The Current Top 12 Comedy Sketches of All Time
In order of thinking of them.
PART I
1. The Four Yorkshiremen
At Last The 1948 Show
Writers: Most likely John Cleese & Graham Chapman
Sketch Type: Exaggeration
Why?
We all try to outdo each other with stories after a few drinks and we all love a rags to riches story populated by that reflective ‘In my day.’
The sketch originated from a pre-Python show and evolved because it was used for various Python live shows and Rowan Atkinson appeared in the Amnesty International Show, which is the performance I remember once. It inspired me to write.
2. One Leg Too Few
One Over The Eight
Writer: Peter Cook
Sketch Type: Physical, Visual, Absurd (with the love of words ‘unidexter.’)
Why?
It’s the visual that captivates, Dudley Moore hopping plus that line ‘I’ve got nothing against your right leg. The trouble is – neither have you.’
Peter Cook was a genius.
3. Jockey Safari
Big Train
Writer: n/a
Sketch Type: Surreal
Why?
It reminds me of a The Bison sketch from Not The Nine O’clock News. It’s the style of execution that works juxtaposing a wildlife documentary with the world of horse racing and diddy jockeys in racing colours are funny.
4. Going for an English
Goodness Gracious Me
Writer: Various
Sketch Type: Reverse
Why?
This is a winner because it’s very simple reverse (simple is never easy) and therefore genius. We’ve all been in curry houses worse for wear and this sketch is full of self-recognition plus being brilliantly performed.
5. Parrot Sketch
Monty Python
Writers: John Cleese & Graham Chapman
Sketch Type: Surreal
Why?
There’s a lot of anger at play in this one, perhaps frustration from super intelligent minds having to deal with shop assistants. How would you use a dead parrot?
6. Breakfast
Morecambe and Wise Show
Writer: Eddie Braben
Sketch Type: Visual
Why?
Charm is the word for this sketch, no edginess just comedy from an everyday act of two blokes making breakfast.
PART II
7. Drinking Darts Players
Not The Nine O’clock News
Writer: Laurie Rowley
Sketch Type: Exaggeration
Why?
Another simple idea made into comic bliss and we all love jokes about drinking. Perhaps one of the most sublime moments of television ever.
Love Mel Smith’s hair.
8. Constable Savage
Not The Nine O’clock News
Writer: Unknown
Sketch Type: Satire
Why?
This is an inspiration. The gormless Constable Savage representing the ‘Fascist’ police officer is taken to task for his prejudice that stems from stupidity and a lack of eduction.
Spurred me on to write comedy.
9. Four Candles
The Two Ronnies
Writer: Ronnie Barker
Sketch Type: Word play
Why?
Misunderstanding is where this sketch starts and progresses to higher levels something only John Cleese could emulate. The performances make it with Ronnie Corbet becoming more and more exasperated.
Ronnie Barker was a comedy genius, a real one…
10. Mastermind
The Two Ronnnies
Writer: David Renwick
Sketch Type: Situation
Why?
A specialist subject of answering the question before leads to some wonderful anticipation for the audience and laughs coming from the juxtaposition.
11. The Hedge
Fry & Laurie
Writers: Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie
Sketch Type: Send up
Why?
It’s not a great sketch. It’s the conceit of getting it wrong and the panic that creeps in as they try to get it right that I love. It also works because the audience are in on the act and when you add the panic and suppressed anger it’s fab.
12. Panda (Various)
Who Dares Wins
Writer: Unknown
Sketch Type: Surreal animal stuff
Why?
What can I say? I’m a sucker for talking animals especially swearing pandas.
See more classic Comedy on Bit Comedy:-
Read 50 Greatest Sitcoms
Read 101 Short Jokes
