The Innes Book of Records

Comedy

Neil Innes performs parody songs old and new, all set to specially-shot footage, and including special guest performers. Plotless and surreal, Innes described the programme as "songs and pictures, about people and things".

Episodes

Cast

Episode 1

1. Episode 1

17th Jan 1979

In this new musical diversion, the sounds of today echo back nostalgically from a loophole in time.The programme features the words, music and performance of Neil innes with special contributions from Sir John Betjeman, Johnny Morris, Gillian Gregory, Bryan Payne and The West Somerset Morris Men

Episode 2

2. Episode 2

24th Jan 1979

The spacesuited man sits down to hear tales of disenchantment from a farmer, a tired married couple and a shoe factory quality control manager. Also features an exercise dance class with Nick Cabaret, and the Marx Brothers in the jungle.

Episode 3

3. Episode 3

31st Jan 1979

A lonely sentient flower is interrupted by the bird calls of Percy Edwards, while the Alligator Jug Thumpers put on a show, as does a man who can regurgitate cigarettes. However, none of them are as enlightening as some toilet graffiti.

Episode 4

4. Episode 4

7th Feb 1979

Frying tips from a chef, votes for the Apathy Party, how to draw a leader, the nature of freedom, and the illicit thrills of late night fish and chips are this week's subjects from the Innes Book of Records.

Episode 5

5. Episode 5

14th Feb 1979

The female gender gets dissected, be it Jake Thackray's song about being nagged, Nick Cabaret's wishes for love, a protest singer dedicating a track to Melissa, or the art of romance being disrupted by the return of Godzilla.

Episode 6

6. Episode 6

21st Feb 1979

The man in the spacesuit sits down to listen to the Innes Book of Records for the final time. There, he learns about the simplicity of Shangri-La, hears organ music from Robin Richmond, and some more poetry from Sir John Betjeman.

First air date

17th Jan 1979

Last air date

9th Nov 1981

Status

Ended

Type

Scripted

Original language

en

Networks