Our take
A stunt that came off: a live Christmas episode in which the cast juggle, throw knives and sing at speed with no second takes. It is less daring than it might have been, and so smooth that critics joked it might as well have been recorded, but the self-aware lines about live television and the Tom Lehrer number are a lot of fun, and the risk gives it an edge the show rarely has.
What happens
Performed and broadcast live, this special joins Lee and Lucy in their festively decorated living room as they nervously discuss the Ding Dong Merrily on Live Christmas Spectacular, a Christmas variety show they have been strong-armed into organising to raise money for their children's school. Quality acts are worryingly thin on the ground: the only confirmed performer is an animal impersonator, and when the juggler booked for the night drops out, Lee has to step in himself. Toby and Anna are roped in too, and end up singing Tom Lehrer's The Elements, with altered lyrics, while having an argument. With raw-egg juggling, a tongue-twister and Lee throwing knives at Lucy, the evening is one live stunt after another, and the joke is that anything could go wrong.
Can the kids watch it?
No BBFC rating was found; it went out after the 9pm watershed with the show's usual innuendo, so it best suits teenagers and adults.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Lee Mack as Lee
- Sally Bretton as Lucy
- Hugh Dennis as Toby
- Abigail Cruttenden as Anna
- Geoffrey Whitehead as Geoffrey
- Deborah Grant as Wendy
Guest stars
- Joanna Eden as Pianist
Writer
- Lee Mack
Director
- Nick Wood