From a writer's point of view, both structurally and in terms of humour, what sketches are at the absolute pinnacle? It'd be grand to get some suggestions & hit YouTube.
A suggestion to start:
The Cat & Mouse sketch from Big Train - had me in tears:
The Perfect Sketch
I've said it before and I'll say it again...
The Audition from Mr Show:
The Two Ronnies - Mastermind
Quote: Jimmy Carr Fan @ April 24 2010, 3:00 PM BSTThe Two Ronnies - Mastermind
Ditto. Although it's given a strong run for its money by The Fast Show sketch in which Ralph tells Ted his wife is dead via a drinking game.
Never seen it before, but that was grand - nice one
Fast Show - Drinking Game - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGBTrCZObyA
The Mastermind sketch is a classic, and I've not seen Mr.Show - so ta for that.
Quote: Rick Allden @ April 24 2010, 2:11 PM BSTThe Cat & Mouse sketch from Big Train - had me in tears:
This is a great sketch from a great show but it imo isn't perfect, the ending (the street fight section) just goes on too long.
The Audition sketch, however, is as close to perfection as mankind can ever get.
Do you speak English from Big Train - absolutely perfect. The exact right length, a sweet concept, and a brilliant punchline..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxUm-2x-2dM
I hate sketches that are too long.. SNL do it all the time.. really long aimless sketches..
Big Train had some incredible stuff
Is there a better short sketch than this?
Just saw Slow Jerk too - cracking stuff, nice one
Quote: SlagA @ April 24 2010, 9:40 PM BSTThe Audition sketch, however, is as close to perfection as mankind can ever get.
Finally, something we can agree on! 
Quote: Rick Allden @ April 25 2010, 8:59 AM BSTBig Train had some incredible stuff
Is there a better short sketch than this?
Kevin at his best, that one.
Quote: David Bussell @ April 25 2010, 9:41 AM BSTFinally, something we can agree on!
We agree on loads of things. It's just the things people agree on aren't often as visible as the things people disagree on.
I don't know about you fine people, and I suppose it goes against all we stand for as comedy writers, but the bits that make me laugh most are when the actors corpse - The Parrot sketch @ Secret Policeman's Ball, or Not only, but also
Quote: Rick Allden @ April 25 2010, 11:20 AM BSTI don't know about you fine people, and I suppose it goes against all we stand for as comedy writers, but the bits that make me laugh most are when the actors corpse - The Parrot sketch @ Secret Policeman's Ball, or Not only, but also
Those bits are delightful, but I think it only works if you love the material and the performers to start with.
Ah, true enough. I saw Pappy's Fun Club for the first time recently and watching one of them try to compose himself whilst he read a funeral bit had my girlfriend in stitches, and she doesn't find ANYTHING funny.
I luuuurve this Fry And Laurie sketch: