Sounds like the Seventies

Classic Seventies sitcoms are having a bit of a moment.

In the West End a stage version of Fawlty Towers has been drawing large audiences since it opened in the spring and the run has been extended to January, I believe.

Meanwhile, in Cirencester, another much loved TV character, Frank Spencer, can also be seen on stage in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em.

First broadcast in February 1973, I actually remember seeing the first episode because my parents were out and I had the TV to myself.

I had never seen Michael Crawford before and I only watched it because the alternative was Coronation Street, which we didn’t watch, on ITV.

It began inauspiciously but despite the cheap sets and wobbly closing credits, it was clear, even to a 13-year-old, that this was not your typical, Terry and June style, suburban sitcom.

Crawford’s performance, in particular, bordered on genius, although it probably took a few episodes to fully appreciate that.

Arguably, Some Mothers hasn’t aged as well as the other top sitcoms of the era - notably Porridge, The Likely Lads, and Fawlty Towers - but if you need any reminding of how funny it could be do watch the clip below.

I honestly can’t remember the last time I heard a live studio audience laugh like that.