Scotch and Wry

Scotch and Wry – 1978

Scotch and Wry was the popular Scottish comedy sketch show, broadcast on BBC1 Scotland, for 2 series in 1978 and 1979, then returning annually between 1980 and 1992 as part of BBC Scotland’s Hogmany celebrations.

It was a must see TV event in Scotland.

Summary

Seen by some as very much a regional comedy show, possibly as the focus of Scotch and Wry was on predominantly Scottish (particularly Glaswegian) humour – the viewer had to be familiar with the Glasgow dialect in order to understand many of the jokes.

As a result, much of the humour was constructed around distinctly Glaswegian themes; such as the city’s suburbs, it’s football clubs, and even its famous secretarian divide was also played for laughs.

In later episodes, less of an emphasis was placed on this, and the writers began to draw on major news events that had happened during the previous year as their basis.

Despite this it remains very enjoyable and very funny.

Clips

Sadly in England Scotch and wry doesn’t get the repeat outings it deserves.  Fortunately there is a wide selection of sketches on You Tube

There’s also the a  complete collection on DVD

Starring

Rikki Fulton
Gregor Fisher
Tony Roper
Gerard Kelly
Miriam Margolyes

Details

Channel: BBC1 Scotland
Original Run: 1978 -1979 and 31st December 1980 – 1992 (annual special)