Les Dawson - The Good Old Days (1983)

[@Mike-bg9zt]

Although 1983 found me at the tender age of 15 , this show and the mastery of Les, is the benchmark of timeless entertainment . Poking fun at one’s self isn’t in vogue with contemporary comedians, who focus outward to prey on the misgivings of others be they gay, refugees or disabled nothing is taboo . But hey, it’s said in fun right? Whilst I understood the humour of the pianist in tails, who is unable and unknowing to hit the correct note, for me now, almost 40 years later , is his ‘painting a picture’ through language,as vivid as any photo. Only then, to the delivery of the punchline that brought us swiftly into reality and his Northern working class values……. a stroke of genius . Much loved , missed and never forgotten by a generation fortunate enough to cry with laughter.

[@mrfister1899]

If you don't cry laughing at Les Dawson, you have no soul.

[@hugohackenbush1554]

Majestic. The perfect comedian. A mind like quicksilver and the timing of a Swiss Watch. Damn but I really miss you Les. You were the best. R.I.P Les ❤️🙏🏻

[@londoncalling151]

Timing like a Swiss watch. '86-'90 Saturday evening TV, thank you Les. May your God go with you.

[@hugohackenbush1554]

@@londoncalling151 How'd you know I was a West London, Ladbroke Grove boy who bought his first and their first, Clash album in 1977 [straight up] Also, like the fiery Dave Allen dig at religions, especially the clerical police in Eire. “May your God go with you.”

[@hugohackenbush1554]

@@londoncalling151 My parents were from a bit further south down Roscrea Co. Tip. Came here in the late 50s and worked their arses of so I could serve my apprenticeship as, now talk about no such thing as a coincidence, an electrician. Time served 100%. All the regs. I vividly remember rewiring 1400 x 3ft plugs for office floor plug in sockets, 3 pin. Myself, ma, dad used to go up the west end to see Dave Allen every time he brought his new solo show to London. To this day, no other comedian has made me not only bus a gut laughing so much but he gave life his own twist on things. Something I've tried to live by myself. Oh and I never felt welcome here growing up. Nor did the comedy shows make me laugh, especially the ooh er matron shit. Who did make me laugh were comedians. Ones who clearly wrote their own material and didn't just recycle each others pub jokes. There's no craft or honesty in that. Anyhoo, I'm off to rewire a fridge in Hampstead and charge a fucking fortune for it! Have a good day and may your God go with you, plus, I wish you good health and a happy new year ahead.

[@SuperFerdie1965]

There can't have been a more entertaining ten minutes in the long history of this marvellous show. Bravo Les and thanks for the laughs.

[@thomasstephenson9006]

Les was a comic genius the timing and delivery of his material no one will ever have he was a very accomplished pianist and to play bad notes but with such style just goes to show more of his genius your like will never be seen again RIP Les

[@jimmcmullan1494]

Absolutely brilliant, classic comedy!!! No need for filth or cheap laughs.... all good family fun.. Thanks for sharing

[@philippaine]

A brilliant comedian, a talented singer and a good pianist. His timing was superb and he was also a good wordsmith. His rubber face merely gave him another way to make people laugh. Regrettably he died too young.

[@Mandeley100]

Thank you so much for posting this. I was in the audience that night (can't believe it's 30 years ago) and this brought back a lot of memories. I don't remember ever being that young!!! Still brilliantly funny after all these years.

[@nickname1812]

When I worked in Russia all the women over 50 looked like Les Dawson. Quite unnerving.

[@fayesouthall6604]

😂😂

[@davidfarmer2049]

Back to when the world.... if not in one piece ........was rather ore so than it is today. RIP Mr Dawson.

[@RobertLocksley385]

For goodness' sake the audience can't keep a straight face whilst Les is in his stride. He can't even remain serious without mass hilarity all round. THAT is comedy genius.

