The Two Ronnies: Round of Drinks

The Two Ronnies
Series Five (1976)
Another popular sketch, but I couldn't resist. I'm accepting requests for any Two Ronnies or Morecambe and Wise (BBC) sketch, but they can't be serials or full episodes as I don't want copyright strikes. Also, don't ask me to upload the 'Four Candles' or 'Mastermind' sketches as they can be found all over KZbin and they're not amongst my personal favourite sketches like this sketch or the Rhyming Sermon sketch are. Any other clips from classic BBC TV you want to see, let me know.
I do not own the contents to this video. No copyright infringement intended.

[@gingerladyaubern]

"Either one of these is it??".....the best part of the whole sketch

[@jamesmartin2325]

‘Either one of these is it’ such a simple line, such a short line, but shows the comedic genius of the writers, fantastically delivered by Ronnie Barker as usual.

[@ShaneC27]

This man was a GENIUS - and I don’t use that word lightly. We really didn’t appreciate him enough during his lifetime

[@patagualianmostly7437]

You're right Shane.... There was a lot of up & coming comedic talent at the time, different styles and attitudes to what humour should be all about....many since have fallen by the wayside....but the sheer genius of this man shines brightly through all the fog. He's an eternal light in the world of British humour.

[@catherinemelnyk]

Yes! A genius! Wow!😂

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

Check out the drunk wedding speech . RB .

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

HE ALSO DID SOME PORRIDGE !

[@andyrodgers5355]

I think this is one of the most impressive comedy sketches of all time and Ronnie Barker's performance here is superlative. He had to remember a highly complex sequence of actions which were performed effortlessly with no mistakes (apart from deliberate comical ones). A very special talent indeed.

[@crotchet1586]

Yes, his memory was astounding

[@johnmelling9950]

Greatest comedian ever.

[@tayeebhussain5014]

As they say bro best of British 👍👍👍

[@MrBenHaynes]

Astounded by his memory, but I only made it to 2:30, it is painful (and predictable) to watch.

[@davidtomlinson6138]

Genius , LOL ,the likes of which we shall nere see again on the tv .how sad is that !

[@signalmanmusic4225]

'Ice and lemon?' 'If there's room in the glass yes...' Classic

[@DjDucats]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@ChadQuick270W]

I use that line myself 😂

[@craigreilly2603]

Used it myself on a BA flight recently and the steward said "I know where you got that from!" Classic!

[@MunchyToy]

Superb.

[@davidfarmer2049]

@@craigreilly2603 haha! Educated steward! :->

[@deldridg]

My impression of RB is that he was a genuinely humble, understated and decent human being. Many years ago I had a friend who grew up with one of his daughters and her impressions of him were the same. Perhaps this is why he was such a lovable comedic genius and maybe even why there are so few today. Humility and decency are in scarce supply these days it would seem.

[@tomtalk24]

"Humility and decency are in scarce supply these days". Nothing more humain or decent than referring to someone of a particular gender as 'the one with the big boobs'. Typical boomer lol.

[@deldridg]

​@@tomtalk24 Generally accepted societal standards are in a constant state of flux. In those days, such talk was more acceptable and very few were offended. Of course, today things are different and so it's important to judge people by the times in which they lived. People who set out to offend are in rich supply these days unfortunately and Ronnie Barker was not one of them in his day. For the record, I am much younger than the 'Boomer' generation.

[@Maynke]

@@tomtalk24 He literally starts the sketch with admitting he doesn't know most of the group, they're friends of his wife. If this is from 1976, then it was from the the same era the USA's "Jiggle TV". Silicone & saline breast implants were only 15 years old, too. Many factors at play.

[@michaelheery6303]

BBC COMEDY slowly went down hill...sad after RB.

[@deldridg]

@@michaelheery6303 Indeed this is true. So sad

[@crotchet1586]

Ronnie Barkers memory was astounding.

[@vp5]

It was improvised on the spot. As no one from the audience would know the difference

[@TheConscientiousView]

He ghost wrote many of the sketches under the pseudonym Gerald Wiley. Amazing talent.

