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Feb 2024
44m 40s

No Alternative

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Andy de la Tour stars in a new drama by Ian Billings about the politically volatile period that saw the rise of the alternative comedy movement.

Based on true events, the story follows the fate of fictionalised comedy duo, Erica and Ernie, an anarchic, free-form homage to Morecambe and Wise, who are about to make their performance debut.

Comedy Club ….. Andy de la Tour Ernie ….. James McNicholas Erica ….. Emma Sidi Tommy ….. Don Gilet Ernie’s mum ….. Rhiannon Neads Ronnie Williams ….. Samuel James Chicken Shop Owner ….. Tyler Cameron Mr Melter ….. Zachary Lowe-McAlley Anthony ….. Josh Bryant-Jones Marxist Juggler ….. Ian Billings Welsh Gwen ….. Carys Eleri TV Presenter ….. Rosie Mellett

Piano and trumpet played by Peter Ringrose

Directed by Gemma Jenkins

Andy de la Tour, one of the original performers at The Comedy Store, acts as a guide through this chaotic world.

Deftly blended into the drama are the archived voices of: Eddie Izzard, Arthur Smith, Ben Elton, Ade Edmundson, Arnold Brown, Alexei Sayle, Harry Enfield, Helen Lederer, Cliff Shaw, Tony Allen, Pauline Melville, Jenny Éclair, John Dowie, Jo Brand, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Nigel Planer and Rik Mayall.

This drama was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

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