[@brianmorley7165]

The most naturally funny man ever god bless him

[@devonnelson9708]

a trick: you can watch movies on KaldroStream. I've been using them for watching lots of of movies these days.

[@zaynegrey2219]

@Devon Nelson yup, I've been watching on kaldrostream for months myself :)

[@hugohackenbush1554]

Damn straight my friend. For me, an old Londoner well into my 60s nowadays, Les was, still is, my favourite comedian. R.I.P Les ❤️🙏🏻

[@nissafors]

I remember how I loved this program when it was shown on television in Sweden, maybe in the end of the 70´s or beginning of the 80´s.

[@jeremyhaines4481]

Les Dawson is Excellent and brilliant comedy So sadly 😥missed x

[@holymoly6829]

One of the best Thanks Les Dawson 👏👏👏👏

[@neilpower60]

Les was great, a man who loved language, there was much more to him than Mother in law jokes and pulling faces, he believed in everything he did, which got you on his side, much like Tommy Cooper

[@blueskye6372]

Neil Mackinnon Indeed. Dec 2018 still watch. 🎙️🎶🎵📺🎬📽️🎞️

[@harrodsfan]

Well said.

[@Isleofskye]

@@blueskye6372 I hope you are still watching in the Summer of 2022, my friend:)

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

@@Isleofskye I am, and loving it.

[@meirwise1107]

Brilliant. A real throwback to the music hall.

[@patriciathatcher3895]

No one quite like Les! Loved him!

[@borisblade564]

sheer genius...a true master

[@clivethompson2745]

how can any one give a thumbs down to this...if you don't like it, don't watch it

[@ianbentley7276]

Les was a genius, Never been anyone like him. BTW, The Good Old Days is on BBC4 tonight (27/01/17) if anyone's interested. ;-) From 1977 it features Billy Dainty, Larry Grayson and Vince Hill.

[@markowen2649]

Les Dawson..... GENIUS 😂

[@andrewlloyd4354]

Legend! They don't make comedians like les any more, no profanity like today's filth, just good, clever clean comedy, les was and still is pure gold.

[@dunebasher1971]

You do realise that plenty of comedians swore back then, right?

[@troo_story]

@@dunebasher1971I think he's got black-tinted spectacles on. That's the ones which blind you to reality.

[@indyandnorbert1]

So pleased we have the show back, 8th January 2016 Danny La Rue and 15th January Larry Grayson, keep em' coming BBC

[@RobertLocksley385]

What channel? Good lord, Bertie! Don't keep a man in suspenders!

[@pauldashwood2897]

Let's show these again please..

[@unclelouie3828]

A joy to watch. Wonderful programs.

[@יוסףאקמן]

uncle louie 103 /190 1930 movie

[@walverden1]

Brilliant comedian sadly missed.

[@dennishobbis2825]

Dennis Jennings f,cvjl

[@walverden1]

Thank you Dennis for this very good video.

[@ianmcnamara62]

Comedy genius,the like of which will never be seen again.

[@Apseyboy]

Comics like Les come along once in a lifetime,genius from Collyhurst.

[@stepheng8779]

Miss this show. Watched it with my Nan, wish my kids could've watched it with theirs etc etc. Though I doubt there's the same talent about these days.

[@1961kickboxer]

What an intelligent man.

[@bananacake9289]

Went to Panto in Birmingham….late 80s ….Les Dawson was Nurse Ada (also starred John Nettles) SO funny 😂I laughed and laughed…..Greatly missed by me anyway!!! ❤🕊🕊🕊✝️✝️🇬🇧 we SO desperately need more comedy like this right now!! (15/12/2022)

[@songcoversandthingsofinter2641]

sadly missed one of the greats

[@archdeacon1966]

"Genius" is often said seldom seen. Take a bow SIR Les.

[@JuggiesArchive]

Pure brilliance :)

[@garyfenlon5769]

You Sir, have brilliant comic taste both Les Dawson and Frankie Howerd.