[@JongleurJ10]

Absolutely. Gift of the gab for sure.

[@rabidbigdog]

He wrote it.

[@CycolacFan]

Suspect some of it may have been written down just behind the barman...

[@mikefuller6959]

Ronnie Barker must have had a phenomenal memory! This sketch is lovely and sweetly charming! Happy evenings like this in the dreamy wonder of bars are sheer bliss!!!

[@IsaacAsimov1992]

Good one Mike. When I read your comment it sounded like something I would/could have written. Cheers mate.

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

@@IsaacAsimov1992 Aww! Thanks ronadjac!

[@JongleurJ10]

You know they will never use bad swear words. Just clever witty genuine humour.

[@bartenml]

There’s no such thing as bad words

[@philpryor7524]

The class, quality, ease, ability, flow, touch, subtlety, ingenuity and pace of Ronnie is super...and he envisaged it all, conceived it, performed it with a special grace and ease.

[@tonyjlorns1727]

Phil the like we will never see again 😂😂

[@MaskedMan66]

Ronnie Barker, what a comedian! Gerald Wiley, what a writer!

[@SriramNarayanan78]

MaskedMan66 according to Wikipedia, Ronnie Barker was Gerald Wiley!!

[@johnking5174]

We don't know if Barker wrote this sketch under his writing name Gerald Wiley as this sketch came into the Two Ronnies production office uncredited, whereas Ronnie B would always use Gerald Wiley when he sent in material. So we don't know for sure if he wrote it or if it were sent in by a writer who did not pen their name to it.

[@RL11]

"Ice and lemon sir?" "If there's room in the glass, yes" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@robertcater7116]

When I order a large/double drink I like to say yes if there’s room in the glass if asked for ice etc haha. Brilliant sketch 😂😂😂

[@guillezorro]

Ha ha, good work Bob!

[@thomasford6605]

Me too. Rarely gets a reaction sad to say 😂😂

[@D-C.]

What an amazing talent Ronnie Barker had. And when with the fantastic Ronnie Corbet, they gave us some of the greatest comedy sketches of all time. Genius.

[@alanpartridge1930]

Unquestionably my favourite ever clip of these legends. How TV misses this sort of quality these days.

[@rob9994]

Totally agree 👍

[@neilbaybutt759]

Quite simply the greatest talent we have all been lucky enough to have witnessed on the screen . Utter genius

[@Motty1066]

"Either one of these, is it?" No-one currently alive is getting anywhere near this

[@simonluckin1402]

So, so true. Comedy today barely exists.

[@davidfarmer2049]

I think possibly the pinnacle of TV. It was building up to this during the 60s and 70s. It has dropped badly since . (All IMO)

[@davidfarmer2049]

The audience were a bit slow weren't they :-> it took them a moment.. :-)

[@stephencolgate8510]

Love

[@stephencolgate8510]

Yes loved the 80 and 90s

[@ElvarMasson]

"I do exactly what I'm knowing" 😂

[@johnking5174]

2:45 - For me, "either one of these" is the best line here

[@jeffebdy]

I missed that first time round... had to rewatch...

[@steveangell7724]

“Either one of these…?!” 🤣

[@LancasterBomber44]

His work is done. For us still to be watching now and laughing our socks off with tears in our eyes 😂 monumental. X

[@terencehennegan1439]

An absolute brilliant sketch, the man was a genius of comedy.

[@TheSatanshunter]

Whoever is getting that Sack of Coke and Bare Lady are gonna have an amazing night XD

[@JustDiptych]

I know - with that much distilled coal, they could run their steam train all night!

[@palbheu]

'Either one of these?' .. amazing portrayal of someone getting high on gin and tonic!

[@zew1414]

One of the best sketches ever created!

[@brianmacgabhann5630]

Kudos to the bartender for his performance as well.

[@dielaughing73]

Right? Being RB's straight man could not have been easy

[@iim4xii129]

Get that "Kudos" dogshit away from here.

