An insider’s look at story behind the longest running situation comedy in British television history. Quite simply, Last of the Summer Wine is the longest-running comedy programme in the world. It premiered thirty-seven years ago, in 1973, and, after thirty-one series it finally came to an end—even though all its original protagonists—Compo, Foggy, even Nora Batty—are now dead. Remarkably, for a series of such longevity and international appeal, it is all about elderly people, has little action or plot, and is set and filmed in and around the small Yorkshire town of Holmfirth. Now, Andrew Vine, the deputy editor of Yorkshire’s daily newspaper, has written the definitive history of this television phenomenon. It covers the show’s inauspicious beginnings, with low ratings, its endless reinvention as participants like Bill Owen, Michael Bates, Brian Wilde and Kathy Staff retired or died, the appearance of a string of guest stars from John Cleese and Norman Wisdom to Thora Hird and Russ Abbott (both of whom soon found themselves fixtures in the cast), and the ingenious plot contrivances as the protagonists became too old and frail to attempt any of the slapstick stunts with runaway prams—indeed any outdoor action. The town of Holmfirth is now a year-round tourist attraction, and the endless availability of the show via streaming, ensures that Last of the Summer Wine, and the book it inspired, will live on for generations of fans.

Only a man with a ferret down his trousers could love Nora Batty. So lock up your ferrets (and Nora Batty!), here come Yorkshire's hilarious adventurers -- three pensioners in four classic capers from the BBC television series which still has England laughing after more than twenty-five years. Nora goes on the rampage when one of Compo's ferrets escapes into her house, Sid decides to install a new bell in the caf, Clegg communicates with plants, and Foggy's interest with a Welsh widow makes the lads too curious to stay put.

With its gentle humour, bumbling escapades, and endearing charm, Last of the Summer Wine became a cultural phenomenon around the globe. Step into the picturesque Yorkshire countryside and prepare for a delightful exploration of this long-running and iconic sitcom. This book is a treasure trove of fascinating trivia about the show that captured the hearts of millions. So grab a cup of tea and a sticky bun, sit back, and immerse yourself in 1000 facts all about one of television's most beloved shows.

"The story of Last Of The Summer Wine is one of the most remarkable in all television history. It is the longest-running comedy series in the world, spanning 37 years and 295 episodes, growing from uncertain beginnings into Britain's favourite sitcom, at it's peak uniting a third of the population in laughter with it's quirky and hilarious tales of three elderly adolescents getting up to mischief in the glorious Yorkshire countryside"--P. [4] of cover.

The best jokes, gags and scenes from a true British comedy classic. ‘Do you reckon I’m in love with Mrs. Batty, or is it just sex?’ Compo

'The joy of these scripts is in being able to appreciate the craft and ambition involved in the sharpness of the dialogue, the cunning of the plotting, and the desire never to repeat themselves, as Pemberton and Shearsmith build each episode into a miniaturist treasure. A must for anyone who wants to write for television, or who just wants to see how the magic is done.' - NEIL GAIMAN Take a further peek behind the door marked 'number 9' as the scripts from series 1-3 are collected here for the first time. An anthology of darkly comic twisted tales by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, read how each 30-minute self-contained story with new characters and new settings, sprang to life from the page. Each series is prefaced by a foreword from the show creators, giving readers and fans behind-the-scenes insight to this creative phenomenon. It is a beautifully written series, some stories comic, some tragic, all highly original and inventive. As well as Steve and Reece, it has featured guest appearances from a plethora well-known actors including Jack Whitehall, Peter Kay, Sheridan Smith, Gemma Arterton, Keeley Hawes, Alison Steadman, Conleth Hill, and David Morrissey. Relive the show's every enjoyable moment down to the stage directions with Inside No. 9: The Scripts: Series 1-3.