video projects
I’ve been on a real nostalgia trip, diving into books, old newspapers, magazines, and even those forgotten corners of the internet to see what people thought about sitcoms – from the very first ones to the shows we’re watching today.
In this, the first of five videos, we’re going to take a look at some sitcoms that might have faded from your memory. Some were absolute gems, while others… well, let’s just say they might be best left to the history books.
It’s a familiar story: the public falls head over heels for a TV show, while the critics remain largely unimpressed. In this YouTube video we delve into four beloved British sitcoms that perfectly illustrate this divide. These shows demonstrate that sometimes, the audience knows best. I’ve sifted through countless articles, websites, and reports to uncover the public’s affection and the media’s more measured responses.
Firstly, sorry there hasn’t been a new video from me for just over a year. 2024 was not a good year and multiple obstacles prevented me from producing anything, although I have been writing scripts for several video series.
This first video of 2025 delves into the literary world of Roy Clarke, the legendary writer behind iconic sitcoms like “Last of the Summer Wine” and “Keeping Up Appearances”.
While well-known for his television and radio scripts, Roy also wrote a collection of books that capture the same wit and social observation that made his shows so well loved. From Hyacinth’s hilarious etiquette guide to chronicles of the eccentric characters in “Last of the Summer Wine”. In this video we look at their themes, humour, and unique perspective on British life.
“Summer Wine Decanted” is the title of the book based on my YouTube series. It is the story of the BBC TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine from its humble start to becoming a world-wide favourite and the longest running situation comedy in the world.
It has biographies of the actors and covers every major character and many of the regular and occasional supporting characters appearing in the show’s 37 year run.
There is also an in-depth Trivia section, covering details you might find interesting, things you missed when you watched the show and behind-the-scenes secrets.
Available now on Amazon: Summer Wine Decanted: The Ultimate Guide to Last of the Summer Wine and at other online book stores
In my “Summer Wine Decanted” series, I have covered the Pilot and all 294 episodes of “Last of the Summer Wine” that were broadcast. But did you know there could be two missing “Last of the Summer Wine” episodes?
As it’s the festive season, what better time to remember some classic Christmas “Last of the Summer Wine” episodes…
We spent about 30 days over a period of ten months in 2022 and 2023 filming for the “Summer Wine Decanted” series. It did not always go to plan. Here are some of the technical failures, fluffs and – as Dennis Norden would say – “cock-ups”… These are not the only out-takes, often what goes wrong is not captured by the camera!
If you watched the YouTube Premiere of “The Last Drop” then you may have already seen this as a bonus video!
The BBC TV sitcom “Last of the Summer Wine” was the longest-running comedy programme in Britain, and the longest running situation comedy in the world. The year 2023 marks 50 years since the pilot and first series were broadcast.
“The Last Drop” will be a special YouTube Premiere on Sunday 29 October 2023, at 7:00pm (GMT)
This is the final episode in my “Summer Wine Decanted” series, so I went back to Holmfirth for one last time. While there I visited The Wrinkled Stocking Tearoom to meet someone who has been a fan of the show for forty years, appeared as an extra, and has helped with my research: Terry Bartlam.
If you join us at from about 5pm you can chat and leave messages. Peter and Leigh will be online to reply. During the Premiere you will be able to continue chatting and we will try and answer questions during the video. You can always leave comments and other questions in the comment section under the video after the Premiere has ended.
In the video we will also reveal some of what went in to making this series of videos, and some of what was cut out!
Special thanks to Dennis and Jackie Fussell at The Wrinkled Stocking Tearoom, and my guest Terry Bartlam
This is the story of the BBC TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine from its humble start to becoming a world-wide favourite and the longest running situation comedy in the world.
The year 2023 marks 50 years since the pilot and first series were broadcast.
This book is based on my series of YouTube videos, with some additional details and updates. It has biographies of the actors and covers every major character and many of the regular and occasional supporting characters appearing in the show’s 37 year run.
There is also an in-depth Trivia section, covering details you might find interesting, things you missed when you watched the show and behind-the-scenes secrets.
Available now on Amazon: Summer Wine Decanted: The Ultimate Guide to Last of the Summer Wine
In this video we will look at some of things you probably didn’t know or hadn’t noticed before – from continuity errors to behind-the-scenes secrets in series 26 to 31.
The year 2023 marks 50 years since the pilot and first series of “Last of the Summer Wine” were broadcast. This series of videos is filmed in many of the well-known, and some less well-known, locations seen in the programme.
