The 'Dinner for One' Phenomenon - BBC 'The One Show'

A look at the Freddie Frinton classic sketch 'Dinner for One'. A New Year essential in Germany but virtually unknown in the UK.
To watch 'Dinner for One' click this link: • Dinner for One - Fredd...

[@OrangeTabbyCat]

I'm German and there is no New Years Eve without it. And now, thanks to the Internet, I can watch it wherever I am in the world.

[@LunaBianca1805]

I guess the only TV show rivaling it might be "3 Nüsse für Aschenbrödel" ^^' There's even some remake versions of "Dinner for One", like a version in "Kölsch", the dialect spoken in and around Cologne :)

[@juliabalan1312]

Have younever been in the Ukraine?

[@oleggorky906]

Seen it in full for the first time today. Loved it!

[@Joyce-Mackey]

Down in Tasmania we have had a New Years showing of Dinner For One on SBS for many years. Only not in these last few New Years Eve showing. Very interesting here, I was in Germany 1973/1974 did not know of it then.. Still find this play absolutely brilliant!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇦🇺

[@MarkWhiley]

Since moving to Germany from the UK in 2016, I've adopted this as a tradition on NYE wherever I am. Always the same procedure every year :-)

[@mylanenisa]

I’m from the Netherlands and it was a ritual every 31 of December to watch this on the German broadcast! This is epic tv 😘

[@lizzy6791]

Not only do we watch Dinner for One each New Year‘s Eve, we probably know every single word of that sketch by now 😅 It’s just so wonderfully funny 😁

[@skintclint]

We watched this EVERY year in South Africa through the 70s/80s.... BBC Bring it back as a tradition... please, we need this.

[@kattekaren]

It is also tradition in Denmark to watch it on New year's eve. Just before midnight. Has been for all of my life (and just turned 30, so it's been a while)

[@runeulriksen]

I can’t celebrate new years eve without watching this. I love it.

[@beardedmanace4942]

I'm German, 32, and can totally confirm this. The sketch has been reinterpreted in different German dialects as well over time. Gold

[@linnyb1704]

My father used to watch this every year on German tv (we are Dutch). He saw it lots of times and every single time he was in stitches.

[@Kristian.Ofsteng]

It's a tradition my dad from Norway brought with him here in Wales, love it :) the entire family comes around to watch it!

[@akwyld2545]

I’m Aussie....and on SBS on New Years EVERY Only one year they didn’t show it...and the PEOPLE PROTESTED IT!!!

[@darkredvan]

I am German, I watched it first when it was first aired in 1972. I never missed a year watching „Dinner For One“ since, nor do I intend to do so in the future. No New Years Eve without Dinner For One! This year was my personal anniversary: 50 years, 50 times Dinner For One. No better way to spend time on New Years Eve, LOL.

[@doncolor3473]

2021 and still counting 👍🏻 I couldn't remember a new year's eve without it. 😍 Born in 1966 I only missing 3 years of it 😉 Fun fact, there are actually 2 different versions, the German NDR and the Austrian ORF version.

[@grafikdrummer]

The second version was from the Swiss SFR, not from Austria. It´s also the swiss version that´s shown in some countries like norway and others. I prefer the NDR version, it has a nicer stage design and takes more time for development.

[@hansdorschdk2]

on Danish television for half a century. In Germany, they have a version with a fine little intro. Lovely. And a coloured version (computer but works). What an idea to make it. Well done NDR

[@luckyjazzy1060]

My German wife introduced this to me.😂 I love it! This completes my New Year!❤❤❤

[@UmlunguMuntu]

It's a tradition on New Year's eve in many households in South Africa too. Just watched it for the umpteenth time and cackled hysterically. I've never not laughed when watching this gem.

[@jamesfeuilherade3664]

Yes! Watched it so often in SA with my Dad, one of the best comedy sketches of all time!

[@martinlang9615]

I’ve watched it year after year for 4 years in Australia and I absolutely love this procedure every year! One of the rare clips I laugh with. I wish there were more like this to make depressed people like me alive again. It really is good medicine, in fact the best type.

[@mariannejensen349]

In Denmark, Dinner for One, is shown every year, just before midnight. It's one of the traditions in Denmark on this special day.

[@Wadidiz]

I saw this for the first time when I moved to Sweden in 1980 and have seen it most years since. It is a thoroughly baked-in tradition here. Didn't realize it was also popular in Germany. "Same procedure as last year..." has even become a commonly-understood loan-phrase in Sweden any time someone gets near "the same procedure...". This sketch is such a gem of acting perfection that I can watch it every other year or so and laugh like it was brand new.

[@Matches771]

Also the phrase 'Cerio', Miss Sophie' is often used in my circle of friends.

