DwarfCast 165 – Father of Dwarf: Son of Cliché at 40

"Doctor Fitzwilliam: Village Rectologist" At
6:30pm on Tuesday 23rd August 1983, unsuspecting Radio 4
listeners were ambushed by the very first episode of a seminal
new sketch show. Featuring a hugely talented cast, performing the
work of two writers who were on the fast track to greatness, it
was notable not only for its inherent quality, but for what it
would eventually spawn. The programme was, of course, Son of
Cliché, without which this podcast would not exist. So in a break
from the usual format, we present our fortieth anniversary
tribute in the form of a documentary, showcasing some highlights
from the series, analysing what made it so great, and of course
focusing on the moments that had the biggest influence on Red
Dwarf. Think it was just Dave Hollins: Space Cadet that Rob
and Doug drew upon? Think again.


Show notes


The complete series of Cliché and Son of Cliché on
archive.org

The original "Father of Dwarf" article, published nearly 20
years ago

Our old SoC section on an ancient version of the site

John Hoare's History of a Joke article

Oh, and we also recommend looking at the original Radio
Times listings for the show, for bonus jokes