Russ Abbot's Madhouse

Review by Laurence Marcus

If you grew up in the 1980s in the UK, there's a strong chance Russ Abbot's Madhouse was part of your Saturday night viewing routine. A zany sketch show that showcased the wild comedy stylings of Russ Abbot, the series became a staple of British television during its run, offering a blend of slapstick, parody, and wacky characters.

Originally airing as The Freddie Starr Variety Madhouse in 1979, the show underwent a transformation when Starr left, and Abbot took the reins in 1980. The show was then rebranded as Russ Abbot's Madhouse, and with that change, it truly found its rhythm, gaining a loyal following among viewers. Russ Abbot, already well-known for his previous television work, stepped into the spotlight, bringing with him a range of characters that were often as absurd as they were beloved. Accompanied by Susie Blake, Norman Collier, Les Dennis, Dustin Gee, Bella Emberg, Dustin Gee, Sherrie Hewson, Jeffrey Holland and Liz Smith, the ensemble’s ability to embody over-the-top personas and deliver manic, high-energy performances was central to the show's success.

The show's structure was a whirlwind of character sketches, and it wasn't long before Abbot's various roles became iconic. Among the most memorable were the James Bond parody ‘Basildon Bond’ (“I've got letters after my name”) alongside his sometimes sidekick ‘Miss Funnyfanny.’ Alongside him was ‘Cooperman’, a bizarre fusion of Tommy Cooper and Superman, and ‘C.U. Jimmy’, the almost unintelligible Scotsman with a catchphrase (“see you Jimmy”) that was his only coherent line (in 2003 the character came third in the Glasgow Herald's poll to find the most Scottish person in the world!)

Add to this mix ‘Blunderwoman’ (played by the wonderful Emberg), and ‘Julio Doubleglazias’, a comically exaggerated Spanish heartthrob, and you had a formula that was delightfully silly every week.

As with many long-running shows, Madhouse underwent various cast changes. The first major shift came in 1981, with the quirky addition of Michael Barrymore who departed in series four. Despite the changes, the show remained steadfast in its commitment to chaos and comedy, with each cast member contributing their unique flair to the ever-growing ensemble.

It was the nature of the show itself that kept it feeling both chaotic and energetic—a cacophony of humour that allowed Abbot to shine as the versatile all-round entertainer he truly was. His zany characters were never short of entertaining, and the show’s predictability was somehow one of its most endearing features as it matched the fast-paced nature of the 1980s entertainment scene, capturing the youthful energy of the time and making it a must-watch for families across the UK.

Abbott was born Russell Allan Roberts on 18 September 1947, in Chester, as the fifth of six sons to Donald and Elizabeth Roberts. From a young age, he began playing the drums and joined various bands including Adam and the Apples, The Buccaneers, Johnny Gibson and the D Notes, and eventually The Black Abbots. In 1969, The Black Abbots won TV’s Opportunity Knocks and over the next decade, they became one of Britain’s top musical comedy acts, touring and releasing records. Abbot also made occasional solo appearances on TV shows such as Who Do You Do, and The Comedians. However, it was in 1980 when Russ went solo that his career truly took off.

Russ Abbot's Madhouse succeeded in making him a household name. His transition from music to full-on comedy felt seamless, with the show allowing him to fully display his comedic chops. It wasn’t just about the characters, but the absurdity of their situations and the fun energy Abbot brought to every sketch.

Beyond the laughs, Madhouse also captured the cultural zeitgeist of the 1980s. It became a Saturday night fixture for millions of viewers and was so popular that it even inspired records and annuals, the latter offering readers a chance to take the zany world of Madhouse home with them in comic strip form.

Abbot’s talents didn't end when ITV cancelled his sketch show. He took the characters from Madhouse to The Russ Abbot Show on the BBC, running from 1986 to 1991, where he continued to entertain audiences. It was here that his character work, comedic timing, and ability to engage with his audience truly came to the forefront, earning him a spot as one of Britain’s top entertainers.  Between 1993 and 1995, Abbot also starred in the ITV bittersweet comedy-drama, September Song and in 2008 he joined the cast of Last of the Summer Wine for the show's 30th series. Between 2014 and 2016 he co-starred in the BBC sitcom Boomers. He has also appeared in straight roles in Heartbeat, Casualty, Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and The Sarah Jane Adventures. On stage he has played the lead role in the British National Tour of Doctor Dolittle, appeared as the Tin Man in a stage production of The Wizard of Oz, Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium and Fagin in Oliver!

Russ Abbot's Madhouse remains a nostalgic touchstone of British comedy. For anyone who grew up watching it, the show remains a fond memory of a time when television was filled with zany characters, quick wit, and plenty of laughs. While it may seem somewhat dated now, its heart was always in the right place—offering joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. Whether you were in it for the characters or the catchphrases, Russ Abbot's Madhouse delivered an entertaining and wacky ride that is still fondly remembered by those who tuned in.