[@danielmoran9902]

A talented geezer, Les. A man of some ability.

[@roblloyd2609]

As always said to play the piano badly he had to be an excellent pianist. Still saddens me that he died to soon and we lost out on many more years of his entertainment.

[@harrodsfan]

Very well said, I couldn't agree more :)

What a true genius ❤️👍

[@MKMKMK1986]

Good old Lez, you were the Best. 👌

[@tonybuk70]

how has this only got 1100 likes? come on people

[@andywright3450]

Genuis les one of the best ever sadly missed

[@garymahony2844]

Platinum 👏👏👏 Miss you Les 😢❤

[@jeremyhaines4481]

Love this music Hall stuff

[@algrant5293]

"I knew when the mother in law was visiting, the mice used to throw themselves on the traps" 🤣

[@michaeledwardscarlton1484]

What a complete utter genius

[@johnny5stickswilliams696]

Brilliant never again to see comedy like this what a shame

[@lisaburnett3368]

Sadly missed Les.

[@chap666ish]

Brilliant!

[@Mike8981]

I wish they would bring music hall back to the tv, as it were. I'm sure it would be popular. Have a look at the Lovely Parlour Orchestra and tell me what you think. Mike

[@nathelondon3719]

The last of the great music hall comedians.

[@keithnaylor1981]

Music at 1:17, and closing, is from that wonderful Florrie Forde Edwardian song: Hold Your Hand Out You Naughty Boy which I’ve sung many times, with other music hall songs, with the residents at a retirement home.

[@no-oneman.4140]

Keep together - genius.

[@unclelouie3828]

LOVE IT. LOVE IT.

[@chrisevans5259]

the great les Dawson sadly missed , one of my fav ever entertainers

[@tommyfinn8321]

i never got into les dawson until after he died. another sadly missed great. i'll never understand how they can talk about "offensive" mother-in-law jokes, yet braodcast some of the comdey filth they do these days. the modern comics aren't fit to lace up Les's boots.

[@dunebasher1971]

What "comedy filth"? If you're watching TV late at night, you should expect it to be for adults, not kids.

[@johnford1959]

Such a funny man, truly a 1 off.

[@kevinsimmons6911]

more more more

[@lengthmuldoon]

Comedy genius right there

[@mslaxer92]

I would imagine his mother in law jokes, would be categorised as misogynistic now! Used to love this guy as a kid, and was sad to hear of his passing years later. R.I.P Mr Dawson thanyou for the laughs.

[@thepatriot7726]

Pure genious

[@Jurassic56]

What did he say at 3:03 in relation to that ladies garden?

[@iwasglad122]

Les was born for Music Hall!!

[@russefrance4869]

40 years. Not possible....

[@jaysilverstone7221]

Stunt double on the songs of praise

[@Stringbean421]

I wonder why the heck none of these Good Old Days TV shows are on DVD yet?

[@kotezstudio]

+Midlands 72 haahaha

[@davidstrange6914]

Total master of comedy

[@aldershot5100]

He could do the Comedy clubs today without them knowing who he is a love it

[@andrewthomson870]

...thinking about this and that, mostly that." 🤣🤣

[@paulgradley7183]

Great

[@itkapatanka]

Love his little nod to Groucho as he leaves the stage.

[@michaelcalow4119]

now this is what entertainment is. watch this you so called comedians of today

[@ralphturner3798]

Gosh, that guy at the beginning of the video in the white shirt and the blonde hair is really handsome and cute.

[@chalkywhite7482]

If I'm feeling down I put on cisse & Ada so funny..

[@ferraridinoman]

Th shark!! ha ha! Love old Les xx

[@Sjmby95]

Great loss to me people

[@CathyKitson]

4:08 Is that Stuart Hall?

[@060stick]

Brilliant 😂🤣

[@SuperFerdie1965]

Cosmo Smallpiece at 7.05

[@dazeleaper4542]

just Great comic. trajedy he died so yoùng.

