RaspberryLucozade The late Victoria Wood, along with Jim Davidson and Lenny Henry, made her mark after a successful appearance on ATV's 'New Faces'. Her first regular television appearance was in 'That's Life' ( ye gods! ) alongside Esther Rantzen and Richard Stilgoe, in which she sang ( or rather bellowed ) cringe making songs. She was awarded her first regular comedy series in 1981 entitled 'Wood & Walters' which saw her form her first partnership with Julie Walters. It was a ratings success though it only ran for a single series on Granada Television.Her next series was the more successful 'As Seen On TV', which was broadcast by BBC2. It was a curiously old fashioned piece, featuring stand-up routines and piano ditties. Sketches were usually spoofs of some sort, whether it be of adverts, fly-on-the-wall documentaries or of television shows. One recurring spoof was of the '60's soap opera 'Crossroads' entitled 'Acorn Antiques' which was set in a failing antiques store. Judging by the merciless fun poking at all the programme's flaws ( the wobbly sets, inane dialogue, amateurish acting, misplaced props, bad camera angles and so on ), it is clear that Ms. Wood was no admirer of the long running soap opera. Indeed, 'Acorn Antiques' had such an effect that 'Crossroads' was pulled from the airwaves not long after.My favourite sketches were actually those featuring Patricia Routledge as Kitty, the outspoken middle-aged harridan from Cheadle who appeared here in vox-pop sketches. Routledge was hilarious as the ghastly spinster and it may well have been these monologues that awarded her the role she would become best remembered for - as Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping Up Appearances'.Wood's regular supporting cast included Duncan Preston, Celia Imrie, Susie Blake ( who appeared here as a vindictive continuity announcer ) and, of course, Julie Walters and Patricia Routlegde. Making appearances from time to time were Kenny Ireland, Gerard Kelly, Meg Johnson, Jim Broadbent and Rosie Collins.'As Seen On TV' missed as many targets as it did hit but when it was funny it was very funny. The first series was the better of the two in my opinion. In 1989, Wood then moved into the world of sitcom with a show entitled simply 'Victoria Wood' ( which was a series of six different comedy playlets ) but it never caught on the same way 'As Seen On TV' did. In 1998, Wood devised another sitcom ( of which more or less all of the cast of 'As Seen On TV appeared in ) - the hugely successful 'Dinnerladies'. Sadly, Wood died of cancer ( which she was diagnosed with in 2015 but kept a secret from the public ) in April of this year, aged just 62.

davidfellowes I haven't actually seen this movie, although my faith is such that I do not feel that I need to in order to recommend it. I have, however, seen Victoria Wood Live. Dinnerladies (Victoria Wood not so live) is the definitive comedy programme, and this generation can relax knowing that, despite Norman Foster, we have left something of value behind us. But Victoria Wood Live has a closing aerobic routine that makes being born a small price to pay for being in her audience (for both parties). We are not worthy.(Embarrassed silence: The sponsors have warned me that concision in these comments is not rewarded, and a minimum of ten lines of text is required. Pithy.)

chuffnobbler This sketch show is second to none. Nearly twenty years after its' first outing, it stands the test of time. Victoria Wood's writing is instantly recognisable, and her ear for dialogue has influenced so much that has come after her. Some of the sketches and characters in this series can be spotted a mile off, and have been imitated endlessly.The immortal Acorn Antiques, with Victoria Wood and Celia Imrie as the overly made-up Miss Babs and Miss Berta, and Julie Walters as the legendary Mrs Overall, queen of the coconut macaroons and homemade sherry, is the sketch everyone remembers. It's quite possible that Acorn Antiques changed British TV comedy forever, but there are so many other gems in the rest of the series.Susie Blake's scathing and rude continuity announcer; Patricia Routledge as Kitty, fitting in a quick monologue before rushing back home to Cheadle; Victoria and Julie as hopeless daytime TV presenters ... wonderful.This series is not to be missed. Victoria Wood's work is guaranteed high-quality stuff, and this is the best thing she has done so far.

Benguin This series ran for two series of six episodes each and one special in the mid 80's. Victoria Wood is one of the funniest, brightest and most clever comedians today. Her wit and charm come shining through her writing of sketches, songs and short plays. This series established her as one of the leading comedians in Britain and has gone on to perform sell out tours of her one woman show ever since. Further projects included the film 'Pat and Margaret' and the irresistibly charming sitcom 'dinnerladies'(sic). Helped with the talented aid of Julie Walters, Patricia Routledge and the irrepressible Celia Imrie, 'As Seen on TV' will continually delight fans and bring laughter to all those who watch.