Well, which did you prefer? 'Multi-Coloured Swap Shop' or 'Tiswas'? To tell the truth, I never watched a complete edition of either, preferring to channel surf, but of the two, 'Tiswas' was clearly the best. Its also the only programme I've ever liked with Chris Tarrant in. The Hee-Heeing Blonde One led a team of comics which included Lenny ( 'This Is Trevor McDoughnut' ) Henry, John Gorman ( of 'The Scaffold' ) and Bob ( Spit The Dog ) Carolgees. Sally James ( she of the 'almost legendary pop interviews' ) was devastatingly sexy, even to us kids.
'Tiswas' was like a children's tea party had been invaded by fifth-form students weened on Spike Milligan. Its anarchic sense of humour was refreshing. Everyone involved seemed to be having a good time. Must have been something in those condensed milk sandwiches...
One of the funniest moments was when Chris and co. made Lenny the subject of a 'This Is Your Life' spoof. They even managed to get his mother into the studio! Tarrant and the gang eventually quit 'Tiswas' to do an 'adult' version - 'O.T.T.'. Only Sally James stayed behind. She was wise to do so because 'O.T.T.' was the P.I.T.T.S. Naked men dancing with balloons and Bob Carolgees saying 's--t'. It managed to be childish in a way 'Tiswas' simply was not.
Many shows have tried to copy 'Tiswas' over the years, but none have come close. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a postcard I simply must walk through...
'Tiswas' was like a children's tea party had been invaded by fifth-form students weened on Spike Milligan. Its anarchic sense of humour was refreshing. Everyone involved seemed to be having a good time. Must have been something in those condensed milk sandwiches...
One of the funniest moments was when Chris and co. made Lenny the subject of a 'This Is Your Life' spoof. They even managed to get his mother into the studio! Tarrant and the gang eventually quit 'Tiswas' to do an 'adult' version - 'O.T.T.'. Only Sally James stayed behind. She was wise to do so because 'O.T.T.' was the P.I.T.T.S. Naked men dancing with balloons and Bob Carolgees saying 's--t'. It managed to be childish in a way 'Tiswas' simply was not.
Many shows have tried to copy 'Tiswas' over the years, but none have come close. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a postcard I simply must walk through...