Morecambe and Wise would be disappointed by how TV has changed, according to a pal.
Terry Ravenscroft, who penned gags for the late double act, reckons comedy isn’t a patch on the stuff that aired years ago because it’s so PC these days.
He said: “I don’t think much of comedy on TV now. There isn’t anything like the stuff I used to do.
“Morecambe and Wise would be a bit disappointed by the way comedy has gone, really.
“I can’t think of any sketch shows. I can’t think of any good sitcoms. There’s nothing like Porridge, nothing with that standard of writing and performing.”
Eric and Ernie were TV icons and regularly pulled in 20million viewers thanks to their charisma and wit.
Scriptwriter Terry also worked with greats including Sir Ken Dodd, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson and Frankie Howerd during a golden era of comedy.
Writer Terry Ravenscroft reckons comedy has become too politically correct (Image: PR Supplied)
He added: “Most of the comedians aren’t any good these days. They are so in-your-face and shouty and loud. Morecambe and Wise didn’t have to shout to make people laugh because they were funny.
“I’ve seen shows like Live At The Apollo. I don’t know what the audience are on, but I’d like some of it because they’ll laugh at nothing.
“They seem to go along with the express purpose of having a laugh and the comedy is incidental. The comedian winks at them and they roll with laughter.
“Some of the stuff they put on that passes as comedy… TV would be better without it. On some of these quiz shows, they get four stand-up comedians and they just sit there for half an hour laughing at each other’s gags. I just don’t find it very funny.”
When Terry was writing jokes years ago there were fewer rules about what could air on TV. And he believes modern, politically correct sensibilities have ruined entertainment.
Morecambe and Wise were TV icons (Image: Mirrorpix)
He said: “It’s all right-on, anti-establishment beggars doing stand-up.
“They are always very cutting about politicians, but they wouldn’t dare to be cutting about a black politician or a woman.
“It’s political correctness gone mad and that isn’t right. The comedians now are very selective. They’re too touchy and they’re allowed to get away with it.
“I’m glad I was around writing at the time I did, because I wouldn’t stand a chance today. They wouldn’t look at my stuff.”
The British comedy duo would not be impressed by today’s comedy according to their pal (Image: GETTY)
Terry, 82, now writes novels, including his new release, Jerry’s, and refuses to bow to right-on attitudes.
He said: “The stuff I put in my books has been described as ‘gloriously non-PC’. People say it’s a joy to read something that’s not politically correct.
“I speak my mind. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”
Jerry’s is available as a paperback for £7.99 or ebook at Amazon for £2.99.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