[@worldxproject8154]

This was just forwarded to me this morning by my German friend, and I have watch this today 3x, I was laughing so hard. I am in my Christmas and New Year (2019) holiday right now in the island of Guadaloupe, unfortunately I catched a heavy bad colds while in the plane, the weather here is rainy almost everyday and its nippy, so I felt bit miserable, but after watching this, it cheered my day!

[@frejlevbanenfrejlev9643]

No New Years Eve in Denmark without it!! Period!! As mentioned below, they tried to stop it one year, but what a fury!! Even one year they tried the theater version. What a fury!! Our English guest had never seen it - ane as they returned to UK, they did se it for the very first time at home. Funny.

[@Vevrca003]

Since late 70s.... we have it everry year on tv in Slovenia!! It is really popular in our place!! Everry year 31.12 at 20.05 ...

[@Greenpoloboy3]

As a Brit, I saw this only a couple of years ago, and I absolutely love it!

[@stephenguppy3466]

I had never heard of it until about 5 years ago. Freddie Frinton was a big comedy star in the UK in the 50's and 60's. He used to do a drunk act though he was a teetotaller. He also starred in a sitcom called Meet The Wife with Thora Hird. May warden, who is also in Dinner For One, was in the Tv adaptation in the 70's of Billy Liar.

[@TheSilentHamish]

We have this played every NYE. Here in Australia on SBS

[@GessparTheDk]

In denmark it's a new years eve tradition to watch it!

[@hughjenkins8742]

And in Denmark it is - I believe - the "tablecloth version" that is shown. In Norway it is the shorter version (the one without a table cloth) that is shown, and they show it every 23 December around 21.00.

[@fredrikjelkefors9336]

Nicolai Bjerg Här också/ Here as well

[@peterpicker4152]

I remember once the danish state tv said about this sketch that it would not show it for new years. That was the only time in danish history that a revolution almost happened!! It is a MUST SEE "same procedure as last year!!

[@Eyyoh755]

One of Britain's finest: Freddy Frinton and May Warden. Greetings from Germany.

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

It's fairly well known here in Australia... a few years ago the local theater group in my hometown did a brilliant job of re-enacting it.

[@ronkerr3020]

We in Australia were fortunate to have this every year.

[@waynewilliams3246]

Worked in Germany in the 80's, and was constantly asked about this sketch whilst there, and they couldn't believe that i'd never seen it. Unfortunately never experienced a German xmas so still never saw it in its native setting, but I got to know the catchprase.

[@xwormwood]

Forget christmas. It is about December 31st.

[@NatValCas]

Not just German TV. Swiss telly shows it on all three main channels. Austria, as well btw...

[@chaowingchinghongfingshong3109]

Natalie Valentina Casetti Swiss TV is germanTV...

[@sognsvann3]

Here in Norway it is on every little Christmas eve at 21.00. Around 1,9 millions watch it(we are 5,2 millions up here).

[@cementveje]

Natalie Valentina Casetti here in Denmark also..... there is a fun drinking game, you drink every time the Butler drinks.... see if you can make it to the end...🤪

[@leDespicable]

@@chaowingchinghongfingshong3109 Swiss TV definitely isn't German TV. Ever listened to Swiss German? It's a completely different thing.

[@johnpeel8005]

I have been watching this in Melbourne, Australia for forty years.

[@MrHarleythedevil]

I was about to say the exact same thing.

[@kaimango7012]

Well, more ironic is that this show - thanks to the wide spread of german language and/or culture (depending on what which source claims) - is actually shown in far more countries then just Germany. So it is indeed quite sad and puzzling that THE country that this sketch would probably suit best has never seen it before. As far as I know, about 14 countries show it each year on New Year by now. And yet almost no british person knows the brilliance of this sketch of Freddie Frinton.

[@talboyovGY]

6 years after your comment and my Austrian and Norwegian friends just told about this last night, I'm in my forties and it's the first time I've seen anything about it!

[@kaimango7012]

@@talboyovGY Well, better now than never. And you can now share it with others as well :)

[@EisbaerLES]

There a two gifts Germany got from the British people that we Germans love much more and know much better than the British people do: "Dinner for One" and football. And we are very thankful for both of them.

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

football is descendant from the medival "Bruchenball" so not really english

[@Gert-DK]

Same here in Danmark, shown each New Year for decades.

[@skakdosmer]

Dinner for one is not only shown in Germany. It's performed every newyear in a number of countries!

[@ntobekongcala2745]

The same procedure as every year in South Africa too. However, I haven't seen playing on TV in the last past 2-3 years.

[@paulabennett4788]

I'm English and I saw Dinner for One at friends house in Germany. I had never heard of it before but it's Brilliant. And, Yes, it's shown every New Years Eve in Germany.😂😂😂

[@markvickers6641]

Norwegians watch it every year without fail. its a tradition.