[@alaricbirkett4116]

The bartender was played by Lynda Bellingham's husband in the Oxo commercials.

[@scottyunitedboy2925]

@@alaricbirkett4116 Michael Redfern

[@animaltvi9515]

@@alaricbirkett4116 did he remember Preston though ?

[@wxcferdts]

RB plays the drunk very convincingly, almost up there with Arthur Lowe, who was simply in-cre-di-ble!

[@leebrogan865]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who comes to watch Ronnie B and Ronnie C when I'm in a bad mood. These pair were and always will be so uplifting.

[@martinputt6421]

Lee Brogan - you can't help but laugh when watching The Two Ronnies. I often watch them if I am upset or angry.

[@ajivins1]

Four Candles next!

[@joyjeetpaul2218]

U r not alone ☺️

[@southpawboxing4265]

Lee Brogan - ponting punting, round of drinks, four candles, mastermind....I’ve been binging on The Two Ronnies all day and they’ve cheered me right up!

[@hughcdavies]

uplifting. would that be for the pink boobs?

[@chris-rfs]

One of my favourite sketches of theirs,comedy genius.!!

[@pureevil5682]

They never get old they are absolute legends the best of the best it effortless comedy and deliverd bang on timing

[@paulnolan4971]

OH RON !!! How you are missed :(

[@Eddy0042]

The really amazing point of this sketch to me is that while we are all laughing at how messed up and funny his screwed up order is, it's not till you pick yourself up off the floor from laughing that you realise that the great Ronnie Barker was in complete control the whole time - he led us all the way to the order that they had arranged the props for - the sketch is brilliant and amazingly funny, but the talent of that man, both writing and performing is out of this world - they don't make em like that any more...

[@peterowen9183]

Agree with every word, but would add, as a footnote, Michael Redfern (stalwart of 1970s UK comedy), doing a great job as the straight man in this scene. Brilliant though Barker is, you need a slightly baffled character to bounce off.

[@Eddy0042]

@Peter Owen You're right there. I remember him in random episodes of bottom and filthy rich and catflap. Sadly he died earlier this year. July 22.

[@user-mw8um6mc3v]

Stunning, Ronnie B, just Stunning!

[@BrentonSandercock]

It's one of the best comedy scetches of all time...

[@RandomButBeautiful]

"An old man on the rocks". So clever. Talent off the richter scale!!!

[@rezaghaisarali3747]

The two Ronnies any series makes me happy after watching them and I forget my bad day behind me , ready for a better days tomorrow.

[@georgeshepherd3307]

Timeless rip Ronnie barker .

[@zamiadams4343]

Probably one of the greatest sketches ever.

[@pauldashwood2897]

I watched the two Ronnie the first time around and they were beyond anything else . I watch them now and compare them to what we have today ,now I realise god I was lucky ..

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

Ice and lemon ? If there’s room in the glass. 😂

[@RobCCTV]

I met the actor playing the barman at a charity do once. Forgot his name. Nice chap.

[@sharonmartin8210]

Wonderful comedy,nothing touches this nowadays.

[@JamesSmith-ru7mm]

Best Two Ronnies sketch of all.

[@telferclark8511]

My ribs are aching laughing at this, absolute class

[@danieldavid3160]

The then brilliance of true British comedy!

[@reaney1977]

Best British comedy actor ever.

[@martinwilde2737]

Totally agree!

[@kieranmilton2276]

I was laughing so hard my eyes missed most of then sketch. Absolutely brilliant! Phenomenal writing and performance

[@HaggertyTheEel]

Even to this day when ever the seldom occasions occurs and bartender asked if i want ice and lemon i always reply " yeah if there's room in the glass"

[@andyth55]

Work of absolute genius!

[@leslierodgers2347]

Classic, don't get any better than this,

[@CateField]

Utterly brilliant

[@Seasider70]

"Either one of these".....genius.

[@MikeyMUnited]

Ice and lemon Sir? If there's room in the glass, yes.

[@michaelhaigh204]

I'm crying with laughter.

