Freddie Starr's Variety Madhouse (ITV, 1st December 1979)

This is, unbelievably, what used to pass for prime-time comedy entertainment in the supposed "golden age of television".
I put it here not for amusement, but as a sobering reminder.

[@paulbuswell6566]

I'd take this over strictly celebrity talent xfactor ANY day

[@meganbyrne436]

When comedy was real ... and no swearing, just genuine comedic talent ... hilarious 😂😂😂

[@irishbuachaill9821]

Its shows like this that help us escape the shitty world we live in today...RIP Freddie!

[@charlesforeman9438]

I just loved those days so much in my life. The entertainment in those days was much better quality programmes on those 3 or 4 channels than all of today's crap that's on tv these days. Freddie Star was my absolute favourite for nighttime entertainment.

[@faithland7874]

RIP Freddie.. You made many generations laugh.. Your singing voice was amazing too..

[@ProtectorofChrist]

This has to be brilliant as these were real comedies and will outlast time especially Freddie Starr he was brilliant and that was what we grew up with god bless Freddie

[@johnhepworth1531]

Soon after this LWT decided not to employ Starr any longer and it became Russ Abbot's Madhouse. The supporting cast included Les Dennis, Dustin Gee and Michael Barrymore.

[@simonnock5019]

What a talent! Nothing like this nowadays... too much PC

[@dawngilmour6961]

They knew how to entertain us back then. Quality tv with fantastic stars.... xx

[@apocalypsenow321..]

Truly mad cap comedy, harmless fun! RIP Mr Starr!

[@user-ud3co5sj9i]

One amazing guy very funny used to love watching him when I was growing up

[@philipbonner6486]

When watching telly was worth a laugh and worth watching, Thanks for the laughs and Rest in Peace Freddie x

[@elissaschornstein9399]

I absolutely adore Freddie Starr.

[@harrolldthebarroll]

Its just good old fashioned Comedy which beat todays Comedians any day of the week 🤣🤣🤣

[@catkendall5680]

That last dance with Russ Abbott as the old piano player....the times I've watched that is countless and has me in stitches every time. That dance and the beads swinging around his next is awesome. 😂😂😂😂

[@matthewdinsdale4782]

Sobering reminder of good clean fun. Lucky to of been part of it !

[@just-ice7369]

I loved Freddie variety mad house, very sad to hear of his passing , he was a great comedian ,God Bless and keep you .R.I.P Freddie

[@sharonellis8776]

This was great. Best bits with Freddie, of course. Russ Abbott dancing is hilarious and bonkers ! xx

[@phil3380]

Oh god!!!!! I broke some ribs last month!! And I’m crying in pain and laughter...

[@richardcotton8676]

So sad to hear Freddie Starr died in Spain this morning,R.I.P FREDDIE STARR,LEGEND!!