[@nomenestomen3452]

I'm German and it's kinda sad that the experiment to bring it back to the British people by the BBC failed. I heard they broadcasted it from 2018 to 2020 but the feedback was modest so they cancelled it. I think it's just out of range for the current middle age Brit who probably prefer more modern television amusements. Sad, Freddy Frinton and May Warden deserve better recognition at home imo. They are truly British comedy ambassadors.

[@ulliulli]

"Fun" Fact... Freddy Frinton was not keen about the idea to make a sketch for german TV, since he hated the germans. He served in WW2 and wanted nothing to do with the german producers in the first place. Weird, that he was almost forgotten in his home land but one of the very few actors in germany, EVERYONE knows

[@davidk3729]

I recorded it the last time it was broadcast. Kept it for each New Year.

[@meirwise1107]

I'm English aged 64 and never seen it before! I feel robbed!

[@kenthompson4540]

have been watching this for years fantastic acting and i still get a laugh every time THOMMO AUSTRALIA

[@amethyst1826]

Here in the UK my mum showed me the video donkeys years ago. It still creases me up.

[@lenitabohnmark7607]

Same in Sweden. Been broadcasted since the 70s! I love it 😂😂😂😂

[@johnoneill4530]

I have watched it every year since 1990

[@michaelcooper4986]

Ever since I can remember it's been on SABC television here on South Africa and if you knew how many drama students do a skit on this show for there majors

[@FelixAB88]

We are even that crazy about this show in germany, that it's shown multiple times in different channels - partly multiple times in THE SAME channel - the whole day (31st dec) long. There are even other versions, e.g. dubbed in "Plattdeutsch" or remakes. (Very funny: "Dinner for Otti")

[@SIeipner]

In Norway, this is shown every 23rd of December. Its been part of our culture for many centuries.

[@nairobie755]

SoidSnake decades, it hasn't existed for a century.

[@redsonja2291]

Decades then.

[@itsmeGeorgina]

Decades 35 years or so now it has been on

[@PeterDaams]

Millennia even.

[@perperson199]

Yes. Just saw it today

[@lilacsbaby]

It is such a mainstay in my country, Sweden, that, even though I left Sweden 30 years ago, I still watch it online or video or DVD or wherever I can get it on New Years Eve!

[@momeara7482]

'A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country'

[@carolynpihl2692]

Played every New Year's Eve in Sweden.

[@MariaCarabin]

Swiss here! We also watch it on New year's Eve every year. Stumbled over a reaction video tonight and found this gem. Lovely seeing his family! ❤

[@dippylala]

Shame they didn't mention May Warden as well. She was fabulous as Miss Sophie

[@RenegadeSamurai]

true, and her capability to keep a straight face during all the chaos that is uinfolding right in front of her is astonishing :D

[@StianPresthus]

It's a Christmas tradition in many European countries, also in Norway! no Christmas without it! Fantastic performance!

[@CatsSecondChance]

I am South African and My grandfather started the tradition of watching it every year. I automatically thought that it was a British tradition.

[@jamesfeuilherade3664]

Yes Cherese! Watched it in SA often with my Dad, killed ourselves laughing! Great memories!

[@pgn0]

Same procedure as every year, James!

[@Matches771]

I'll do my best! ;-)

[@deirdrecrangle2399]

I had never heard of Freddie Frinto until it came up on the news about King Charles in Germany. I don’t think BBC did this comedian enough explanation. I watch M & W every Christmas as I was brought up with them. But thank goodness now I can check out Freddie Frinton too!

[@ioannakaramitsos6754]

I'm a South Africa and it's a tradition every year.

[@pettergusten]

In SWEDEN it is tradition to see this every new years eve, since I think 1970 - BUT it is not exactly this version of it, but a version done in Schweitz

[@ulfingvar1]

And Sweden, God damn it! Sporadically since 1969, and annually since 1976, we have been graced with its madness.

[@Hermaticlus]

It's the same procedure as every year to watch this on new years eve here in Sweden

[@AHVENAN]

It is not just in Germany that it's become a tradition, swedish TV broadcasts it every New Years eve as well and even here in the swedish speaking part of Finland alot of people watch it every year

[@marjiepage7574]

We love this and watch it every year.

[@SomePeopleCallMeWulfman]

In Norway it's shown every year the day before Christmas (lille julaften).

[@TheCreepingKingTV]

I’m English and my family watch it every year!

[@-DaMox-]

As an almost 40y/o German, I can confirm. Not a year has gone by ever since I was a lil boy that we haven't watched this on new year's eve. Either with family or friends or even alone - doesn't matter. For me it's basically the only good thing about NYE. I knew that the Brits don't share this tradition, but seeing his family being moved by the fact that it's a big deal here was heartwarming. P. S. Watch it closer to midnight, not while the sun is shining bright through the pub windows. 👍

[@janinewoollard5203]

Very funny.this made me cry laughing.. I am English. Thank you for introducing me to such good comedy. I will send this to my family. Brilliant.

