Adrian Edmondson

In many ways the antithesis of BBC2's traditional "highbrow" output, The Young Ones' anarchic approach to comedy was an instant cult hit with younger audiences. It set the tone for the age of "alternative" comedy that still dominates today. The premise - four students who live in a bedsit - was traditional, but its structure, which included fragmented and often surreal storylines, random asides, the trashing of the set and sudden cuts to hamsters singing in a fridge, was energetic, punky and pioneering. Written (mostly) by Ben Elton and starring Adrian Edmondson (Vyvyan), Rik Mayall (Rick), Nigel Planer (Neil) and Christopher Ryan (Mick) - it also featured Alexei Sayle as landlord Mr Balowski.

Since light entertainment programmes were allocated bigger budgets than sitcoms, it was decided every episode would also feature a band. These bands - which included Dexy's Midnight Runners, and Madness - would perform songs which had no relevance to the plot.

Memorable scenes include Footlights versus Scumbag College in University Challenge; Vyvyan's head being cut off and then rolling along a train track still speaking; as well as the last shot of them all toppling over a cliff in a stolen double-decker bus.

Adrian Edmondson interview

The comedian and musician on winning Celebrity MasterChef, his wife Jennifer Saunders - and breaking up Bottom.

Jim Davidson's rant at 'unfunny, smug' Ade Edmondson

Jim Davidson has launched an angry tirade against Celebrity MasterChef winner Adrian Edmondson, labelling him an 'arrogant, self-satisfied lefty' and 'the unfunniest man in the world'.

Adrian Edmondson wins Celebrity MasterChef 2013

Comic actor beats Les Dennis and Janet Street-Porter with 'mind-blowing' three-course meal of venison and sea bass.

Beattie Edmondson on pressure of having famous parents

As the daughter of Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson, Beattie Edmondson should have the genes to be a success in comedy. But her first attempt at life in the spotlight was far from promising.

It's been - brace yourselves - 30 years since the Famous Five cycled cheerfully around the countryside, uncovering sinister skulduggery in Five Go Mad in Dorset. And to mark the occasion - with heaps of sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer - The Comic Strip reunites Julian, Anne, Dick, George and Timmy the dog (!) for an updated caper.

Dick (Adrian Edmondson) appears to have lost none of his thirst for adventure as he brings the old gang together for a nostalgic holiday. But his jaded chums hide dark secrets that could scupper the japes and scrapes. Is there still a place in the world for the Five - and shall there be jam for tea?

What Rehab lacks in anarchic innovation (the original 1982 parody sparked complaints from viewers), it more than makes up for with spirited playing, an affectionate eye and a sweet ending. Hoo-rah!

Thirty years on from the original The Comic Strip Presents... the gang has reunited for more Enid Blyton-esque larks. Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Adrian Edmondson and Peter Richardson revisit the quartet of siblings who once had jolly japes on bikes but now, older but not all that wiser, find themselves beset by sat-nav woes and starring in mobile apps. Washed down with lashings of ginger beer, of course.

Thirty years on from the first Comic Strip Presents episode - the Famous Five parody in which Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Peter Richardson and Timmy the dog went mad in Dorset - here's The Comic Strip Presents... Five Go to Rehab (G.O.L.D.). Dick (Edmondson) is nostalgic for those happy days cycling in the West country, camping, lashings of you-know-which fizzy drink etc, so he gets the old gang back together to pedal down memory lane. The others' hearts aren't really in it though; they've moved on, they're alcoholics, they've got other secrets, they don't want to be there.

Which rather reflects the whole experience I'm afraid. Comedy has moved on; what was once anarchic now isn't. This kind of pastiche feels tired (was it ever that funny?), certainly laboured over an hour. Someone left the top off the ginger beer, for 30 years. No fizz left; it's warm and flat.

Marking 30 years since inaugural Strip offering Five Go Mad in Dorset, Peter Richardson reunites the team in cosy Middle England. Original cast members Jennifer Saunders, Adrian Edmondson and Dawn French (and canine Timmy) star again as the Five, back together after 30 years apart, a spell that has forced four-fifths of the quintet to confront the grim reality of modern life. Following last year's weak Hunt For Tony Blair, this is a pleasing return to form - funny, thrilling and a little touching.