[@robertraymondshaw197]

2:56 "I do exactly what I'm knowing"

[@GudieveNing]

:) Similar to "I'm not as think as you drunk I am!"

[@emilymcplugger]

So quick, easy to miss.

[@roathripper]

they don't make em like this no more. gutting really.

[@derekpalman8077]

RoathRipper y

[@user-fz3sz2dj4r]

“Why..why don’t you have a beer?”

[@fan.80s_90s]

No thank you sir.

[@ravsingh5347]

What an amazing funny scene... Both were unforgettable legends.... 👍👑👏🤗🙏

[@deesplaylists6941]

Awe man, how I miss The Two Ronnie's. Classic.

[@mlpsh6995]

thanks for posting, great sketch

[@ameenkeshavjee4249]

"Either one of these, is it??" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Been there!!!

[@RedWine2go]

Got to be up there with four Candles..

[@jumpiestudios5265]

Honestly didn't get the Four Candles one, probably because I'm a foreigner. i mean, I get the idea but I didn't get the jokes after the four candles one the sketch was named after. An explanation would be quite appreciated.

[@hadesshade1930]

Four Candles sketch is all about things with the same name (particularly when spoken with accents), or words/phrases that sound similar; thus the confusion. Four Candles/Fork Handles, 'Plugs' (Either bath plugs vs electrical socket plugs), Saw tips (or sore tips/fingers), 'O's' ('country' accents tend to drop the 'h' so could be hoes, hose, or letter 'o') etc. The end of the sketch is a zoom on the sign saying Bill Hooks, an older British curse word is to call something bullocks (or 'balls' similar in sentiment to 'shit' in current vocabulary).

[@musamor75]

@@hadesshade1930 You're a man after my own heart Sir. You not only express yourself clearly, but you are able to explain things to someone who has proclaimed ignorance, or outsiderness if you prefer. May I suggest that you look up that wonderful series called The Story of the English Language. 20 episodes I believe. Best regards.

[@jimtaylor294]

Admittedly I'm a Brit' myself, yet missed the Billhooks = Bollocks bit for quite a few years XD.

[@Mousevengeance]

I think this sketch is better

[@PaleyDaley]

We shouldn't use the word 'genius' lightly, but if ever there was someone who deserved it, it was Mr Barker.

[@jackgower3606]

Absolutely outstanding. Nothing else you can say

[@andyweb7779]

"Either one of these?" 😂😂😂

[@dawngilmour4218]

Hilarious! Absolutely hilarious! At least he's enjoying his gin n tonic! Losing the plot as he goes the more he drinks....! Priceless! Fantastic comedy. 👍😄🤣

[@unhandmeprrriest4601]

As a former bartender this has scared me

[@tonyluxton3726]

Absolute perfection... what else can you say

[@pumkineater7219]

When you look at the light weights on offer nowadays, you have to thank your lucky stares that you were fortunate enough to be alive when the two Ronnies were at their peak!

[@Keithbarber]

Thanks to KZbin, they'll have new fans 100 years down the line

[@alisoncooper1421]

And not a foul four letter word uttered.

[@DarrenBonJovi]

Brilliant stuff from a gloriously pre PC age

[@lucyhurst2534]

The only thing more boring than the overly pc comedy, is unoriginal old bastards like you making that observation at every single opportunity

[@cpharris41]

@@lucyhurst2534 Steady on, Lucy dear! Even us unoriginal old bastards have a perfect right to make our boring observations - yes, even at every single opportunity. Maybe the best way you can counter us is to think of some super-scintillating insights to dazzle everyone with. That way everyone'd be so excited by your brilliance that they'd just forget all about us boring old farts, and we'd rapidly sink into our well-deserved oblivion {¦¬)

[@Matteus733]

This cracks me up so much

[@daveburn5910]

Classic comedy. Brilliantly written and delivered expertly by a fantastic comedian who is quite rightly a total legend.

[@brinbargy3325]

A master of his craft performing to an excellent written script.

