Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV

This series ran for two series of six episodes each and one special in the mid 80's. Victoria Wood is one of the funniest, brightest and most clever comedians today. Her wit and charm come shining through her writing of sketches, songs and short plays. This series established her as one of the leading comedians in Britain and has gone on to perform sell out tours of her one woman show ever since. Further projects included the film 'Pat and Margaret' and the irresistibly charming sitcom 'dinnerladies'(sic). Helped with the talented aid of Julie Walters, Patricia Routledge and the irrepressible Celia Imrie, 'As Seen on TV' will continually delight fans and bring laughter to all those who watch.

I haven't actually seen this movie, although my faith is such that I do not feel that I need to in order to recommend it. I have, however, seen Victoria Wood Live. Dinnerladies (Victoria Wood not so live) is the definitive comedy programme, and this generation can relax knowing that, despite Norman Foster, we have left something of value behind us. But Victoria Wood Live has a closing aerobic routine that makes being born a small price to pay for being in her audience (for both parties). We are not worthy.

(Embarrassed silence: The sponsors have warned me that concision in these comments is not rewarded, and a minimum of ten lines of text is required. Pithy.)

This sketch show is second to none. Nearly twenty years after its' first outing, it stands the test of time. Victoria Wood's writing is instantly recognisable, and her ear for dialogue has influenced so much that has come after her. Some of the sketches and characters in this series can be spotted a mile off, and have been imitated endlessly.

The immortal Acorn Antiques, with Victoria Wood and Celia Imrie as the overly made-up Miss Babs and Miss Berta, and Julie Walters as the legendary Mrs Overall, queen of the coconut macaroons and homemade sherry, is the sketch everyone remembers. It's quite possible that Acorn Antiques changed British TV comedy forever, but there are so many other gems in the rest of the series.

Susie Blake's scathing and rude continuity announcer; Patricia Routledge as Kitty, fitting in a quick monologue before rushing back home to Cheadle; Victoria and Julie as hopeless daytime TV presenters ... wonderful.

This series is not to be missed. Victoria Wood's work is guaranteed high-quality stuff, and this is the best thing she has done so far.