THE LIKES OF SYKES IN SOUTH AFRICA

By the early 1970s, Oldham-born Eric Sykes had become one of TV's best-loved comedy performers. Following the phenomenal success of the Sykes series he spread his wings in a number of one-off shows and films. This set comprises three shows made for Thames between 1971 and 1982. Filled with Eric's warm observational humour and exploiting his keen eye for the absurd, the shows reunite him with several comedy collaborators, including fellow Plank star Tommy Cooper and long-term working partner, friend and Sykes co-star Hattie Jacques; Diana Coupland (Bless This House), Glaswegian actor/comedian Chic Murray, and Dandy Nichols (Till Death Us Do Part) are among the other guest stars, with musical interludes from classical guitarist John Williams. SYKES WITH THE LID OFF: Eric dares to take the lid off the many and varied forms of theatrical entertainment, with the help of Hattie Jacques, Dilys Watling, Leslie Noyes, Philip Gilbert and dancers The Ladybirds. THE LIKES OF SYKES: Eric has a Walter Mitty-style dream that he will produce a star-studded spectacular on Broadway - but will his dreams die before his starry eyes? Diana Coupland and John Williams are Eric's special guests. THE ERIC SYKES 1990 SHOW: Eric makes a prediction: by 1990, celebrities will have to pay for their own TV shows. Starring in his vision of the future are Tommy Cooper, Chic Murray, Dandy Nichols, Leslie Mitchell and classical guitarist John Williams.