British Comedy Guide

RIP Bob Larbey

I don't know if this is the right place for this, but I want to take a moment to mourn Bob Larbey. I don't think another writer has given so much pleasure and gentle fun to sitcom lovers on both sides of the Atlantic. And all without a hint of the cynicism and meanness that seems to pervade a lot of television.

Let's hope there's a tribute and retrospective soon.

https://www.comedy.co.uk/news/story/000001438/rip_top_sitcom_writer_bob_larbey/

Very sad news. :(
RIP.

RIP

One more reason for me to finally buy The Good Life box set.

:(

RIP

I kind of think he/they peaked too early with The Good Life. Everything seemed to be measured to that.

I love The Good Life but others are its equal -- Ever Decreasing Circles, I think, and, Larbey's solo outings like As Time Goes By and A Fine Romance. All three on the famous "Top 100 comedies" list along with Please Sir.

There are others I think we may never see, including Down to Earth with Richard Briers.

I think Bob Larbey (along with his partner John Esmonde) deserved even more praise than they received. When people talk about the great sitcom writers they often mention John Sullivan, Clement and Le Frenais and Roy Clarke and Larbey and Esmonde deserve to be seen in that category.

The Good Life may have been the biggest success but Ever Decreasing Circles was a fine show as well and Larbey's As Time Goes By was always charming.

A superb sitcom writer.

Excellent, funny piece about Larbey. http://sitcomgeek.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/lunch-with-bob-larbey.html

This is also a nice piece. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/julian-dutton/bob-larbey-1934-2014_b_5100078.html

Peter Egan (EDC), Jenna Russell and Sam Kelly (On the Up), have all tweeted about Bob Larbey as well.

Quote: zooo @ 6th April 2014, 4:31 PM BST

Excellent, funny piece about Larbey. http://sitcomgeek.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/lunch-with-bob-larbey.html

That Sitcom Geek bloke does look like Sootyj, you know. But would the great man wear a suit?

Sorry this is late. I know he was a favourite of yours, as he is mine. The man will be missed, but his works will live forever.

Just joined this site, and glad I did.
Might have missed this sad news, even this late.
I was not aware of all his contributions.
Ricky Gervais even holds him in high esteem, giving him a nod in an earlier link.

Share this page