British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Radio

Top 20 British radio sketch shows

This page lists the top 20 British radio sketch shows, determined by a combination of the results of previous polls, award wins, and BCG's visitor data.

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme. Image shows from L to R: Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Lawry Lewin, John Finnemore, Carrie Quinlan, Simon Kane. Copyright: BBC

1. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme

Radio 4 sketch show written by and starring John Finnemore.

Newsjack. Copyright: BBC

2. Newsjack

Topical satirical sketch show on Radio 4 Extra. The programme had an 'open door' policy allowing anyone to submit material.

Dead Ringers. Image shows from L to R: Lewis Macleod, Debra Stephenson, Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Duncan Wisbey. Copyright: BBC

3. Dead Ringers

Satirical impressionist show mocking the great and good, from politicians to those familar voices on Radio 4.

The Goon Show. Image shows from L to R: Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe. Copyright: BBC

4. The Goon Show

Highly surreal radio adventures that helped take British comedy into a new age. Starring Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe.

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again

5. I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again

A long-running radio sketch show combining anarchic comedy with awful puns, silly songs and indulgent self-mocking.

Round The Horne. Image shows left to right: Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Kenneth Horne, June Ellis. Credit: BBC

6. Round The Horne

Hugely popular sketch show starring Kenneth Horne and co, created by Barry Took and Marty Feldman.

Down The Line. Gary Bellamy (Rhys Thomas). Copyright: Down The Line Productions

7. Down The Line

Spoof phone-in show starring Rhys Thomas as the clueless and tactless DJ Gary Bellamy.

On The Hour. Image shows from L to R: Chris Morris, David Schneider, Patrick Marber, Rebecca Front, Doon Mackichan, Steve Coogan. Copyright: BBC

8. On The Hour

Radio news satire presented by Chris Morris which was renowned for its savage dissection of news and current affairs programming and presentation.

Little Britain. Image shows from L to R: David Walliams, Matt Lucas. Copyright: BBC

9. Little Britain

Popular radio sketch show starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

On The Town With The League Of Gentlemen. Copyright: BBC

10. On The Town With The League Of Gentlemen

Sketch show from The League Of Gentlemen.

The Absolutely Radio Show. Image shows from L to R: Gordon Kennedy, Moray Hunter, John Sparkes, Morwenna Banks, Pete Baikie. Copyright: ABsoLuTeLy Productions

11. The Absolutely Radio Show

The cast of the cult TV sketch show reunite on Radio 4 to present their characters in new situations.

Austentatious. Image shows from L to R: Charlotte Gittins, Cariad Lloyd, Amy Cooke-Hodgson, Austentatious

12. Austentatious

Comedy group Austentatious bring their Jane Austen-style improvisation show to Radio 4.

Small Scenes. Image shows from L to R: Daniel Rigby, Cariad Lloyd, Henry Paker, Jessica Ransom, Mike Wozniak. Copyright: BBC

13. Small Scenes

Radio 4 sketch show focused on overblown, melodramatic scenes from modern life.

The Skewer. Credit: BBC, Unusual Productions

14. The Skewer

Topical comedy show from Jon Holmes using Radiophonic Workshop sounds.

Beyond Our Ken. Image shows left to right: Betty Marsden, Kenneth Horne. Credit: BBC

15. Beyond Our Ken

Long-running, hugely popular sketch show starring Kenneth Horne.

Kevin Eldon Will See You Now. Kevin Eldon

16. Kevin Eldon Will See You Now

Radio sketch show starring Kevin Eldon.

Daphne. Image shows from L to R: Jason Forbes, George Fouracres, Phil Wang

17. Daphne Sounds Expensive

Radio sketch show starring the comedy group Daphne.

Sketchtopia. Image shows from L to R: Vivienne Acheampong, Susheel Kumar, Jamie-Rose Monk, James McNicholas, Nimisha Odedra

18. Sketchtopia

A sketch show that takes a satirical look at issues around multiculturalism.

BBC Audio Drama Awards 2015. Lenny Henry. Copyright: BBC

19. The Lenny Henry Show

Lenny Henry performs some of his old characters, and new ones.

I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again

20. I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again... Again

The classic radio comedy revived as a 'Best Of' with a new cast.

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