[@CathyKitson]

4:08 Was that Stuart Hall?

[@thewomble1509]

Sadly, yes it was. The odious twat.

[@ralphturner3798]

At # 5:30 he says it is like piles to a show ju umber. What is a showjumber?

[@stickytapenrust6869]

Someone who participates in this sport: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_jumping

[@ralphturner3798]

Thanks.

[@jongadsby1623]

total genius died too young

[@marywilliams9858]

He probably did not take care of his health, like a lot of men. They wear us ladies out.

[@Peter-pf6bz]

Sadly missed.

[@John-pn4rt]

At 4:07 the infamous Stuart Hall is shown in the audience. I suspect this will stop this being released on DVD!

[@SCFCSTOKE1]

Why?

[@thewomble1509]

He was convicted of sexual offences against young women. He also spent many fruitful years working for the BBC. No coincidence, obviously.

[@susansettarmitage9344]

@@SCFCSTOKE1 hi

[@Isleofskye]

@@SCFCSTOKE1 Why you say Why, 5 years ago? I have always wondered...

[@Apseyboy]

Stuart Hall perving in the box.

[@thewomble1509]

In Leeds too. Now, just remind me, wasn't Leeds the home of another rather "eccentric" entertainer?

[@anonUK]

@@thewomble1509 Now then now then...

[@thewomble1509]

@@anonUK Got it in one! 👍

[@cliffwheeler7357]

As it ‘appens guy’s and gals,

[@philiptrickett9402]

Ooohh big knockers!!!

[@streetthrifter]

💣🔥

[@peterh1353]

It is probably harder to play piano badly - like that - than well.

[@emporerwang5149]

+Peter H Indeed infact it takes a Greats pianist to play badly, it takes more effort than you might think

[@wgblues9887]

Comic genius just about right.

[@ralphturner3798]

What is Artmuck?

[@leerage9278]

Horse muck

[@leerage9278]

Manure

[@ralphturner3798]

@@leerage9278 Thanks.. that makes sense.

[@gdj6298]

He actually says "Horse muck".

[@ralphturner3798]

@@gdj6298 thanks

[@chookaschookas444]

The uniformed actor sitting "behind" the chairman looks a lot like Peter Bowles. He was a big name in 1983 so I'm guessing it isn't him. His doppelganger maybe

[@gdj6298]

Leonard Sachs. He was an actor who, amongst other things, founded the Players Theatre in Charing Cross. He chaired "The Good Old Days' for something like thirty years.

[@fayesouthall6604]

This man was so clever 😊 but he played the fool so often, in drag too. He and Roy Barraclough as gossiping old women pushing up their fake bosoms in horror!

[@robshaw3655]

stuart hall in the audience......

[@Isleofskye]

Lucky it did not show Rolf Harris in the Alcove next door..

[@susansmith9903]

The Good Old Days, a programme about as helpful to performers as piles is to a show Jumper 🤣

[@aldershot5100]

Sounds like les has got a stinking cold

[@stevetaylor9846]

@6:23: Was she not amused. Miserable looking but her fellah was creasing himself.

[@vaslav030547]

The days when humour didn't have to resort to every other sentence had to include 'F'. I just don't find that funny. Perhaps I am opinionated, but humour to me, is a talent. Why get laughs by being obscene? Just be funny! The likes of Les and Doddy made me laugh. What a sad crude world we are becoming. Bring back the comic!

[@honeysuckle4537]

Lolxx

[@robertgibbs4075]

lol

[@davideaborn6095]

The two Ronnies cockles sermon

[@aldershot5100]

Theres that awful Stewart Hall

[@fl3162]

This is not comedy

[@Isleofskye]

Reading thrpugh the endless comments , they say that there is "always ONE!"......and it is YOU so....Take A Bow...

[@daryljackson3430]

What makes you laugh?