a sketch about trying to explain something, there is a problem at the pub, we see Screen Evergreen No. 38 "During the Ball", Ronnie tells us how the audience viewing figures are compiled and, finally, there is an episode of "Upstairs Downstairs". The performances in this episode are a dance by Pan's People and a medley by Tony Orlando & Dawn.
8. Episode 8
Air Date: 1974-01-03
Sketches include a rather unusual Galloshnian restaurant, a presenter who has to commentate on various television events from the studio, one day in a spy agency with a new recruit, Ronnie tells us about his nautical experience, and finally we are entertained by "The Short & Fat Minstrel Show". The performances in this episode are a dance routine by Pan's People and a song by Clodagh Rodgers.
9. The Two Ronnies' Old-Fashioned Christmas Mystery
Air Date: 1973-12-26
Dinner at the house of Messr.s Barker and Corbett, but, oh no! someone's stolen the Christmas Turkey! It'll take a brilliant mind and loyal companions to aid the capture of this thief. Too bad all they've got is Piggy Malone. Featuring several News items of interest, some wonderfully choreographed dancing, and a brilliant compilation of the new works by a duo called Sullivan and Gilbert performed by our oh so generous hosts.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1975-01-02
Sketches include The Watchmaker, Spokesman from the Ministry of Information, the first instalment of Death Can Be Fatal and a musical version of Coronation Street. Music by Swingle 11.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1975-01-09
Sketches include The Driving Test, Swedish Made Simple, and the second instalment of Death Can Be Fatal. The musical is the Imperial Ballet School.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1975-01-16
Sketches include Rhyming Detectives, The Cinema and part three of Death Can Be Fatal. The musical finale is a revue performed by some policemen.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1975-01-23
Sketches include Spoonerisms and part four of Death Can Be Fatal. Michel Legrand performs "Theme from Summer of '42". In the musical finale the Ronnies sing songs from "Oh What A Lovely War" as John Mills and Mrs. Mills.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1975-01-30
Sketches include Stars at Night, Party Without Guests and another installment of Death Can Be Fatal. Michel Legrand plays one of his compositions and the Ronnies perform with the Aldershot Brass Ensemble.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1975-02-06
Sketches include The Minister of Inflation and the sixth part of Death Can Be Fatal. The inexperienced actors of The Meadowfield Players put on Weekend in Mayfair.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1975-02-13
Sketches include The Newsreader, The Similar Party Guests and part seven of Death Can Be Fatal. Michel Legrand plays one of his songs and The Plumstead Ladies gossip in song.
8. Episode 8
Air Date: 1975-02-20
Sketches include The Rook Restaurant, Jolly Rhyming Birthday Cards, Scottish Tourism and the final part of Death Can Be Fatal. The musical number is Jehosophat and Jones, and Friends.
1. Episode 1
Air Date: 1977-11-12
Sketches include 'The Optician' and 'The Pub'. There's the first instalment of a new Piggy Malone and Charlie Farley serial, 'Stop, You're Killing Me', and music from The Nolan Sisters and Pete Cutters & the Boggers.
2. Episode 2
Air Date: 1977-11-19
In Stop! You're Killing Me, Piggy and Charlie arrive at Drake's Bottom, the village where all the dead yokels come from. Welsh miners perform in the musical finale.
3. Episode 3
Air Date: 1977-11-26
Sketches include a customer asking a salesman for some strange ice cream flavours. Ball and Socket spoof Hinge and Bracket in the musical finale.
4. Episode 4
Air Date: 1977-12-03
A man comes to regret visiting his colleague's home, and a gangster tries to net a ransom payout. In the musical number, an amateur dramatics company perform a 1920s musical comedy.
5. Episode 5
Air Date: 1977-12-10
In Stop! You're Killing Me, Piggy and Charlie plan to investigate the lord of the manor, but first they must do a spot of ghosthunting. The Two Ronnies perform with steel band The New Sensations in the musical finale.
6. Episode 6
Air Date: 1977-12-17
Two rhymesters meet at a party. In detective spoof Stop! You're Killing Me, Piggy and Charlie don disguises to get close to the manor house to speak to the lord of the manor.
7. Episode 7
Air Date: 1977-12-24
Two schoolfriends are reunited at an exclusive club for adventurers. In the penultimate instalment of Stop! You're Killing Me, Piggy and Charlie uncover strange goings-on at the local church.
8. Episode 8
Air Date: 1977-12-31
Sketches include an appeal on behalf of the indecisive. In the final part of Stop! You're Killing Me, Piggy and Charlie have almost cracked the case of the yokel murders and the gold smuggling operation, but first they must flee danger in a thrilling bicycle chase.
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Rating
7.7/10
Release Date
1971-04-10
Episodes
95 (12 seasons)
Status
Ended
