Nick Symons

The big-collared comic gives his own spin on TV clips from recent programmes, plus contributions from a set of regular characters

Short-lived sketch show which is notable today for early appearances by Ben Elton, Dame Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie. Originally broadcast only in the Granada television area, it was refashioned as Alfresco (1983) for national broadcasting.

In an underground car-park, attendants Sydney and Danny discuss various topics at great length: Sydney spends much of his time talking about past times with his (unseen) wife, while Danny goes on about the opposite sex. Their superior, Miss Cummings, has no patience for their nonsense, while traffic warden Adolf regularly pops in, and thinks of himself as a political activist.

In his guise as the pub landlord Al Murray follows the standard format of answering questions from a celebrity studio audience.

With his trademark props - the stool and the whisky glass - Dave Allen proves the essentials of great comedy are simply a microphone, an audience and an hour-and-a-half of your time! Undoubtedly Dave Allen On Life showcases this most original stand-up comedian at his unsurpassable best. Hand-picked by Dave from his self-titled BBC series in 1993. These classic monologues on the idiocy of life include over 20 minutes of footage never seen on TV before.