Impromptu

Impromptu

1964 - United Kingdom

Devised by David Croft this was an unscripted thirty minute comedy series in which the five members of the cast were presented with cards bearing the characters, situations and first lines which would form the basis of that week's show. From then on the rest was up to them. 

The performers were Betty Impey, Peter Reeves, Anne Cunningham, Victor Spinetti and Lance Percival and the 'card giver' known as Boss Man was Jeremy Hawk. The music was supplied by John Barry. The series only ran from April to June before disappearing from our screens but years later was revived in a somewhat altered form for BBC radio before returning to television as Whose Line Is It Anyway in which different guest performers each week would improvise short sketches suggested by a live studio audience.

Published on December 22nd, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Two in Clover

Sid and Vic are two frustrated office workers who decide to leave behind their nine to five lifestyle for the simpler life of living in the countryside and running a farm. But will the simpler life be all it promises to be?

Also starring Victor Spinetti

Monty Python

Madcap sketch show featuring a new wave of British talent. "And now for something completely different..."

Also tagged Uk Sketch Comedy

The Magical Mystery Tour

In 1967, The Beatles were riding high on popularity following the release of their concept album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Then they made a film that many judged to have signalled the end of an era. But were they right?

Also starring Victor Spinetti

Sparrows Can't Sing

When Cockney sailor Charlie returns home after two years away, he discovers that his wife Maggie has moved on—and in with another man. This bittersweet drama, full of colourful and unforgettable characters made a star out of Barbara Windsor

Also starring Victor Spinetti

The Five Foot Nine Show

A one-off comedy show that reunited two of the regulars from That Was The Week That Was.

Also tagged Comedy Sketch Show

Hale and Pace

Sketch-based award-winning British comedy show starring former teachers Gareth Hale and Norman Pace - their most iconic creations being the stone-faced dim-witted bouncers known as The Two Rons

Also tagged Uk Sketch Comedy

Hello Cheeky

Long running radio comedy transferred to television

Also tagged Uk Sketch Comedy

David Kossoff in Little Big Business

Standard sitcom starring David Kossoff as a wise but stubborn furniture maker who resists his son's attempts at modernisation.

Also released in 1964