
The Likely Lads
Phil Wickham(Author)
BFI Publishing
Published on 5. August 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-1-84457-213-7 (ISBN)
Description
Phil Wickham's study of The Likely Lads provides an entertaining and insightful critical account of one of Britain's best-loved and most enduring sitcoms. The programme had two incarnations: the original series, The Likely Lads (BBC 1964-6) depicted the escapades of Bob and Terry, two footloose and fancy-free Tyneside lads; its even more popular 70s sequel, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads (BBC 1973-4), shows our heroes coming to terms with the end of their youth and its attendant possibilities. Now Bob, engaged to Thelma and with an executive starter home, is aiming for the stars via the badminton club, while Terry revels in the gutter. Phil Wickham explores what the series says about Bob and Terry's times, from the affluent 60s to the more troubled decade that followed, and how The Likely Lads tackles issues of class and masculinity. He also considers the nature of the series' humour and its place in the tradition of British sitcom before examining the way it appeals to its audience by raising questions about time, failure, and the realities of everyday life. His discussions are informed by interviews with the writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Reviews / Votes
'...this is a superb study of writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais' first two TV hits, The Likely Lads and Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?' - The CrackMore details
Series
Edition
2008
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
144 p.
Dimensions
Height: 190 mm
Width: 135 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-84457-213-7 (9781844572137)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
PHIL WICKHAM is the Curator of The Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture at the University of Exeter. He was previously a TV Curator at the British Film Institute. He is the author of Understanding Television Texts (2007)
and writes and lectures extensively on British film and television.
and writes and lectures extensively on British film and television.
Content
Introduction.- 'What Happened to You, Whatever Happened to Me?': The Story of The Likely Lads.- 'Tomorrow's Almost Over': The Life and Times of The Likely Lads.- 'Ha'way the Lads!': Men, women, and The Likely Lads.- Having a Laugh: The Comedy of The Likely Lads.- 'What Became of the People We Used to Be?': The Truth about The Likely Lads.- Coda.- Credits and Episode Guide.- Notes.- Bibliography.- Index.