[@ricardonichol]

Its also shown in Denmark too at New Year

[@francescguinart9693]

LO ACABO DE VER POR PRIMERA VEZ EN ESTE 2020, Y ES GENIAL.LO BUENO, ES BUENO . . . SIEMPRE ! ! !

[@darkiee69]

It's the same in Sweden. It's on every new year since 1976. Except for 2004 cause of the tsunami disaster in Thailand.

[@suehart919]

I just heard about Dinner for One, recently. Of course I had to look it up, because I love 'skits'. It is hilarious gem! I plan to show it to my children, because they'll love it as much as I do!

[@landibear6509]

Not just in Germany. It is a new Year tradition in South Africa too.

[@white_clover767]

Its shown on tv in South Africa and Scandinavia (incl The Faroe Islands) every New Years Eve too

[@fowler980]

in norway its always 23 of december.and i love it

[@mrSweden888]

Same here in Sweden!! Its a tradition

[@itsmeGeorgina]

In Norway too Every year for at least 35 years

[@JakobFischer60]

I especially love the version where he opens the bazar with the words: "And now I declare this bazar open".

[@garrithsmith799]

In South Africa we watch it every year

[@hannabergmann8831]

If you receive 50 TV channels in Germany, you will see this Sketch on 25 TV Stations on Dec the 31th from 6 pm to 2 am.

[@Chris_GY1]

Freddie Frinton who plays the butler is from Grimsby North East Lincolnshire.

[@bryangl1]

With the sketch devolving around increasing inebriation, it's in some ways a miracle that a lobby group against portraying drunkenness as entertainment hasn't created a movement to have it banned. It's wonderful that such an action hasn't occurred as this is truly a classic and a great example of a comedic performance. (And any such objectors are likely to get lynched!)

[@peregreena9046]

It's actually been tried in the 80's. When the sketch didn't appear in the TV guides, there was a public outcry and it was broadcast anyways.

[@gamleskalle1]

On tv here in Norway every 23th of December.

[@informer3000]

And in Denmark.

[@lhuras.]

As a german it feels not right to move to the new year without watching Dinner for one.

[@stevetheduck1425]

This Brit hadn't seen this until recently it was featured on a TV quiz show, where it was a 'thing that Britain exports that you don't know about' item. There have been similar things done by Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, who have a few sketches about a Lord, his lady wife and their butler, such as the 'your nuts, my Lord' punchline.

[@farmergirl_green]

South Africans enjoyed it every year as well! A must before you go out to your new year's party, 6pm!😂😂😂

[@user-jn1tr8mo3g]

It's popular in Switzerland too.

[@irisbork-goldfield5064]

Yes, a true "German Tradition!"

At the start of this, they should have asked very old people from around Blackpool…

[@richardl772]

It’s a regular here in OZ too.

[@j.s.4819]

I don't know what people find so funny about it that they watch it every year.

[@paulineholt2296]

I laugh my socks of every time I see it (an English expression)

[@TheHornoxx]

Wunderbar :-) :-)

[@webmart70]

It's like sound of music no one likes it in Austria we all like different things!!😃😃

[@WienerVL]

Its not we dont like it...we havent it seen ever!;-)))

[@webmart70]

@@WienerVL trust me you wouldn't like it if you see it 😆

[@WienerVL]

@@webmart70 After so many years i have not the wish to see it! ;-))

[@webmart70]

@@WienerVL exactly my point Austria has no wish to see it. I go to sleep now...

[@WienerVL]

@@webmart70 Gute Nacht!;-))

[@LaneLeahStaples]

I watch it every year but it's not on anymore

[@grossleg123]

2:16 " something clicked that night " bet it was their heels 😂😜

[@grossleg123]

Thorsten Thomsen did you mean the "wars" 😂

[@grossleg123]

Thorsten Thomsen your name sounds Scandinavian !

[@grossleg123]

Thorsten Thomsen will do see if it's as good as Allo Allo

[@glyph2011]

I tivoed this from sky arts last New Years. I’ve only just watched it. And found myself laughing along. A brilliant display of comic acting and timing. I’d heard about this for years, never believing it could live up to the hype. It does. Loved it. :-). I’ll be showing it every New Year’s Eve now.

[@a.r.moyapapitawaira7369]

I think not only in Germany but also in Norway.

[@YeeSnarky]

I'd ask that same question about many UK series too. Famous Five and Catweazle to name just two have of recent years had German remakes and annoyingly they are not available in English!!!

[@robertheinrichvonseyfenste267]

am Dutch and watched this vid as long as I remember