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The Complete And Utter History Of Britain. Image credit: London Weekend Television (LWT).

The Complete And Utter History Of Britain
The Complete And Utter History Of Britain. Image of Professor Weaver (Roddy Maude-Roxby). Image credit: London Weekend Television (LWT).

The Complete And Utter History Of Britain

Terry Jones and Michael Palin's first TV show alone. Sketch series telling, as the title says, the 'complete and utter' history of Britain

Genre:
Sketch Show
Broadcast:
1969  (ITV1)
Episodes:
6 (1 series)
Starring:
Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Colin Gordon, Roddy Maude-Roxby, Wallas Eaton, Melinda May, Diana Quick, Ted Carson, Colin Cunningham, John Hughman, Johnny Vyvyan
Writers:
Terry Jones, Michael Palin
Production:
London Weekend Television (LWT)

Series of historical-themed sketches illustrating the history of Britain. The show is produced as if real, contemporary video footage has been discovered and is being shown to TV viewers in a (relatively) serious documentary programme.

Our Review: As is inherent with sketch comedy, a little hit-and-miss, but what does hit is brilliant, and what misses won't make you kick the TV in disgust. Clear traces of what later became Monty Python's Flying Circus and the gang's trademark humour, and most importantly, very funny.