[@anthonyhaylock6655]

Ronnie is language genius , the man behind the bar is also brilliant in keeping up with Ronnie as best as he can hahaha

[@MikeyMUnited]

Either one of these is it? I love Ronnie Barker.

[@musamor75]

Indeed. The far greater of the two talents- undoubtedly.

[@stephencolgate8510]

Lol

[@stephencolgate8510]

He's drunk

[@vp5]

@@musamor75 someone else noticed too. Excellent. 👍🏻👏

[@johnking5174]

Rum and Coke is fantastic. Am getting thirsty watching this sketch

[@STAR-cw7bz]

so much respect for those two ronnies growing up as A kid never missed a show !! they were the best better than mr bean pegged frank spencer and fawlty towers as the best of all time i say lol unreal -- never forgoten

[@Cyba_IT_NZ]

I agree about Bean and Spencer but Bazil was as funny imo in a slightly different way.

[@innovativeinnovation6629]

Talk about overthinking and remembering the words and the exact script, totally amazing!

[@Cyba_IT_NZ]

Absolute gold.

[@Plastikman5]

...the greatest wordplay ever...

[@ChadQuick270W]

Sounds like me after I've had a few gin and tonics lol. This is hilarious!

[@markpeers4503]

I got caught out doing something similar at the bar when I was a little tipsy once 😂

[@almightyloaf3886]

Please tell me that your name is actually Chad Quick

[@ChadQuick270W]

Almighty Loaf it actually is although most times I’m not lol

[@RB747domme]

Chad Quick I get that a lot as well, because my name for some reason sounds funny to people but I've never understood why? Tapper is a rare surname in the UK, but it's not so rare that it's unlikely to find someone with that surname somewhere in your lifetime. I don't really understand why people find it funny but there you go.. strange.

[@stephencolgate8510]

Old man on the rocks not me lol

[@lukerobinson2605]

The tall elegant woman is Aileen Lewis (aka The Duchess) one of the most prolific extras in the business. Usually accompanied by her husband. He died aged 100, whilst Aileen missed her centenary by just a couple of months.

[@opiturn3]

Brilliant !

[@LionheartNh]

The mental clarity to pull this off was on another level.

[@GudieveNing]

The ending is priceless!

[@Nagassh]

I always feel bad that the part that cracks me up the most is probably the "Either one of these is it?" considering how much effort goes into the rest of the sketch. The delivery is just fantastic though.

[@RobMontier-dx2go]

"I do exactly what I'm knowing!"

[@paulbennett4548]

I'll take a beer, brilliant work by Ronnie :o)

[@1991xoxoshazz]

‘Either one of these’ 😂

[@rainers.2080]

Hilarious! He obviously improvises as he goes along. But he does it better than anybody else.

[@elizabethspedding1975]

I love this sketch.

[@Pauldjreadman]

Now that takes skill.

[@SKY-ce5em]

absolutely brilliant, god bless his soul !!!

[@marquonuk]

About the reference to "coke" in the sketch that some people have mentioned here in comments. It didn't refer to cocaine or cola, "coke" was the name for an alternative to coal that was smokeless (how they did that, I'm not sure). At the time, if people in the UK lived in an area where coal smoke wasn't allowed, they had coke as an alternative so they could still have a real fire at home, so while some people would order a sack of coal to be delivered by their coal merchant every week, others ordered a sack of coke, which was what Ronnie B was referencing when he wrote the sketch. :-)

[@user-ob7mn4pq8d]

A absolute comedy genius

[@Rebecca236]

One of the funniest sketch of all time. 😆

[@stevemanuell8610]

Our Ronnie was an amazing man fantastic talent nothing like that know

[@RevolutionibusOrbiumCoelestium]

Comedy genius!

[@robmontier639]

"I do exactly what I'm knowing!"

[@crazyfroggie6546]

From a period when comedy was original, truly funny, slightly risque. RIP Ronnie Barker and proper comedy, you will be sorely missed.

[@lanapoulliot7682]

Absolutely bloody brilliant

[@SpeedbirdConcordeOne]

Genius