Do Not Adjust Your Set

Do Not Adjust Your Set was a distinctly British sketch comedy show that aired from 1967 to 1969 on ITV, produced by Rediffusion, London and later by Thames Television. With 29 unforgettable episodes, the show positioned itself as a revolutionary infusion of impeccable wit and relentless absurdity that persists even in contemporary comedy discourse.

One of the key features of Do Not Adjust Your Set was its ensemble cast that, in retrospect, looks like prequel to the Monty Python troupe. The show featured David Jason, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones, each of whom would go on to make substantial contributions to British comedy. Denise Coffey, one of the few female stars in the genre at the time, also lent her talents to the ensemble.

Much of the surreal humour, which would later be associated with Monty Python, was seen in its embryonic form in this show. From Michael Palin’s extraordinary knack for weaving stories out of the mundane to Terry Jones’ instinctive grasp of the absurd, Do Not Adjust Your Set was a wry comedy proving ground that challenged its audience with its flamboyant sketches and offbeat humour.

Never shackled by the constraints of logic or the predictable, Do Not Adjust Your Set's material covered a wide range of bizarre scenarios, frequently bordering on the surreal. Skits ranged from everyday scenarios turned on their heads to explicit parodies of popular culture. Much of the show’s appeal, however, lay in its unique narrative threads, intertwining in ways which left audiences in constant anticipation of unexpected comic payoff and fresh new laughs.

Alongside absurdist humor, the show also had a strong affinity for music. They were fortunate enough to have the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, an eccentric ensemble, as their resident band, who provided a musical break in each episode with their quirky songs and added yet another unique touch to the programme.

David Jason, best known for his iconic role in Only Fools and Horses, also made his mark in the show. His sketches had a more traditional, slapstick nature, which added variety to the otherwise largely absurdist collection of skits. His versatility allowed him to portray a variety of characters, each more distinct and outrageous than the last.

The show also broke ground with its use of innovative animation. Terry Gilliam, who later became a key member of Monty Python, supplied several short animations for the show. His unique and sometimes disturbing style added a fresh, dynamic element to the series that set it apart from anything else at the time.

The performances by Denise Coffey, who was one of the only women in a genre dominated by men, also stood out. Her sketches and performances served as a testament to her talent and added an element of diversity to the otherwise male-dominated cast.

The chemistry of the ensemble was evident, with Idle, Jones, and Palin later forming one half of comedy’s most famous troupe, Monty Python, along with John Cleese, Graham Chapman, and Terry Gilliam. Filled to the brim with wit, timing, and spontaneous creativity, the cast managed to imbue the show with distinct eccentricity that intriguingly engaged the audience with its energetic tempo and comic innovation.

Do Not Adjust Your Set emerged as a critical juncture in British comic television, celebrated not only for its groundbreaking humour and wit but also for the iconic talent it introduced to the spotlight. If you're seeking the root influence for the inimitable Monty Python or simply an engaging exploration of British comedy, Do Not Adjust Your Set offers a marvellous trip down the memory lane, packed and wrapped in an irresistibly chaotic ensemble of wit, humour, and the delightfully absurd.