Each week, we will be taking an in depth look at some of the best sitcoms and comedy shows from both the UK and the USA.

Today we will be looking at a comedy that was nominated for 2 baftas in the 1970s – Up Pompeii

Opening title Sequence / Theme Tune

About the Show

Summary of Plot

Lurcio (Frankie Howerd) is a much-put-upon slave in the ancient Roman town of Pompeii. More often than not, Lurcio finds himself keeping his owner’s family members apart, in order to keep them together.- IMDb

Number of Seasons / Episodes

14 Episodes

Characters:

Frankie Howerd – Lurcio

Elizabeth Larner – Ammonia

Kerry Garnder – Nausius

Jeanne Mockford – Senna to soothsayer

Trivia

• The show was inspired by Frankie Howerd’s performance in the original London stage production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”.
• As the comedian was very sensitive about his baldness, BBC hairdressers had to put Lurcio’s Roman hairpiece over Frankie Howerd’s own toupee.

Classic Clips

Episode 1